Media professionals in Nigeria have been urged to strengthen their understanding of emerging technologies, legal frameworks, and digital safety to remain relevant in modern journalism.
The call was made during the second day of the 2025 retreat organised by the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kaduna.
Barr. Yusuf Abdul Salam, in a presentation titled “The Defamatory Border Lines in Media Reports: A Legal Perspective,” highlighted the legal risks of careless reporting. “In Nigeria, what exists is the right of expression, not freedom of the press,” he said, warning that improper sourcing or language could lead to libelous or defamatory publications.
Ms. Hajia Sani, in her paper “AI in Journalism and Mass Communication: Scope and Values,” urged journalists to upgrade their skills in emerging media technologies. She noted that while artificial intelligence can support content production, it carries ethical and social implications that require caution.
Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, speaking on “Digital Media: Emerging Opportunities, Challenges,” emphasised the need to distinguish between digital and new media. He warned that journalists, particularly online publishers, are increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime and stressed the importance of verifying information and upholding professional ethics.
Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, chairman of the retreat and Director-General of Media and Public Relations at the Kano State Government House, commended the presenters’ insights.
He cautioned against over-reliance on artificial intelligence, saying it should complement rather than replace journalistic creativity and professionalism.
