…says Journalists must be watchdogs against digital manipulation….
The 2025 Digital Week organised by the Osun Online Publishers Association(OOPA) entered the second day today 4th December ,2025 at Ben Ber Hall, Ring Road,Osogbo with the theme: Harnessing Technology And Artificial Intelligence(AI) towards Credible Elections and Effective Information Dissemination In Nigeria ”
The Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Agboke as the Guest Lecturer at the event, spoke extensively on the topic on hand.
While delivering his lecture, Dr.Agboke says:
“Digital Media Week is an event that has grown to become the convergence of ideas, innovation, digital practice, and civic responsibility in our dear State.”
“In an era where technology determines the pace and direction of national development, your commitment to responsible digital journalism is not only admirable, it is essential for the survival of our democracy.”
According to Agboke,
Today’s theme, “Harnessing Technology and Artificial Intelligence towards Credible Elections and Effective Information Dissemination in Nigeria,” is both timely and visionary. It reflects the emerging realities of our world—a world where technology is not optional but fundamental; a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a silent but powerful force shaping governance, elections, media narratives, and public opinion.
The Evolution of Nigeria’s Electoral System through Technology.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, over the years, embraced technology as a strategic partner in strengthening electoral integrity. From the Biometric Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), to the Smart Card Reader, to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and the IReV portal, technology has consistently expanded the frontiers of transparency and accountability in our elections.
In Osun State, these tools have contributed significantly to improved voter authentication, reduced fraud, enhanced transmission of results, and strengthened public trust.
” Each improvement is a message that elections are no longer to be determined by manipulation, but by the legitimate will of the people”, Agboke said.
The Osun Resident INEC Commissioner continued:
“But technology is not static. It evolves, and so must we evolve with it. This is where Artificial Intelligence steps in not as a replacement for human judgment, but as an amplifier of accuracy, speed, and civic oversight.
Online Publishers must therefore be:Gatekeepers of against digital manipulation•Allies of institutions working for national stability• and educators of the public in an era of misinformation.
Osun INEC As Credible Information Dissemination:
“At INEC Osun State, we consider credible information dissemination a crucial pillar of the electoral process. When voters are misinformed, they make misinformed choices. When the public is misled, democracy suffers.
Collaboration between INEC and Digital Media.
For elections to remain credible, INEC and the digital media must continue to build strong bridges of collaboration based on accuracy, accountability, and mutual respect.
In Osun State, we have sustained regular engagements with media organizations because we know that a well-informed electorate is the bedrock of credible elections.
According to Agboke,
“Going forward, we must deepen this partnership by:•Improving fact-checking mechanisms•Ensuring timely access to verified electoral data•Combating fake news with speed and precision•Training journalists on emerging AI and digital ethics•Establishing rapid-response communication channels during election periodsThe media must understand the nature of AI tools and their potential misuse, and INEC must continuously innovate to stay ahead of emerging threats.Therefore, we must adopt what I call “Democratic Vigilance in the Digital Age.”
This requires:•Strong digital literacy among citizens•Responsible journalism from online publishers•Clear regulations to prevent abuse• National collaboration to secure our information spaceOur democracy cannot afford complacency.
What INEC Osun Is Doing:
*Here in Osun State, we continue to promote credible electoral processes by:Expanding stakeholders’ engagement
*Strengthening training on BVAS and digital tools particularly for Corps Members who are by the policy of the commission handle BVAS on election day.
*Enhancing communication with media partners.
*Providing prompt and verified updates.
*Collaborating with security agencies
*Ensuring early preparation towards the 2026 Governorship Election.
Osun INEC Objective:
*Our objective is simple: To ensure that every eligible vote counts and every counted vote reflects the true will of the people.
Call to Action:
“Today, I call on all digital publishers, journalists, political actors, civil society, and citizens to join hands in ensuring that technology and AI are used as instruments of truth—not distortion; as tools for credibility—not confusion, he said.
Future Elections in Nigeria
The future of elections in Nigeria depends on:• How responsibly we use digital tools• How ethically we deploy AI• How courageously we defend the integrity of information• How united we are in preserving the voice of the people.
Let us commit to a Nigeria where technology strengthens democracy and media protects the nation’s stability. 6.
While rounding off his lecture,Agboke, the guest Lecturer counselled “:
“As we gather for this Digital Media Week, let us remember that democracy thrives where truth is honoured.”
“Technology may power the future of elections, but the character of those who use it determines the outcome.”
“Let us, therefore, embrace this new era with integrity, innovation, and patriotism.”
Agboke congratulates the Osun Online Publishers Association for the powerful initiative and hope that the engagement inspires smarter journalism, stronger institutions, and more credible elections.
There was the questions and answers segment which was elaborately responded to by the guest lecturer accordingly.
Dignitaries present at the event include:
Hon. Eniola Odeniyi-Special Adviser to Gov.on Public Enlightenment,Mother of the day,Mrs Funmi Abokede,Gen. Manager,Osun CSDS,Dr. Saliu Orisunlagba -CMS Shifauk Group of Hospitals and Osun ADC 2026 Governorship Candidate, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke-K-Rad(SAN),Osun APC Governorship Aspirant, represented by Adelore Adegoke, Hon. Moshood Olagunju -Hon. Commissioner for Youth Affairs , represented by Hon. Aare Mojeed Oladimeji,Special Adviser to the governor on Youth and Moses Adewuyi-Special Assistant on Youth among others.
Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke is the Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner,INEC Osun State