NUJ FCTA PRESS WEEK 2026: INFORMATION OFFICERS TRAINED ON RESPONSIBLE AI USE AS CHAPEL PROMOTES TAX COMPLIANCE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
By: Prudence Okonna and Abigail Elaigwu
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Chapel, has commenced activities marking its 2026 Press Week with a two-day capacity-building workshop for information officers and a public sensitisation campaign aimed at promoting responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), tax compliance and good governance across the Federal Capital Territory.
The training, themed “Responsible Use of AI & ICT to Enhance Modern Journalism Practice,” brought together information officers, journalists, administrators, human resource professionals and communication officers from Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) of the FCT Administration to strengthen their capacity in leveraging emerging technologies for effective journalism and public communication.
Declaring the workshop open, the Director of Information and Communication, Anthony Ogunleye, described Artificial Intelligence as an indispensable tool for modern journalism when deployed responsibly and ethically.
He noted that AI has become an integral part of newsroom operations, supporting journalists in research, editing, grammar enhancement and content development, while stressing that the technology should complement—not replace—human creativity, critical thinking and professional judgment.
“As long as the ideas remain original and are yours, AI can be used to improve language and presentation. These are tools we must learn to master and apply responsibly,” Ogunleye stated.
He commended the leadership of the NUJ FCTA Chapel for organising the training, describing it as timely and essential in equipping media professionals with the skills required to navigate the rapidly evolving digital media environment.
The Director also disclosed that the Department of Information and Communication plans to extend similar AI and ICT training opportunities to all information officers within the Department, subject to the necessary approvals and funding.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ FCTA Chapel, Comrade Ngozi Ufomba Uloma, described the workshop as a strategic initiative designed to prepare information officers and media professionals for the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging digital technologies.
She observed that Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communication Technology have become indispensable tools for modern journalism, transforming news gathering, fact-checking, content creation and audience engagement.
According to her, while these technologies offer immense benefits, their adoption must always be guided by the core principles of journalism, including truth, accuracy, professionalism and ethical reporting.
Comrade Uloma expressed appreciation to the Director of Information and Communication, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, the Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency, Chief Chudi Enekwechi, resource persons, partners and participants for supporting the capacity-building programme.
She expressed confidence that the training would further strengthen the ability of information officers to effectively deploy AI and ICT in promoting good governance and delivering credible public information services across the FCT.
As part of activities marking the 2026 Press Week, the Chapel also embarked on a sensitisation campaign on Tax Compliance and Good Governance, taking its advocacy directly to residents, workers and public institutions across the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during the campaign, Comrade Uloma said the initiative was designed to educate residents on the importance of voluntary tax compliance as a critical driver of sustainable development and effective governance.
She explained that the theme of this year’s Press Week, “Tax Compliance and Good Governance,” underscores the strong relationship between responsible citizenship and accountable governance, noting that tax revenue remains the backbone of infrastructure development and efficient public service delivery.
She urged residents, business owners and other stakeholders to fulfil their civic responsibility by paying taxes promptly while also demanding transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources from government.
Comrade Uloma commended the FCT Administration under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, for the ongoing infrastructural transformation across the Territory, including extensive road construction, rehabilitation of schools and hospitals, urban renewal projects and other developmental initiatives.
According to her, the visible improvements in infrastructure and public services should encourage greater tax compliance, as residents can clearly see the direct impact of government investments on their daily lives.
During the sensitisation exercise, members of the NUJ FCTA Chapel visited several Secretariats, Departments and Agencies, including the Education Secretariat, Development Control Department, Arts and Culture Secretariat, Sports Department, Women Affairs Secretariat, Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), the FCT Water Board, RUWASSA and other government establishments.
The team engaged management, staff and members of the public, distributed information materials and reinforced the campaign’s central message: “Pay Your Tax for Good Governance.”
The 2026 NUJ FCTA Press Week, which commenced with the public sensitisation campaign on Monday, July 27, 2026, will conclude on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with a grand finale featuring an awards ceremony to recognise distinguished individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to the development of the Federal Capital Territory, the advancement of journalism and the promotion of good governance.
The event is expected to attract senior government officials, media executives, captains of industry, development partners and other distinguished guests, bringing the week-long celebration to a fitting close.
