FIC Report (Benue State) – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, in partnership with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop on “Digital Literacy and the Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Enhancing Journalism” to strengthen the competence of media practitioners in the state.
The workshop, holding at the NUJ House, Makurdi, from October 22 to 23, 2025, is designed to equip journalists with essential digital skills in research, content creation, fact-checking, and responsible application of AI tools to promote accuracy, ethics, and professionalism in the media industry.
In his opening remarks, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, expressed gratitude to God for the successful commencement of the programme and commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing a conducive environment for press freedom and inclusive governance in the state.
Ugber lauded the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Peter Egbodo, for his consistent collaboration with the Union and for supporting responsible information dissemination in the state. He further appreciated the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BDIC, Comrade Terwase Gbande, for sponsoring the training at no cost to participants, describing it as “a bold investment in the future of journalism in Benue State.”
The NUJ Chairman also acknowledged the presence of the Executive Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Comrade Joseph Kwaghgba, noting that his participation added colour and significance to the event.
He emphasized that digital literacy and artificial intelligence have become indispensable tools for journalists to remain relevant in a rapidly changing information landscape. Ugber urged participants to take the workshop seriously, engage actively, and replicate the knowledge gained in their various chapels across the state.
While speaking on the ongoing journalists’ screening exercise in the state, the NUJ Chairman explained that the process aims to sanitize the profession and uphold ethical standards. He commended the Screening Committee, led by Comrade Terhemen Ater, and the Local Organising Committee, chaired by Comrade Tor-Vande Acka, for their diligence and professionalism in executing their assignments.
Ugber reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to continuous capacity development and assured members that more training programmes would follow to prepare journalists for the demands of modern-day reporting.
In a keynote address delivered by Mimidoo Adingi on behalf of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BDIC, Comrade Terwase Gbande, the representative highlighted the pivotal role of journalists in shaping public perception, holding leaders accountable, and sustaining democracy.
He stressed that journalism must evolve with the digital age, where information travels at lightning speed, and technology drives communication. According to him, “ICT is no longer a luxury; it is the lifeline of modern journalism. It determines how fast news is gathered, how far it travels, and how credible it appears.”
Comrade Gbande explained that the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) was established by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to position Benue State for the 21st-century digital economy by expanding broadband access, establishing ICT hubs, and fostering innovation across key sectors — including media, education, and governance.
He noted that journalists are strategic partners in this digital transformation agenda, adding that BDIC is committed to collaborating with the NUJ to provide training in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and data journalism, as well as support for ICT infrastructure and innovation labs for media content development.
He further cautioned journalists to use digital tools responsibly, reminding them that “in the digital age, credibility is currency.” He urged practitioners to prioritize accuracy over virality and to leverage technology in advancing truth, peace, and development in Benue State.
Gbande concluded by reaffirming BDIC’s readiness to partner with the media in building a digitally smart, economically strong, and globally visible Benue State, where no journalist or citizen is left behind in the digital revolution.
The workshop attracted media executives, government officials, ICT experts, and stakeholders committed to promoting digital innovation, ethics, and professionalism in journalism across Benue State.
Signed
Bridget TARKER
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
