Anambra ICT Agency, Active8 Hub Collaborate To Train Journalists

Anambra State Information and Communications Technology (ICT) agency in collaboration with Active8Hub has trained about 30 journalists in the state on Artificial intelligence (AI) which has the potential to revolutionize journalism in Nigeria, offering journalists valuable tools to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.

Speaking at the training, Chukwuma Mezie- Okoye co-founder of Active8 Hub, noted that in the ever-evolving landscape of journalism, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a topic of both fascination and concern.

“At first glance, the prospect of AI replicating journalists and potentially taking them out of business may seem daunting.

 However, upon delving deeper into the subject, it becomes evident that AI serves not as a replacement, but rather as a powerful tool for enhancing the work of journalists.

 “AI excels in processing vast amounts of data at incredible speeds. This capability enables journalists to access and analyse information more efficiently than ever before, from gathering insights on trending topics to uncovering hidden patterns in data, AI empowers journalists to delve deeper into their stories and provide richer, more comprehensive coverage.

 “Moreover, AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing journalists to focus their time and energy on more meaningful aspects of their work. Tasks such as transcribing interviews, fact-checking, and even generating basic reports can be streamlined through AI-powered tools, freeing up valuable resources for investigative journalism and in-depth storytelling.”

He added that it is essential to recognize that while AI can augment journalistic capabilities, it cannot replace the human touch.

“Journalism is fundamentally about storytelling—the ability to empathize, connect, and contextualize information in a way that resonates with audiences. While AI may excel at processing data and identifying trends, it lacks the nuanced understanding of human behavior and the ability to interpret complex emotions that are essential to effective storytelling.’’

Delivering his lecture on leveraging AI in journalism, another facilitator, Nehemiah Ukachukwu Emmanuel, an AI engineer with Microsoft stated that ethical considerations must be taken into account when integrating AI into journalism.

“As journalists, we have a responsibility to ensure that the information we present is accurate, fair, and unbiased. While AI can assist in fact-checking and data analysis, human oversight is necessary to ensure that these processes are conducted ethically and transparently.

 “The integration of AI into journalism represents an exciting opportunity to enhance the work of journalists and provide audiences with richer, more engaging content. By embracing AI as a tool for efficiency and innovation, rather than viewing it as a threat to traditional journalism, we can leverage its capabilities to elevate the standards of our craft and better serve our audiences.

Also Read: Anambra ICT Agency Launches AI Initiative for Journalists

 “As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of journalism, let us remember that while AI may enhance our capabilities, it is the human touch that ultimately distinguishes great journalism from mere information dissemination. By striking a balance between technology and humanity, we can ensure that journalism continues to thrive in the digital age,” Emmanuel said.

The facilitators who trained the participants on AI models: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, among others, also had practical sessions with the journalists.

Presenting his closing remarks at the event, the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Agbata, said the training, tagged, “AI in journalism workshop” is aimed at revolutionising the digital landscape through enhancing the skills of journalists across the state.

“The importance of this workshop highlights the pivotal role in realising the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary agenda for widespread technology integration. With a focus on equipping journalists with AI-driven solutions, this training stands as a beacon of progress and opportunity in the digital age.

 “This training aims to revolutionise the digital landscape by enhancing the skills of journalists across Anambra State. The workshop is an immersive exploration into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and journalism. It is tailored to empower media practitioners with the latest tools and insights essential for thriving in today’s rapidly evolving media industry.

 “You are here because the governor has given us the platform to do what we do. A lot is happening in Anambra when it comes to digital technology. With infrastructure, it is going to be real digital transformation. There is a lot of things that are going on the digital stage.

 “The journalists are critical part of the process and what is most important is to advance the technology by exposing some of you to the immense potential and possibilities of AI, what you saw today, we want everyone here to make good use of the tool.

 “The reason why we have done the AI training is to ensure that journalists leverage the tool, as we continue to build Anambra, in line with the governor’s vision, the whole idea is that we want to partner with you in the media because we know you play an important role in the work that we do.”

On behalf of the participants, Ogemdi Ozoemena appreciated the state government and the partners for mentally equipping journalists.