The Kano State Government has called on online journalists to uphold strict ethical standards as they adopt artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their daily work, warning that professionalism must remain the guiding principle in an era of rapidly evolving technology.
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Daily News 24 reports that the call was made on Tuesday by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in Kano State, during a one-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Kano Online Media Chapel, themed “Journalism in the AI Era: Innovation, Integrity, Online Media and National Development.”
Waiya urged online journalists to strictly uphold journalism ethics, noting that professionalism remains the bedrock of credible reporting. He described the workshop as a vital platform for improving performance and fostering understanding between media and government.
Waiya announced that the state government is planning a two-day training for members of the chapel in a neighbouring state and pledged to secure a vehicle for the association to enhance its operations and improve members’ welfare.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Rukayya Aliyu Yusuf, a lecturer at Bayero University Kano (BUK), said AI is expanding rapidly and has already transformed how news is produced and consumed. She noted that technology now enables journalists to write and share stories on the go, while also helping them craft headlines, refine story angles, generate infographics and verify information.
Prof. Rukayya, however, cautioned journalists against over-reliance on AI, warning that AI systems can produce errors, biased perspectives, or lack transparency. She emphasised that AI tools should be used only as assistants, not replacements for human judgement.
“We must continue to follow the ethics and legal guidelines of journalism,” she said, calling for a review of the NUJ Code of Ethics to address emerging concerns in the digital age. She encouraged journalists to take online courses, stay updated with changing trends, and ensure every story is carefully verified before publication.
The Spokesperson of the Kano State Government, Sanusi Bature Dawakin‑Tofa, reiterated the importance of AI in modern news reporting and thanked the organisers for the initiative. He also donated N2 million to the Kano Online Media Chapel to support its growth and development, further encouraging journalists to embrace innovation responsibly.
The Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Abubakar Dangambo, reflected on the achievements the chapel has made since its inauguration, highlighting its role in enhancing online journalism in Kano. He pledged his continued commitment to the growth and development of the chapel, while advocating for government support to strengthen the association’s operations.
Other attendees included Alhaji Abdullahi Labaran, spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Assistant Superintendent Suleiman Yakubu, representing DSP Kiyawa, spokesperson of the Kano State Police Command; Ado Sa’idu Warawa, Managing Director of Freedom Radio; Aliyu Yusuf of NIPR Kano chapter; and other stakeholders from media and public service.
