Otti Congratulates Members Of OMPAN On AGM, Restates Readiness To Partner With Organisation

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has restated his administration’s readiness to partner with the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) to sustain the irreversible pathway of transformation taking place in the State, while congratulating the organisation on the successful holding of its 3rd Annual General Meeting.

Governor Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of OMPAN, held at Umuahia North LGA multi-purpose Hall, described Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria as a credible, responsible and forward-thinking organisation and encouraged them to continue in their contributions to the development of the State and beyond.

“Abia State is in an irreversible pathway of development and transformation and this administration is building institutions, infrastructures and systems that will serve even the generations unborn.

“To sustain this journey, we need partners like you who are credible, responsible, forward-thinking and technologically equipped” he said

The Chief Executive of the State noted that online media Practitioners in Abia State are not just storytellers but partners in governance, adding that his administration remains profoundly grateful as well as committed to supporting the Online media Practitioners in Abia.

Governor Otti, who said the theme of this year’s AGM the impact of Artificial intelligence on media and journalism in the 21st century is very apt, pointed out that he has deep respect for the vibrant work the online media Practitioners are doing in shaping public discourse as well as strengthening democratic governance in Abia and Nigeria at large.

He said Artificial intelligence is playing an important role in media and has become a strong force across the world, while urging media Practitioners to let technology like Artificial intelligence amplify and enhance their strength, not to diminish and replace their sense of judgement.

“Across the world, Artificial intelligence is redefining how stories are gathered, verified, produced, distributed and consumed. In Abia State, His Excellency Dr Alex Chioma Otti is committed to ensuring that our media Practitioners are not left behind.

“I urge you to let technology amplify your strength, not diminish your value. Let Artificial Intelligence enhance your strength, not replace your sense of judgement.

” Let your platforms continue to be instruments of truth, accountability and progress and may your AGM, your deliberations inspire new ideas, new collaborations and new pathways for a stronger media ecosystem in Abia”, he said.

Governor Otti also harped on the importance of internet availability in carrying out online media jobs, saying his administration has created an enabling environment for media to flourish and is set to make internet availability free of charge in Abia.

In his remarks, the Abia Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, who was represented by ASP. Precious Obesie lauded OMPAN members for the critical role in ensuring peace and safety in the State, as well as the synergy that exists between OMPAN and the Abia State Police Command.

In the same vein, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abia State Ibrahim Abdullahi, represented by the Deputy PPRO Abubakar James, urged media Practitioners to guide against using Artificial intelligence in spreading fake news as well as assured them of the willingness of DSS to partner with OMPAN in the area of information sharing and security in the State.

Delivering a speech on the theme, the Keynote Speaker, Dr Pastra Arinze Etie who is the Group Managing Director of Bems group spoke clearly with enthusiasm on the theme, while ensuring that the audience not only understand what Artificial Intelligence is all about but also stimulated them to think critically on how best to benefit from the application of AI in the course of their day to day activities.

Continuing, he emphasised the relevance of AI in enhancing information dissemination, while informing that despite the importance of Artificial Intelligence in media and journalism, it can not replace objectivity, transparency, clarity, factual and balanced reportage.

Earlier, the Chairman of Abia Online Media Practitioners Association, Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro, said the AGM provides an opportunity to reflect on the activities, policies, as well as operations of the association within the last year. He added that a major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of grand patrons and patrons of the association.
According to him, “This year’s theme,” The Impact of AI on Media and Journalism in the 21st Century” was chosen after extensive consideration of global media trends”

He noted “that Artificial intelligence has become one of the most transformative forces in modern communication. From automated newsrooms to data-driven reporting, content verification, fact-checking and even audience engagement, Al has redefined how information is created, processed and consumed.”

He disclosed that since the current administration came on board, OMPAN has been repositioned, reclaimed its respect and relevance within the media ecosystem of Abia State, and added that “OMPAN is no longer a sidelined bloc-we are now recognised, consulted, and involved in important conversations”, he said.