FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has trained 80 practicing journalists on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on modern journalism.
The one-day workshop which was held in Lafia, brought together reporters, editors, and broadcasters from various chapels in the state.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Abdullahi Sule urged journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence responsibly, saying the technology can enhance journalism if used ethically and purposefully.
The Governor represented by Peter Ahemba, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, described the training as timely given the rapid evolution of the media industry.
“The training to be able to master the responsible use of AI because it is like a two-edged sword.
“There are positives and negatives of the technology. It depends on how you use it. If you use it positively, you will get a positive result,” Sule added.
The governor commended NUJ leadership in the State for organising the training as a parting gift to journalists under the current leadership because they are leaving office in July.
He said only leaders with foresight would prioritise such capacity building for their members even when they are about to complete their tenure of office.
Sule said his administration had already committed resources to AI and digital skills development, citing a recent training of 100 youths in AI and data analytics in partnership with the National Content Development and Monitoring Board.
He assured journalists of continued government partnership on training and pledged to sustain efforts to provide a secure environment for media practice.
“Your security must continue to receive the attention it deserves because you need a secure environment to be able to practice without hitches,” he said.
The governor also charged journalists to use their platforms to douse political tension as the 2027 elections approach.
In his welcoming remarks, Salihu Mohammed-Alkali, NUJ Chairman in the state, said the training was aimed at equipping journalists with practical knowledge to leverage AI technology to enhance productivity.
He explained that the proper use of AI would help in ensuring speedy, accurate, and efficient reporting to correct the misinformation and fake news being spread, especially on social media.
“The training is a deliberate step to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to remain credible and competitive in a rapidly changing media landscape.
“Today is not just another day on the calendar; it is a deliberate step by our union to equip ourselves with the knowledge, tools, and mindset required to remain relevant, credible, and competitive,” Mohammed-Alkali added.
The training which had in attendance 80 practising journalists from print, broadcast and online media organisations, also had the Chief Executive Officers of the various state and federal media organisations in the state.
The workshop featured presentations on the Transformative impact of AI on Modern journalism, Understanding Solution Journalism, and the Journalist and coverage of elections in multi-party democracy, catching up with the new media by Mr Shehu Ibrahim, Dr Kalu Idika and Dr Musa Abdullahi.
ARI, LIMAN AMINU
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA
