Journalists have been advised to adopt fact-checking tools and platforms as part of their professional responsibility to curb the spread of misinformation and fake news generated through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This advice was given by Professor Kenneth Adibe Nwafor, represented by Dr. Steven Elem, during a keynote address at the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, held at Remeritona Hotel, Abakaliki.
Professor Nwafor warned that AI has made it easier for people to create fake news with alarming realism, stressing the need for journalists to always verify information before publishing or sharing.
“People can now use Artificial Intelligence to create fake news with alarming realism.
"It is therefore crucial for journalists to always verify information using reliable fact-checkers before publishing or sharing stories," Nwafor said.
Earlier in his address, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Samson Nwafor, called on the government at all levels, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the welfare of journalists, noting that such support is vital for effective and responsible journalism in a democratic society.
Nwafor expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the 2025 Press Week, describing it as a period for journalists to reflect on their work, assess their impact on society, and strategize on improving media practice.
“Press Week affords us the opportunity to underscore how our operations have impacted society and to brainstorm on how best to improve our services to ensure the sustenance of quality journalism,” he stated.
This year’s Press Week had as its theme, “Welfare of Journalists: Necessity for a Vibrant Democracy,” with a sub-theme, “Fact-Checking in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Social Media.”
According to Nwafor, the sub-theme was chosen to emphasize the growing importance of fact-checking in the digital age, where AI and social media have significantly changed how information is produced and disseminated.
As part of the week-long celebration, the Council organized several activities, including free medical outreach for over 100 journalists, a football competition with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ebonyi State branch, and a visit to the less privileged.
Nwafor commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing a conducive environment for media practice in the state, noting that journalists in Ebonyi operate freely without harassment or intimidation from government officials.
“In other climes, journalists are being harassed, hounded, and even killed for performing their duties, but in Ebonyi State under Governor Nwifuru, we enjoy freedom to do our job responsibly,” he said.
He also commended the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, for his credible leadership and continuous support for the Ebonyi State Council.
Also speaking, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Ebonyi State University, Dr. Simon Nwankwo, emphasized the need for better remuneration and protection for journalists, describing them as among the least paid professionals in the world despite facing numerous hazards.
The event ended with renewed calls for responsible journalism, ethical reporting, and the protection of press freedom as essential pillars for Nigeria’s democratic development.
