The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has once again demonstrated its commitment to professional development, receiving high praise from the state government for prioritizing the training and capacity building of journalists.
The commendation came from the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, during a one-day Google-sponsored training program at the Amphitheatre Hall of Dominion Broadcast House in Ibadan.
The session, attended by journalists from across the state, reflected the NUJ’s focus on equipping media practitioners with the skills required to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 24, Oyelade lauded the leadership of the NUJ under Chairman Akeem Abas for strategically emphasizing AI training as a key component of modern journalism development.
He described the move as forward-thinking, noting that the training equips journalists with the tools needed to tackle emerging challenges in information gathering, reporting, and digital verification.
“I agree entirely with Mr. Akeem Abas that AI can only endanger the jobs of journalists who refuse to learn and adapt,” Oyelade said.
He encouraged participants to fully engage with the training, emphasizing that continuous skill development is essential for journalists seeking to thrive in the digital age.
Drawing from his own extensive experience of 47 years in journalism, including his tenure as former state vice chairman of NUJ in 1984 and 1985, Oyelade highlighted the union’s proactive approach.
He pointed to the earlier two-day AI training conducted in January, as well as the current one-day Google training, as clear examples of NUJ’s dedication to preparing members for contemporary media challenges.
“The challenges of information gathering and news verification are growing by the day,” Oyelade stated, scanning the packed hall.
“We cannot afford to be left behind. Training initiatives like this ensure that journalists remain competitive, ethical, and capable of delivering accurate information in a complex media environment.”
Chairman Akeem Abas, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to dignitaries, partners, and journalists for their participation in the second AI-focused training session.
He highlighted that the programme, organized in partnership with Google Africa, is designed to provide practical digital skills that enhance ethical and impactful reporting.
Abas stressed the professional advantage that journalists gain by embracing AI tools and digital platforms.
According to him, these skills are not only crucial for improving research, content creation, and fact-checking, but they also provide an edge in an industry increasingly shaped by technology.
He urged journalists to see AI as an ally that enhances productivity rather than a threat.
The NUJ chairman also outlined plans for a dedicated fact-checking platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abas explained that such an initiative would strengthen media credibility, help combat misinformation, and protect public trust in journalism.
He appealed to stakeholders and partners to support the project, emphasizing its significance for the state’s democratic processes.
Oyelade reinforced the importance of human capacity development in journalism, noting that while AI and other digital tools are transforming the industry, human judgment, creativity, and ethics remain irreplaceable.
He reiterated that AI training complements, rather than replaces, the critical thinking and investigative skills that define professional journalism.
The training sessions covered practical applications of AI tools, strategies for data analysis, and techniques for digital verification.
Participants had the opportunity to explore new ways of producing accurate, timely, and ethical news reports.
The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm, as journalists engaged with content aimed at enhancing their ability to navigate the challenges of modern media.
By organizing structured training in emerging technologies, the Oyo NUJ continues to position itself as a forward-thinking body, ensuring that its members remain relevant in a media landscape increasingly influenced by AI and digital transformation.
The initiative underscores the union’s commitment to professional excellence, ethical reporting, and long-term sustainability in journalism.
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