By Augustine Aminu
Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday participated in a groundbreaking one-day training workshop focused on harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern journalism.
The intensive session, organized by, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT chapter sponsored by Chevron and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPLC) aimed to equip media professionals with the essential skills and understanding to effectively integrate AI tools into their daily reporting and content creation.
The workshop, held at the NUJ FCT secretariat, Utako, Abuja brought together a diverse group of reporters, editors, and media managers keen to navigate the evolving landscape of news production.
Representative of Chevron at the training, Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike said the rise of AI is not a threat to journalism, but rather an incredible opportunity to enhance capabilities and deliver more impactful news.
Anyaegbudike stressed that this training is crucial for journalists to understand not just how to use these tools, but also the ethical considerations and potential biases inherent in AI, ensuring responsible and credible reporting.
According to him, Chevron is empowering journalists across the country in the area of capacity development in dealing with their day to day activities in the area of reporting to meet up with current trends in the era of social media outburst.
He expressed that Chevron will continue training and support for journalists in adapting to new technologies.
“As AI continues to evolve, we will ensure that Nigerian journalists remain at the forefront of innovation, equipped with the knowledge and tools to uphold the highest standards of our profession”, Anyaegbudike said.
While acknowledging the immense potential, the training also delved into the challenges and ethical dilemmas posed by AI in journalism, including issues of bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the importance of human oversight in maintaining journalistic integrity as presented by Mrs. Busola Ajibola, Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
Earlier, the chairman of NUJ, FCT council Grace Ike, said the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council is committed to supporting media professionals in navigating this brave new world.
She told the participants that the turnout is a clear indication of the collective commitment to staying at the forefront of their jobs.
She said for too long, the narrative around AI has been fraught with apprehension – fears of job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and the potential for misinformation.
Ike said Chevron Nigeria’s commitment to media capacity building, demonstrated through this training and previous initiatives, highlights the importance of equipping journalists with modern digital tools to uphold ethical standards and promote good governance.
“As the fourth estate, the media must leverage AI not just to enhance efficiency but to continue shaping informed public discourse responsibly”.
“We shift our focus from fear to foresight, from apprehension to application. This training is designed to equip all journalists with the knowledge and practical skills to not just understand AI, but to actively harness its power for the betterment of the craft”.
“As journalists, our core mission remains to inform, to educate, and to hold power accountable. In an era of information overload and a proliferation of unverified content, our role as trusted sources of verifiable information becomes even more critical. AI, when used ethically and responsibly, can be a powerful ally in fulfilling this vital mission”.
“Let us embrace innovation boldly but responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances our mission to inform, enlighten, and serve society with courage and integrity”.
