Enugu govt urges journalists to leverage AI for smarter, ethical reporting

By Kunle Sanni –

The Enugu State Government has called on journalists to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a supportive tool to enhance their work, rather than view it as a replacement for human judgment and creativity in journalism.

Governor Peter Mbah made this appeal through the Commissioner for Environment, Professor Emmanuel Ugwu, at the opening of a capacity-building workshop for the State House Press Corps in Enugu.

The workshop, themed “Artificial Intelligence Utilisation for Effective Journalism,” aims to equip media professionals with the skills needed to navigate the evolving global media landscape. Professor Ugwu described the theme as both timely and relevant, urging journalists to see AI as a means to improve productivity, innovation, and reporting efficiency.

“AI is not a threat to your profession; it is a tool to help you work smarter,” Ugwu said. He noted that while technology can boost journalistic output, journalists must remain cautious of its misuse, particularly in spreading misinformation and distorting facts.

He stressed the importance of ethical responsibility in the age of AI, urging the press to use the technology with discernment and a commitment to truth. “Innovation should never come at the cost of credibility,” he warned.

Highlighting the Mbah administration’s technology-driven reforms, the commissioner spoke about the introduction of smart schools in all 260 wards across the state. These schools, he said, offer early exposure to problem-solving and digital literacy from as young as age three.

Professor Ugwu also pointed to the state’s Command and Control Centre as an example of how technology is being used for improved security and emergency response. He added that Enugu’s transport system has been modernised, with upgraded bus parks and roads designed to offer safer, more dignified commuting experiences.

Further outlining the government’s investments in healthcare and agriculture, he noted the expansion of medical services and farm estates to remote areas, stating that these efforts reflect the administration’s belief that “governance is a trust,” not a platform for praise.