Connect with us

News

2025 World Press Freedon Day: NHRC seeks AI alignment with human rights principles

Published

on

460 Views

As Nigeria joins the rest of the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has advocated for the establishment of ethical and legal frameworks to address the myriad of challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence, AI.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, who stated this in Abuja on the 2025 commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, highlighted the need for regulations that ensure AI development aligns with human rights principles, preventing potential abuses and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.

Accordingly, the Commission proposed issuing an advisory on the use and deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria very soon.

The senior lawyer observed that while AI could be deployed to enhance journalistic activities such as content development, investigative reporting, research and fact-checking, it could also be a source of worry when it is manipulated for misinformation, cyber bullying, emotional abuse and inciting comments.

The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria noted that the theme of 2025 commemoration, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media” is apt given the exponential growth of digital communications and utilization of AI in virtually all aspects of life.

According to him, AI tools have greatly impacted on the enjoyment of the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Media by eliminating barriers to timely and effective communication.

AI tools, he said, have at the same time aided the breach of the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Media when applied unprofessionally without deference to ethical regulations.

The NHRC boss urged the Citizens including journalists to take advantage of AI in the most positive and responsible manner to deepen the realisation of the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Media while at the same time avoiding inciting statements against constituted authorities and other members of the public.

In the same vein, the Executive Secretary enjoined those in authority to cooperate with the journalists in the course of discharging their constitutional responsibility, which among others includes holding the government accountable to the people.

He therefore urged all stakeholders to always recognize the press as a critical partner in the democratic process and desist from any form of confrontation and interference with the lawful duties of journalists and other media workers, otherwise they will be found on the wrong side of the law.

The legal luminary commended journalists for courageously discharging their constitutional responsibility despite occasional harassment, intimidation, and seizure/destruction of their working tools by some overzealous security agents.

The observance of the World Press Freedom Day, the Executive Secretary stated, is not an opportunity to apportion blame to any individual, Institution or group of persons but it is a time to reminisce the fundamental principles of press freedom, ponder on the state of press freedom globally, defend the Media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in their line of duty.

The World Press Freedom Day was first celebrated in 1993 on the 3rd of May to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and to remind journalists of their obligation to professional ethics in the course of their duties.

The statement was issued on Saturday by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages at the NHRC.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Akwa Ibom APC Adopts Governor Umo Eno for Second Term Bid

Published

on

42 Views

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.

Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.

“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.

Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.

The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.

Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.

Continue Reading

News

Lagos Captures 6.4 Million Residents in Major Digital Identity Drive

Published

on

44 Views

The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.

The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.

The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.

With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.

Continue Reading

News

EFCC Invasion Forces Uni. Uyo Teaching Hospital to Suspend Operations (Video)

Published

on

43 Views

Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were dramatically disrupted on Wednesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly invaded the facility, detained some management staff, and assaulted others, prompting the hospital to suspend services.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. Emem Bassey, told journalists that the unannounced raid created a hostile environment, forcing the hospital management to halt clinical services to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. The Accident and Emergency Unit, however, remains operational.

Dr. Bassey expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the hospital had maintained cordial relations with the EFCC and was fully cooperating on the matter under investigation. He revealed that the requested report had already been prepared and was awaiting his signature when the operatives arrived.

“The use of force and detention of staff was unnecessary,” Dr. Bassey said. “Dialogue would have resolved this issue peacefully.”

Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, who was reportedly among those assaulted, described the EFCC’s action as an “unprovoked invasion.” He claimed he had shown the team leader the completed report before the situation escalated into violence.

The hospital management has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the EFCC to use proper channels when engaging with public institutions.

In an earlier statement, the EFCC said its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the hospital while conducting an operation linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The case reportedly involves a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.

The development has raised concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery in the region, with patients and staff caught in the middle of the confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the hospital.

As of Thursday, normal services at the hospital remained suspended pending further resolution.

Watch Video below:

Continue Reading

Trending