Abia Govt Reaffirms Support for Ethical AI Use in Digital Journalism at OMPAN AGM

The Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to transparency, innovation, and digital inclusion as it engages with stakeholders on the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in journalism.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Abia State Online Media Publishers Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), held at the Umuahia North Local Government Council Headquarters, a representative of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, conveyed the Governor’s message to participants drawn from government, security agencies, business circles, and the media.

The meeting, themed around the influence of Artificial Intelligence on media practice in the 21st century, provided a platform for discussions on how emerging technologies are reshaping news gathering, verification, production, and distribution. The Governor commended online media practitioners for their critical role in shaping public opinion, promoting democratic accountability, and amplifying citizens’ voices in the digital space.

The Otti administration reaffirmed its resolve to build an accountable and innovative Abia State where media practitioners are recognised as key partners in governance and development. Emphasis was placed on integrating the state’s growing online media community into the digital future while ensuring that the use of Artificial Intelligence aligns with ethical standards and professional responsibility.

The Governor also expressed gratitude to OMPAN for naming him Grand Patron, while restating his long-held principle of declining titles and honours while in office, guided by humility and the belief that public service itself is a sufficient honour.

Contributions from OMPAN leaders, keynote speakers, and security agencies highlighted the need for responsible innovation, the fight against misinformation, and stronger collaboration among the media, government, and security institutions to promote peace, public safety, and credible information dissemination.

The AGM ended with a collective commitment by stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, uphold professionalism, and harness Artificial Intelligence as a catalyst for progress, in line with Abia State’s ongoing transformation agenda under people-centred leadership.