Chevron and NUJ urge journalists to embrace AI and data journalism to improve reporting, fact-checking and combat misinformation.
Journalists and industry leaders on Tuesday highlighted the need to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven journalism or risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
At a media capacity-building programme organised by Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, the stakeholders said AI is redefining the practice of journalism globally.
Besides, they stated that it is offering unprecedented opportunities to improve news gathering, fact-checking, data analysis and investigative reporting, while warning that the technology must be deployed responsibly to preserve credibility, ethics and public trust.
Speaking at the opening of the training in Abuja, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, described AI as a game changer that is transforming every stage of the news production process.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept but a powerful tool reshaping how we gather, verify and deliver news,” she said.
She noted that AI has become increasingly valuable in helping journalists process vast amounts of information quickly and accurately.
“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,” Ike added.
Against the backdrop of growing concerns over fake news and manipulated digital content, she stressed that AI-powered tools are becoming indispensable in safeguarding information integrity.
“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,” she said.
Also speaking, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Olusoga Oduselu, represented by Communications Manager, Victor Anyaegbudike, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening journalism through sustained investment in media capacity development.
“We believe in the value derivable from developing human capital,” Oduselu said.
He described journalists as critical partners in national development whose role in shaping public discourse cannot be overstated.
“As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders cannot be over-emphasised,” he said.
Oduselu disclosed that Chevron has continued to invest in the professional development of Nigerian journalists through strategic partnerships and training programmes.
According to him, since 2014, more than 120 media professionals have benefited from Chevron-sponsored programmes at Pan-Atlantic University, while over 180 journalists have participated in the company’s zonal media capacity-building initiatives.