The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ), Nasarawa State Council has trained Journalists across the State on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern journalism.
The training with the theme” Transformative Impact of AI on Modern Journalism “, was held on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre in Lafia with the aim to build the capacity of media professionals on the trends in modern journalism.
Delivering a paper on the transformative Impact of AI on Modern Journalism, one of the facilitators at the training, Mallam Shehu Ibrahim said AI reshapes how news is gathered, produced, distributed, and consumed.
Ibrahim explained that AI technologies have improved speed, efficiency, accuracy, and audience engagement while creating new opportunities for investigative reporting and digital storytelling.
He said the modern newsroom is increasingly powered by automated systems designed to augment the capabilities of human reporters.
He mentioned some of its benefits including faster production, improved accuracy, and lower operational costs among others.
He however stated the rise of automation brings a suite of ethical and professional challenges.
”Although AI offers significant benefits, it is essential to use it responsibly and ethically”, he said.
Also speaking, Dr Kalu Idika who presented a paper entitled ” Understanding Solution Journalism- A New Trend in Reporting Practices ” called on journalists to focus on stories that offer solutions rather than the negative issues.
” Readers can be easy to get bogged down in the negativity and despair dominating the news cycle. By highlighting stories of real people making a difference in their communities or finding innovative solutions to complex problems, solution Journalism can help inspire and motivate readers”, he said.
On his part, Dr Musa Abdullahi who spoke on the topic ” Journalists and the Coverage of Elections in a multi-Party Democracy: Catching up with the New/Social Media”
called on media professionals to undergo continuous training and rigorous preparation to uphold the integrity of the profession.
In his remarks,Governor Abdullahi Sule represented by his Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba, commended the Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali-led leadership of the NUJ for organising the workshop.
Ahemba noted that Governor Sule’s administration is already ahead of the curve, citing the recent training of 100 youths in AI and Data Analytics, held in collaboration with the Content Development and Monitoring Board, as evidence of the state’s proactive stance.
He assured the media of the government’s continued partnership, particularly in the areas of capacity building and security.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Hajiya Hadiza Dahiru reprensented by the Director of Information, Musa Abdullahi Ogoshi called on media professionals to embrace the transformative power of AI while strictly adhering to the foundational ethics of accuracy and accountability.
Earlier, the NUJ Chairman in the state , Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali appreciated the partnership between the government and the council and called for its sustenance even after the expiration of his tenure.
