The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Federal Capital Territory Council, has built the capacity of over 70 members on the judicious use of Artificial Intelligence AI in their daily reportage.
During a one day workshop on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism,” the Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, said that “Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool in reshaping how we gather, verify, and deliver news”.
The training which was organised by the NUJ-FCT Council in collaboration with Chevron Nigeria and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited NNPCL which held at the NUJ-FCT Secretariat Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Ms Ike said that the One-Day Media Training stands as “a transformative moment in the history of Journalism.”
She also said “AI enhances our ability to analyze vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively.
“It offers unprecedented opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy, and reach of our reporting”.
The NUJ Chairman added that “AI plays a crucial role in fact-checking and verification.
“With the rise of misinformation, especially during elections and public health crises, AI-powered platforms cross-reference claims against trusted databases and detect manipulated media like deepfakes,” She said.
Credibility of journalism
This She said strengthens the credibility of journalism by reducing errors and misinformation.
“However, embracing AI in journalism comes with ethical responsibilities. We must ensure transparency in AI algorithms and guard against biases that could skew reporting.
“Upholding the core journalistic values of authenticity, truthfulness, accuracy, and ethical practice remains paramount as we integrate these technologies”.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council She added, is committed to supporting media professionals in navigating new world.
As the fourth estate, the media the Chairman said, must leverage AI not just to enhance efficiency but to continue shaping informed public discourse responsibly.
The General Manager Cheveron Nigeria Ltd Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, commended Journalists who participated in the training saying that the training “is geared towards building the capacity of media practitioners to enhance their skills and abilities to perform their duties”.
Mr. Oduselu who was represented by the Manager of Communications, Cheveron Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Victor Anyaegbudike, also said “As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and
opinion moulders cannot be over-emphasised.
“Cheveron will continue to partner with the media for the development of the society and continue to recognise the need for capacity building of media practitioners to enhance their ability to perform their duties.
“Cheveron Nigeria Ltd, also recognise that the success of the larger society invariably translates to success in our business; and we believe it is in our long-term interest to add value to the society as we create value for our stakeholders.
“Cheveron Nigeria Ltd, seeks to make human investments that deliver long-term transformative returns. This is achieved through our Nigerian Content development activities.
“Chevron has supported Nigerian Content development by providing employment to Nigerians, and contract opportunities in all our projects up to an estimated annual average over $1 billion,” the General Manager said.
He noted that Chevron’s vision is to be the global energy company most admired for its People, Partnership and Performance adding that energy is essential to modern life, and providing that energy is a profound responsibility.
According to him, “Cheveron’s purpose is to develop affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress around the world.”
He encourage journalists to continue to make remarkable marks in the narrative of Nigeria and her multidimensional development, while maintaining the ethical principles that guide the Journalism profession.
The resource persons at the event share their thoughts on Artificial Intelligence and how it enhances professionalism in Journalism.
Mrs Busola Ajibola of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, CJID, spoke on Leaveraging On Artificial Intelligence to enhance journalism in Nigeria.
She said that media practitioners must upskill to appreciate the use of Artificial Intelligence in their trade so as not to be left behind insisting that technology has come to stay.
Health of journalists
Another speaker, the Director International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, Dr. Eman Shehu who was represented by Mr. Simon Reef, centred on his lecture on the Freedom of Information and Media Accountability while Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe spoke on Mental Health of Journalists in the Era of Social Media.
According to him, many Journalists are presently dealing with different mental health challenges but encouraging Journalists that mental health is not madness but the pressure associated with work.
He advised that media practitioners should always create time for relaxation away from work and work environment saying it help in the general well being of practitioners.
More than Seventy participants were in attendance at the training including staff of Voice Of Nigeria.
Lateefah Ibrahim