The Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi Jr., has cautioned journalists against over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI), urging them to embrace the technology while safeguarding the ethics of the profession.
Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North I (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency, gave the advice in Ado-Ekiti during the maiden annual public lecture organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council.
The lecture, held in honour of veteran journalist Biodun Akin Fasae, focused on the theme “Journalism and AI.”
Delivering his address, Rotimi described AI as a transformative tool capable of enhancing journalism through fact-checking, data analysis, and detection of manipulated content such as deepfakes. He, however, stressed that technology must remain subordinate to human judgment.
“The newsroom of the future will not be defined by automation replacing journalists, but by journalists empowered by intelligent tools,” he said.
He warned that increasing dependence on automation could undermine ethical standards, noting that while societies are more informed than ever, uncertainty about credible information continues to grow.
“AI is a tool in your hands, not the other way around. The future of journalism depends on our commitment to truth and integrity,” he added.
Rotimi also called on the NUJ to strengthen its internal accountability mechanisms to avoid external regulatory interference.
In a goodwill message, the NUJ President, Alhassan Yahaya, represented by the Vice President of B-Zone, Ronke Samo, commended the Ekiti Council for organising the lecture, noting that it was timely as the media landscape continues to shift from analogue to digital.
In his remarks, the honouree, Akin Fasae, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing the event as both humbling and inspiring. He reflected on his decades-long career, highlighting the enduring values of truth, courage, and public service despite evolving technologies.
He urged younger journalists to remain committed to these ideals while adapting to modern innovations.
Earlier, the Ekiti State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, described the lecture as a landmark initiative that would be sustained annually in honour of Akin Fasae’s contributions to journalism.
He commended Rotimi for sponsoring the maiden edition and appealed to stakeholders to support the union, particularly in addressing infrastructural needs such as a befitting press centre.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to notable individuals, including Rotimi; Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatubosun; Managing Director/CEO of YSJ Agro Allied Limited, Dr. Oluwayemisi Joluwe; and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Adesola Gold Adedayo, for their contributions to journalism and humanitarian services.
