The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Information Chapel, Oyo State, on Thursday held its 2025 Press Week and Honourary Awards Ceremony with a call for journalists to embrace the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while upholding ethics, empathy, and the enduring values of the profession.
The event, held at the House of Parliament, Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, brought together journalists, government officials, and communication professionals under the theme “The Future of Media Professionals in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”
Delivering the keynote lecture, Mogaji (Alhaji) Soladoye Akeem Adewole, Public Relations Officer of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and former NUJ Oyo State Chairman, gave an historical and philosophical exploration of the intersection between communication and artificial intelligence.
Speaking on the theme, Mogaji Soladoye traced the evolution of communication from traditional African systems such as town criers and talking drums to the digital revolution that birthed AI-driven journalism.
He drew parallels between Yoruba concepts of intelligence Ṣìgìdì and Aṣe and modern computational logic, arguing that African moral philosophy offers a framework for ethical technology use.
“While AI simulates human reasoning and efficiency, Yoruba intelligence teaches morality and responsibility,” he said.
“Technology must serve humanity. The danger lies not in machines replacing journalists, but in journalists who fail to understand AI.”
Soladoye highlighted both the opportunities and risks AI presents to journalism. He noted that while AI enhances fact-checking, data analysis, and newsroom efficiency, it also introduces challenges such as deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and the erosion of empathy in machine-generated content.
“Journalism thrives on curiosity, empathy, and conscience, human attributes that AI cannot replace,” he added.
“Tools may change, but our values must not.”
He therefore urged NUJ, media schools, and policymakers to promote AI literacy, digital ethics, and fair labour practices within the industry, while encouraging collaboration between journalists and technology innovators to ensure that AI remains a tool for truth, not manipulation.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, commended the NUJ Information Chapel and the leadership of the NUJ in the state for their continued commitment to professional excellence.
“The media remains a vital pillar of democracy,” Oyelade said.
“Journalism plays an indispensable role in shaping public opinion and holding leaders accountable. The Makinde-led administration remains committed to supporting media development, training, and welfare in Oyo State.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Fasasi Ismail, Chairman of NUJ Information Chapel, described the Press Week as “a time for reflection, recognition, renewal, and relaxation.”
“This celebration goes beyond festivities,” he said. “It is a moment for us to evaluate our impact and chart new directions amid the evolving media landscape.”
Fasasi also appealed to stakeholders to support the chapel’s ongoing welfare projects, including the purchase of laptops and a union bus, sponsorship of local and international training, and the establishment of a journalists’ welfare fund to cater for healthcare, emergencies, and financial assistance.
“These projects are not luxuries, they are essential investments in the growth and dignity of our profession,” he said, while congratulating the awardees, describing their recognition as “an honour and a call to do even more.”
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of awards and certificates to distinguished journalists and personalities for their contributions to public service, communication advancement, and support of the media industry in Oyo State.
Dignitaries at the event included Chief Nureni Akanbi, the Iba Oluyole of Ibadanland; Ambassador Romoke Ramat Ayinde, CEO of Kayrom Lee Ltd and Mother of the Day. Also present were Comrade Demola Babalola, Chairman, NUJ Oyo State Council; Mr. Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information; alongside several media executives, lecturers, and communication practitioners.
