Speech Delivered by Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman NUJ FCT Council
By Stella Oko-Esene
Resource persons present Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Journalists
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to this One-Day Media Training on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism,” proudly sponsored by Chevron Nigeria. We stand at a transformative moment in the history of journalism.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept but a powerful tool reshaping how we gather, verify, and deliver news. AI enhances our ability to analyze vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively. It offers unprecedented opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy, and reach of our reporting.
Moreover, AI plays a crucial role in fact-checking and verification. With the rise of misinformation, especially during elections and public health crises, AI-powered platforms cross-reference claims against trusted databases and detect manipulated media like deepfakes. This strengthens the credibility of journalism by reducing errors and misinformation.
AI also personalizes content for audiences by tailoring news feeds and recommendations based on reader preferences, thereby increasing engagement and sustaining readership. Tools that transcribe interviews and speeches efficiently save journalists time, allowing them to focus on analysis and storytelling.
However, embracing AI in journalism comes with ethical responsibilities. We must ensure transparency in AI algorithms and guard against biases that could skew reporting. Upholding the core journalistic values of authenticity, truthfulness, accuracy, and ethical practice remains paramount as we integrate these technologies.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council is committed to supporting media professionals in navigating this brave new world. We advocate for continuous digital literacy, ethical AI use, and collaboration among journalists, technologists, and policymakers to ensure AI serves the public interest and democratic values.
Chevron Nigeria’s commitment to media capacity building, demonstrated through this training and previous initiatives, highlights the importance of equipping journalists with modern digital tools to uphold ethical standards and promote good governance. As the fourth estate, the media must leverage AI not just to enhance efficiency but to continue shaping informed public discourse responsibly.
I commend Chevron Nigeria for sponsoring this vital training, which will empower us to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding the truth and trust that underpin our work.
Let us embrace innovation boldly but responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances our mission to inform, enlighten, and serve society with courage and integrity.
In conclusion, this training is more than a skill-building exercise it is a call to embrace innovation, uphold integrity, and lead the transformation of journalism in Nigeria and beyond. With the right mindset and tools, we can harness AI to tell stories that matter, faster and more accurately, while preserving the trust of our audiences.
Thank you all for your dedication and participation. Together, we will shape the future of journalism in Nigeria.
God bless you.