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MRA Launches Visual Brief to Commemorate 2025 World Press Freedom Day

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Ahead of this year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has launched an informative visual brief to highlight the urgent need for responsible and ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, especially within Nigeria’s media landscape. The visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” explores the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the world. In a statement released in Lagos by its Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, MRA noted that AI is quickly changing the way news is produced and consumed, adding that it offers powerful tools that can assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and extend the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure as AI can help to ensure that essential news and information are also disseminated to such communities. However, Mr. Gbadamosi warned that the same technology is being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying: “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can just as easily be exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.” According to him, “In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.” The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists. Mr. Gbadamosi explained that through the visual brief, MRA is also canvassing support for independent media outlets, transparent AI regulation that reflects Nigeria’s socio-political realities, widespread digital literacy to empower citizens to navigate the information space and greater accountability from technology companies for the content and influence of their platforms. He therefore urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.” The visual brief is available at https://bit.ly/4cXfVt7.

I almost gave up but Nigeria stood by me -Chidimma Adetshina

Our Reporters7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Miss Universe first runner-up Chidimma Adetshina has revealed that she almost gave up during her difficult times. Adetshina who is law student and model born and raised in South Africa represented her father’s country Nigeria in this year’s beauty pageant. She withdrew from the ten finalists of Miss South Africa in August after facing xenophobic attacks on social media. And four months later, she became the first runner-up to Miss Denmark who was crowned Miss Universe 2024. “To Nigeria: Thank you is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. “I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strenght to fight. “I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me. “To Africa: Thank you for showing your love and support. As much as I represent Nigeria, Africa fought for me. My voice, my story touched many and brought us together, This journey has taught me the power of unity, I want us to live in a society where we can all accept and celebeate one another. “This is not the end but the beginning of my journey. “Love Miss Universe 1st runner,” wrote after emerging runner-up at Miss Universe pageant. Meanwhile, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has hailed the emergence of Chidimma Adetshina, on her emergence as the first runner-up at the 2024 Miss Universe. Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, trailed behind Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig who was crowned the winner of the contest. In a statement on Sunday by her media aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the NiDCOM boss described Miss Adetshina’s feat as a “reward for her doggedness and resilience.” Dabiri-Erewa expressed excitement that despite all odds, Chidimma remained focused and attained her goals. She recalled “Adetshina’s controversial official withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, of which she had advanced to the final stage , some few months back, noting that Nigeria warmly welcomed her, after being literally forced out of South Africa,” the statement read. “Describing her as brilliant, focussed and determined, she urged others to emulate the spirit of Nigerianess in Chidimma by being proud of the country and not run it down under whatever guise.” The beauty queen was warmly received at the NIDCOM Lagos office, and thereafter hosted to a grand reception at Idris Olorunnibe’s “The Temple,” Victoria Island, with music legend, D’banj in attendance.

Dangote now 65th richest person worldwide with $28bn

Our Reporters8 months ago1 month ago02 mins

Nigerian business mogul, Aliko Dangote, remains the richest man in Africa. Dangote is also ranked the 65th richest man in the world. Bloomberg, in its latest Top 500 Billionaires Index released on Thursday, revealed that Dangote with a wealth of $28 billion had his wealth increased significantly after the commencement of operations of his newly built Petrochemical refinery, said to be worth over $20 billion. This new ranking is the highest the renowned entrepreneur has risen. He was previously ranked 83rd in 2022. No African is close to Dangote’s latest ranking as Johann Rupert, of South Africa is 174 on the world list, with a wealth of $13.6bn and Nicky Oppenheimer also of South Africa is number 224 on the world list with a wealth of $11.6bn. Other Africans on the list are: South Africa’s Natie Karsh, number 297 in the world with a wealth of $9.25bn, Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris on number 302 in the world with a wealth of $9.16bn, and Naguib Sawiris also of Egypt with a wealth of $7.37bn on number 407 in the world. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are the richest in the world with $242 billion and $210 billion respectively in their kitties while Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison followed respectively with $204 billion and $185 billion on the world’s billionaires’ chart.