NUJIC Week: Scholar Warns Against Over-Reliance on AI

Eminent personalities in various spheres of life converged on Thursday from far and near for the Grand Finale of a week- long celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel , tagged “2025 NUJIC PRESS WEEK”.

The epoch event, held at the Western Hall , House of Assembly,Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, featured a lecture themed “The Future of Media Professionals in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”delivered by the Public Relations Officer, The Polytechnic , Ibadan, Mogaji Soladoye Adewole , presentation of awards and certificates of recognition to individuals with exemplary achievements in chosen fields and immense contributions to journalism, their societies, Oyo State, and beyond.

Personalities bestowed with different awards by the Union were the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; Dr. Babatunde Olawoore, Director of Comfort Eduserve Ltd.; Comrade Demola Babalola, Chairman of the Oyo State NUJ Council; Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail, Chairman of NUT, Oyo State Wing; and Dr. Olatunde Oladokun, Chairman of SEAP Ltd.

Certificates of recognition were also presented to Alhaja (Chief) Mrs. Iswat Ameringun, Iyaloja of Ibadanland; Major Adesagba Adekoya (RTD), Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority; Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, Director-General of Oyo State Agencies for Persons with Disabilities; Mr. Olagoke Adaramoye Dare, CEO of Trailblazer NGO; and Mrs. Adekitan Adeagbo, Director of Broadcast at the Ministry of Information.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, recounts her days in the Information Ministry, saying the ministry played a pivotal role in the actualization of her dream and career

She promised to continue to represent the ministry of information and the entire workforce of the state to the best of her ability at every point in time .

Olubunmi praised the leadership of NUJIC and members at large for finding her worthy of the award , which, she said, was the first to be bestowed on her since assuming the position of the head of service in the state.

The chief host, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, in his goodwill message, reflected on the growth and future of journalism in Nigeria.

While admitting that the reality of old age in journalism may not be entirely pleasant, Prince Oyelade opined that there is still much to celebrate.

The guest lecturer, Mogaji Soladoye, while speaking on the topic “The Future of Media Professionals in the Age of Artificial intelligence ”

explained that long before modern artificial intelligence (AI), Africans had their version known as Sigidi” which performed human tasks through spiritual power. He noted that although religion and colonial influence made many forget such traditions.

“Sigidi reflected early African creativity and knowledge similar to today’s AI”

Mogaji Adewole lamented the tedious process of news writing in the past compared to the speed and convenience AI now provides.

He urged journalists not to rely largely on AI in the discharge of their duties, saying this will make them relevant in the profession.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, appreciated the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, for his leadership style, which he described as second to none . He equally lauded the commissioner for his financial and moral support towards the success of the 2025 NUJIC Press Week, the Head of Service, and others who contributed to the success of the annual event.

The Chairman of the Day, Chief Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, FCA, represented by General Manager , Solutions FM, Mrs. Funmi Chima , commended the Information Chapel for its consistent efforts in effective and accurate dissemination of the Governor Seyi Makinde’s led administration.

In their separate goodwill messages, Father of the Day, Chief Nureni Akanbi, the Iba of Ibadan, Mother of the Day, Ambassador Romoke Ramat Ayinde, CEO of KAYROM LEE Limited, emphasized the need for journalists to uphold the ethics of journalism and embrace objective reportage at all times.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Comrade Fasasi Ismail, described the Press Week as a period of reflection and renewal.

Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Media Professionals in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” he emphasized the need for journalists to remain steadfast in truth, ethics, and professionalism despite technological disruption and the spread of misinformation.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to members’ welfare and called for collective support to provide essential tools and training.

Fasasi congratulated all awardees, urging them to continue upholding journalism as a vital pillar of democracy.

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