FIC REPORT (ABIA STATE) – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Correspondents’ Chapel, Abia State Council, has trained 50 journalists on digital journalism, artificial intelligence, fact-checking and ethical election reporting as part of efforts to prepare media practitioners for the 2027 general elections.
The training formed part of the Chapel’s 2026 Press Week and Media Retreat, held under the theme, “The Future of Journalism in the Era of Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for Democracy and the 2027 Polls.”
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Deacon Steve Oko, said the retreat was designed to strengthen journalists’ professional capacity, promote responsible reporting and equip media practitioners to tackle the growing challenges of fake news, misinformation and AI-generated content.
Oko stressed the need for political parties to provide equal access and a level playing field for all candidates, irrespective of party affiliation, noting that the responsibility of journalists was not to promote candidates but to provide credible information that would enable citizens to make informed electoral choices.
He also raised concerns over the welfare and working conditions of journalists, calling for improved remuneration, insurance coverage, better office accommodation, reliable electricity and internet services, laptops, modern working equipment, a chapel bus and support for a housing scheme for members.
The Chapel chairman further warned against harassment, intimidation and attacks on journalists by political actors, insisting that media practitioners must be allowed to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without interference.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, he urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the technical challenges experienced during the 2023 general elections and ensure real-time transmission of results from polling units through the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), in accordance with the applicable electoral provisions.
He also appealed to the Commission to provide adequate logistics and security for election officials and journalists, while considering experienced journalists for relevant ad-hoc election assignments.
In his address, Abia State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Chidi Asonye, described the theme of the Press Week as timely, noting that the spread of disinformation through social media, artificial intelligence and political propaganda posed a serious challenge to credible journalism and democratic development.
Asonye urged journalists to uphold three fundamental principles: verification over speed, professionalism over partisanship, and unity over division.
He charged media practitioners to verify information before publication, reject inducements and intimidation, and ensure balanced and equitable coverage of all political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NUJ chairman also assured journalists of the State Council’s commitment to protecting media practitioners in the discharge of their professional duties.
Delivering the keynote address, Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Prof. Christopher Kalu Okoro, said democracy required informed citizens, accountable leadership and freedom of expression, adding that the media remained central to public engagement and democratic accountability.
He expressed concern over the increasing difficulty of distinguishing professional journalism from unverified information circulated by social media users, warning that doctored photographs, fabricated reports and politically motivated propaganda could undermine public trust and electoral credibility.
Okoro urged journalists to embrace digital skills, verify information and use artificial intelligence responsibly, stressing that truth, fairness and public interest must remain the foundation of journalism, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
He also cited the Abia State governance experience under Governor Alex Otti as an example of how government-media relations could be strengthened through visible development efforts in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
In his goodwill message, the Abia State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Chukwuemeka N. Odimba, commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for organising the retreat and urged journalists to maintain integrity, avoid compromising situations and report accurately to promote peace before, during and after the elections.
Odimba assured journalists of the Corps’ support, noting that its presence across the 17 local government areas of Abia State positioned it to respond to their security concerns.
Similarly, Commander of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General Ahmad Mansur Dikko, called on journalists to uphold truth, professionalism and impartiality in their reports.
He advised media practitioners operating in volatile areas to prioritise their safety, observe security procedures and avoid publishing information that could compromise military operations or endanger lives.
Dikko also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s recognition of the media as a partner in promoting peace, security and national development, urging journalists to encourage issue-based political discourse and democratic stability.
The 2026 Press Week also featured recognition of outstanding personalities, including Senator Engr. David Umahi for Leadership and Fidelity to Promise, Prof. Nnenna Oti for Exemplary Leadership and Integrity in Public Service, and Samuel Chukwuewe for Excellence.
The event attracted media practitioners, security officials, government representatives and other stakeholders, with participants emphasising the need for professional journalism, press freedom and responsible media engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onyebchi Juliet Nwabu
Federal Information Chapel,
11th October 2026.
