By Joy Omagha Idam
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited, has trained journalists on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism to enhance their reporting capabilities. The training, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism,” aimed to equip media professionals with the skills to analyze vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, emphasized the importance of embracing AI in journalism. He noted that AI is no longer a distant concept but a powerful tool reshaping how news is gathered, verified, and delivered. Ike commended Chevron Nigeria for sponsoring the training, which will empower journalists to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding the truth and trust that underpin their work.
The training is part of Chevron Nigeria’s efforts to enhance professional capacity and build lasting partnerships with media stakeholders. According to Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, the company believes in adding value to society as it creates value for its stakeholders. The partnership with NUJ FCT Council demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting media development, good governance, and societal progress.
Journalists were trained on how to use AI tools to analyze vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively. The training also covered the importance of transparency in AI algorithms and guarding against biases that could skew reporting. Participants were encouraged to uphold core journalistic values of authenticity, truthfulness, accuracy, and ethical practice.
The NUJ FCT Council is committed to supporting media professionals in navigating the brave new world of AI in journalism. The council advocates for continuous digital literacy, ethical AI use, and collaboration among journalists, technologists, and policymakers. This will ensure that journalists are equipped to harness AI’s potential while maintaining the highest standards of journalism.
Chevron Nigeria has a long history of supporting media development in Nigeria. The company has trained over 300 journalists since 2014 through its Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) program. The company believes that investing in human capital is essential for promoting media development and good governance.
The partnership between NUJ FCT Council and Chevron Nigeria is a testament to the company’s commitment to promoting media development and societal progress. The training is part of the company’s efforts to enhance professional capacity and build lasting partnerships with media stakeholders.
The journalists who participated in the training expressed their gratitude to Chevron Nigeria for providing them with the opportunity to learn about AI in journalism. They noted that the training would enhance their reporting capabilities and enable them to provide more accurate and engaging news content.
The use of AI in journalism has the potential to revolutionize the way news is gathered, verified, and delivered. With AI tools, journalists can analyze vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively. However, it is essential to ensure that AI algorithms are transparent and free from biases that could skew reporting.
The NUJ FCT Council and Chevron Nigeria partnership is a step in the right direction towards promoting media development and societal progress. The training has equipped journalists with the skills to harness AI’s potential while maintaining the highest standards of journalism. The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting good governance and societal progress in Nigeria.
Trainers at the High Power One Day Training included; Mrs Busola AJibola, Center for Journalism Innovation and Development “Leveraging on AI to Enhance Journalism in Nigeria”.
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