By Queen Kunde
In a transformative step toward modernizing journalism in Nigeria, Chevron Nigeria Limited, in partnership with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has trained over 70 journalists on the practical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media practice.
Held in Abuja under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism,” the one-day intensive workshop, sponsored by the NNPCL-Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture, focused on equipping journalists with AI tools to enhance productivity, accuracy, and the fight against misinformation in the digital era.
Speaking at the event, Chevron’s General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu represented by Mr. Victor Anyaegbudike described journalists as vital agenda-setters and opinion moulders, stating that the partnership with NUJ was a strategic investment in national development through media empowerment.
“Chevron believes that the success of society contributes to our success as a business. That’s why we invest in building human capacity, especially in the media sector,” Oduselu said, referencing the company’s decade-long commitment to training journalists through its AWARES program, which has so far benefitted over 120 practitioners.
He added, “With AI transforming industries globally, it is imperative that journalists are equipped to adapt and thrive.”
In her remarks, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, hailed the workshop as a “bold and timely” intervention, urging Nigerian journalists to embrace AI as a catalyst for improved performance and public service delivery.
“We are at a turning point in the media profession,” Ike said. “AI now empowers us to verify information faster, analyze large data sets, personalize content for readers, and detect deepfakes. These tools are vital in strengthening public trust and the credibility of our reporting.”
She commended Chevron’s consistency and foresight in supporting media development, describing the training as “vital for empowering journalists to uphold truth and integrity in a fast-evolving digital world.”
The workshop also featured key industry experts.
Busola Ajibola, Deputy Director at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, emphasized that journalists who fail to adapt to AI risk becoming obsolete.
“AI is no longer optional. It’s essential for staying relevant, improving efficiency, and safeguarding your role in the news ecosystem,” she warned.
Also speaking, Dr. Emman Usman Shehu, Director of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), through his representative Dr. Simon Musa Reef, emphasized the power of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as a tool for transparency.
He referenced the Supreme Court’s recent ruling affirming that FOIA applies to all tiers of government, urging journalists to resist intimidation and actively use the law to hold public officials accountable.
Highlighting the mental toll of the digital age, another resource person, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, discussed the growing mental health challenges facing journalists due to online harassment, misinformation battles, and the demands of 24/7 social media cycles.
“Mental health is not a luxury it’s professional responsibility,” Ughegbe said. “When good reporters burn out or quit, society is the one that loses.”
Participants at the workshop lauded the initiative as eye-opening and essential in helping the media stay ahead in a rapidly changing information landscape.
Highlights of the event was presentation of certificate to all participants at the workshop.
With AI now reshaping the way news is gathered, processed, and delivered, the Chevron-NUJ partnership stands as a model of forward-thinking collaboration in Nigeria’s media development agenda.
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