NUJ FCT, CHEVRON TRAIN JOURNALISTS ON HARNESSING AI TOOLS

By: Odugbo Sarah and Ngozi Ufomba.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), has organized a one-day intensive capacity-building programme themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism.”

The training, held in Abuja, is part of ongoing efforts by the Council to upskill its members and align them with global trends in digital journalism.

In her welcome remarks, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, underscored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern journalism. She described AI as a critical tool that is redefining how journalists gather, verify, and disseminate news, from automating transcription and fact-checking to personalizing content and combating misinformation.

Ike stated that AI holds immense potential to enhance journalistic accuracy, speed, and trust, and as journalists, they must be bold in embracing innovation while remaining ethically grounded.

She added that the mission is to inform, enlighten, and protect, and the truth must remain at the heart of every technology we adopt.”

Comrade Ike also commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its consistent support in strengthening journalists’ capacity through digital literacy and practical training. She noted that such partnerships are key to advancing media credibility and promoting good governance.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, Chevron Nigeria Limited, who was represented by the Manager, Communications, Victor Anyaegbudike, reaffirmed Chevron’s commitment to human capital development in the media sector.

He said the organization values the role of journalists in society and has consistently invested in their growth, noting that “since 2014, over 120 media professionals have benefited from our programmes with Pan-Atlantic University, and more than 180 journalists have participated in zonal media trainings. We see the media as strategic partners in development.”

He further encouraged journalists to uphold ethical practices, seek clarifications when reporting on industry matters, and continue contributing to national discourse.

The training featured expert-led sessions on key topics, which include,

“Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Journalism in Nigeria” by Mrs. Bukola Ajibola, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID),

“Freedom of Information and Media Accountability “by Dr. Eman Shehu, Director, Institute of Journalism, and “Health of Journalists in the Era of Social Media” by Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe.

Participants who received hands-on training on the use of AI tools in journalism commended Grace Ike, led Executives, for her foresight and commitment to the professional development of members, ensuring they explored ethical considerations in AI deployment and discussed future trends in news reporting.

The highlight of the training was the presentation of certificates to over 70 journalists.

This capacity-building programme marks a significant stride in preparing NUJ FCT members for the future of digital journalism and reinforces the strong collaboration between the media and corporate stakeholders in fostering informed, transparent, and technology-driven reporting.