The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to support the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in tackling challenges facing the journalism profession.

Mr Idris stated this at the 70th anniversary gala/award night and book presentation of the NUJ in Abuja on Saturday.

The minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, noting that a vibrant and responsible media remains essential to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

He acknowledged the challenges facing journalism in the digital age, including the impact of generative Artificial Intelligence(AI), disinformation, and the evolving role of citizen journalism.

According to him, the rise of generative AI has further complicated matters, bombarding citizens with deepfakes and sophisticated disinformation.

“As I have said this at many fora, and will say it again today, the Tinubu administration will always be deeply committed to upholding press freedom as a pillar and cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.

“We will continue to promote and advance policies and programmes that enable the media to thrive in the discharge of its responsibilities to our democracy and society,” the minister said.

He said the federal government was working with the NUJ to address issues affecting journalism, such as practitioners’ welfare, gender balance and digital adaptation.

“We are keen to work with you and support you to tackle these issues as you strive to reposition yourselves for the ever-changing landscape of the 21st century,” he said.

Also, a former governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, said the NUJ has gone through a series of problems: divided house and factions.

“I am proud to be a member of the NUJ for close to 70 years. I pray that the leadership keep the flag of the union flying. I thank all the national leaders for their efforts in keeping the union.

“The NUJ should build a website, publish and update the names of all trained journalists, because we are always embarrassed by bloggers who are not trained and don’t have the knowledge of the profession,” Mr Osoba said.

Meanwhile, the head of the journalism department at the Lagos State University, Tender Akanni, presented a paper titled “Prospects and Problems of Journalism Practice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”.

According to him, AI has become an integral part of the newsroom, enhancing the performance of journalists in information production, dissemination and consumption.

“However, the existence of AI raises the issue of ethical consideration. Fact-checking is something that should be done in dishing out information, because AI is garbage in, garbage out.

“It could give out incorrect information; therefore, AI will need human complementarity,” Mr Akanni stressed.

Late Lateef Jakande, former governor of Lagos, got a Posthumous Life Achievements Award.

The event attracted dignitaries from the media space, the presidency, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Shippers Council, the Nigerian Customs and many others.

(NAN)