The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Voice of Nigeria (VON) Abuja Chapel, has urged journalists to uphold truth, professional ethics and balanced reporting while addressing the challenges of artificial intelligence and preparing for the 2027 general election.
The call was made by the Chapel Chairman, Mrs Feyi Oyebanji, during the opening of the Chapel’s 2026 Press Week celebration, which began with a fitness walk and sporting activities at the Voice of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.
Oyebanji expressed concern over the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly its potential to facilitate the spread of misinformation and fake news.
She stressed the need for journalists to adapt to the technology without compromising professional standards.
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“The truth of the matter is that artificial intelligence, as good as it is, is also being used negatively,” she said.
She challenged journalists to understand how to deploy AI responsibly and counter misinformation generated through the technology, emphasising that truth, accuracy and balance must remain central to media practice.
“As a journalist, your role is to speak the truth and also balance your news,” Oyebanji said.
On the 2027 general elections, she urged media practitioners to prioritise ethical reporting, national unity and public safety, noting that journalists have an important responsibility to ensure credible and balanced coverage of the electoral process.
She identified insecurity and threats to journalists as major challenges confronting media practitioners, particularly during election coverage.
“The safety of the journalist to do her duty” remains a major concern, she said, stressing that journalists must be protected to enable them to discharge their professional responsibilities.
Also speaking, the Head of Digital Media at Voice of Nigeria, Dr Qasim Akinreti, who represented the Director-General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, declared the sporting activities open and highlighted the importance of physical fitness to human development and organisational productivity.
He described the Press Week as an important platform for bringing together NUJ members and other professional groups within the organisation, acknowledging the union’s contributions to VON’s operations and development.
Addressing the regulation of artificial intelligence in Nigeria, Akinreti called for appropriate laws and safeguards to guide its application, particularly to prevent violations of individual rights and the misuse of information.
“It needs to be properly guided. It needs to be properly safeguarded with appropriate laws so that you do not infringe on the rights of other persons,” he said.
He also cautioned journalists against presenting AI-generated materials as entirely their own without acknowledging the role of the technology.
“If you go to AI to download the materials, use AI for any specific purpose, acknowledge this is AI material or source, AI,” he said.
Akinreti cited developments in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, stressing the need for Nigeria to develop appropriate regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence.
He explained that Voice of Nigeria operates an AI Desk, supported by an Education Desk, to strengthen information verification and ensure the credibility of materials used in its reporting.
According to him, journalists must go beyond information supplied by AI tools by tracing materials to their original sources and independently confirming their authenticity.
Advising young journalists, Akinreti urged media practitioners to remain objective, avoid emotional reporting and understand the circumstances surrounding the issues they cover.
“Don’t be carried away by sentiments, by emotions. Say it as if it’s based on the facts and believability,” he advised.
He further stressed the importance of journalists’ safety, urging practitioners to understand their professional responsibilities and contribute to national development through responsible reporting.
“Do not bring your country down. Say good things about your country. Because you do not have any other country other than Nigeria,” Akinreti said.
The 2026 NUJ VON Chapel Press Week is themed, “Truth in the Age of AI: Journalism, Democracy and 2027 Elections.” The fitness walk and sporting activities marked the commencement of the celebrations.
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