Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) to sustain the irreversible path of development and transformation in the state.
The governor made this known while congratulating OMPAN on the successful hosting of its 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Umuahia North Local Government Area Multi-Purpose Hall.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, Governor Otti described OMPAN as a credible, responsible and forward-thinking organisation, urging members to remain committed to professionalism and developmental journalism.
“Abia State is on an irreversible pathway of development and transformation. This administration is building institutions, infrastructure and systems that will serve even generations unborn,” he said.
“To sustain this journey, we need partners like you—credible, responsible, forward-thinking and technologically equipped.”
Governor Otti noted that online media practitioners in Abia are not merely storytellers but critical partners in governance, adding that his administration remains grateful for their support and is committed to strengthening collaboration with the association.
Speaking on the AGM theme, “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Media and Journalism in the 21st Century,” the governor said the topic was timely and relevant, stressing his admiration for the role online media plays in shaping public discourse and strengthening democratic governance in Abia and Nigeria.
“Across the world, Artificial Intelligence is redefining how stories are gathered, verified, produced, distributed and consumed,” he stated.
“I urge you to let technology amplify your strengths, not diminish your value. Let AI enhance your work, not replace your sense of judgment.”
Governor Otti further emphasized the importance of internet accessibility to effective online media practice, assuring that his administration has created an enabling environment for media operations and is working towards making internet access free in Abia State.
In separate remarks, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, represented by ASP Precious Obesie, commended OMPAN members for their role in promoting peace and security, as well as the strong synergy between the association and the police command.
Similarly, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abia State, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, represented by Deputy PPRO Abubakar James, cautioned media practitioners against the misuse of Artificial Intelligence in spreading fake news, while assuring OMPAN of the DSS’s readiness to collaborate in information sharing and security matters.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Patra Arinze Etie, Group Managing Director of Bems Group, provided an engaging and insightful analysis of Artificial Intelligence, encouraging media practitioners to think critically about leveraging AI to improve productivity and information dissemination.
He, however, stressed that despite its growing influence, AI cannot replace objectivity, transparency, accuracy, balance and ethical judgment in journalism.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Abia OMPAN, Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro, said the AGM offered members the opportunity to reflect on the association’s activities, policies and operations over the past year. He disclosed that a major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the Grand Patron and Patrons of the association.
According to him, the AGM theme was carefully selected to reflect global media trends.
“Artificial Intelligence has become one of the most transformative forces in modern communication—from automated newsrooms to fact-checking and audience engagement,” he said.
Chief Okoro added that since the inception of the current administration, OMPAN has been repositioned and restored to relevance within Abia’s media ecosystem.
“OMPAN is no longer a sidelined bloc. We are now recognised, consulted and actively involved in important conversations,” he concluded.
