Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reaffirmed the crucial responsibility of journalists in upholding democratic values by ensuring leaders are held accountable.
Speaking on Saturday during a two-day capacity-building retreat for members of the State House Press Corps (SHPC) in Enugu, Mbah who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, described the media as the moral compass of the nation.
“As a bastion of democracy, it is essential that journalists must never lose sight of their sacred responsibility to hold leaders accountable and strengthen institutions,” Mbah stated.
He pointed to the increasing threats to truth in the modern world and stressed the elevated importance of responsible journalism in today’s media landscape.
“In today’s world, where truth is increasingly under assault, your role has never been more critical,” he said.
The retreat, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence Utilisation for Effective Journalism’, served as a platform for the governor to advocate for ethical practices in the profession.
He urged journalists to integrate AI into their work in a way that upholds traditional journalistic values.
“He urged journalists to embrace AI as a powerful tool, while staying grounded in journalistic integrity,” the statement noted.
Governor Mbah also used the opportunity to highlight some of his administration’s tech-forward reforms, including the launch of a Command and Control Centre for security operations and the establishment of a smart school system aimed at transforming education in the state.
In his remarks, SHPC Chairman Anule Emmanuel praised Mbah for his foresight and warm reception, acknowledging the governor’s dedication to media engagement and development.
The retreat brought together SHPC members, technology experts, media strategists, and senior government officials in a collaborative effort to enhance journalistic capacity and innovation.
