By NUJ 70th anniversary
Tinubu and Osoba raise alarm over deepfakes and fake journalists
Summary
- President Tinubu, through Minister Idris, warned of the threat generative AI and deepfakes pose to credible journalism
- Veteran journalist Olusegun Osoba called for a database to distinguish real NUJ members from impostors
- NUJ President Yahaya highlighted the union’s legacy and urged ethical journalism in the digital age
Abuja, Nigeria — At the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 70th Anniversary Gala, Award Night, and Book Presentation held on June 21, 2025, in Abuja, key figures in government and media raised urgent concerns about the growing threat of disinformation, particularly deepfakes and the infiltration of impostors within the profession.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described credible journalism as the cornerstone of democracy and national unity. He warned that the rise of generative artificial intelligence and deepfakes poses serious challenges to journalistic integrity and public trust.
To combat these threats, Idris announced the federal government’s collaboration with UNESCO to establish a Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja. The institute aims to promote media responsibility and equip both professionals and the public with the tools to discern credible information from falsehoods.
Idris reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to press freedom, pledging continued support for journalists’ welfare, media digitization, and gender inclusion across the sector.
Veteran journalist and former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, echoed similar concerns, calling for urgent action to protect the integrity of the profession. He proposed the creation of a verifiable database of legitimate NUJ members to root out impostors who masquerade as journalists, warning that the credibility of Nigerian journalism is at stake.
Osoba also emphasized the importance of adapting to rapid technological shifts, encouraging colleagues to embrace innovation. Reflecting on his personal journey from analog to digital reporting, he underscored the need for professionalism and vigilance in the current media landscape.
NUJ President, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, in his remarks, celebrated the union’s 70-year journey since its founding on March 15, 1955. He highlighted its contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and called for a renewed commitment to ethical journalism.
Yahaya urged media professionals to harness innovation responsibly and safeguard press freedom in an increasingly complex information environment.
The anniversary event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, served as a platform not only to celebrate the NUJ’s legacy but also to address the future of journalism in Nigeria amid evolving technological and ethical challenges.
