The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has emphasized the need for media practitioners to combine technological innovation with professional ethics, stating that while technology can amplify knowledge, it cannot replace knowledge, values, or human judgment.
Prince Kanu made the assertion while representing Governor Alex Otti on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 13th Edition of the Vision Africa Media Institute Training 2026 held in Umuahia, Abia State.
Speaking on the theme, “Inspiring Nations, Organizations and People Through Media in the Age of AI,” the Commissioner described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one of the most transformative innovations of the modern era, reshaping how information is gathered, processed, distributed, and consumed.
He noted that despite the rapid evolution of technology, the core values of journalism—truth, credibility, responsibility, and service to humanity—must remain unchanged.
“Technology can amplify knowledge, but it cannot replace knowledge. It can support values, but it cannot replace values. The true strength of the media has never been in the tools it uses, but in the values it upholds,” Kanu stated.
The Commissioner highlighted the opportunities AI offers in enhancing productivity, research, content creation, data analysis, and access to information, while also warning of challenges relating to ethics, misinformation, privacy, and credibility.
He urged media professionals to ensure that technology remains a servant of truth rather than a substitute for integrity.
Speaking on the achievements of the Governor Alex Otti administration, Kanu said the government remains committed to transparency, accountability, citizen engagement, and open governance. According to him, the administration has continued to leverage modern communication tools to keep citizens informed and involved in the state’s development process.
He further described training programmes such as the Vision Africa Media Institute as essential platforms for equipping media practitioners with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation needed to navigate an increasingly complex communication environment.
Kanu encouraged participants to maximize the opportunities offered by the training, expressing confidence that it would inspire a new generation of media professionals capable of harnessing technology to drive development, strengthen institutions, promote national unity, and positively impact society.
The Commissioner commended Vision Africa for sustaining the annual media training initiative for thirteen years and, on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, officially declared the 2026 edition of the Vision Africa Media Institute Training open.
