In a powerful move signalling transformation in media practice, Chevron Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), convened a one‑day workshop titled “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism.” Held in the nation’s capital, the event drew more than seventy journalists eager to refine their storytelling through cutting-edge AI-powered tools.
Table of Contents
A Strategic Step Toward Digital Excellence
The workshop, generously sponsored by the NNPC–Chevron joint venture, reflects Chevron’s ongoing investment in media capacity—a critical pillar in fostering sustainable national development. The international energy giant is no stranger to skills enrichment; it has previously supported programs like the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) initiative, which has equipped over 120 journalists across Nigeria since 2014.
Victor Anyaegbudike, representing Chevron’s General Manager for Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, Olusoga Oduselu, underscored the importance of credible, ethical journalism. “In sectors as significant as oil and gas, delivering accurate, fact‑based reports is not just professional—it’s a duty to society,” he remarked, reinforcing Chevron’s commitment to transparency and integrity.
Embracing AI as a Core Reporting Tool
NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, framed artificial intelligence not as competing with journalism, but as its collaborator. According to Ike, journalists in many parts of the world use AI for research, automation, data analysis, and audience engagement.
She elaborated: “AI tools enhance our ability to analyse large data sets, detect misinformation, verify sources and personalise news—activating speed, accuracy, and engagement.” She emphasised AI’s critical role in:
- Fact‑checking and deepfake detection: Counteracting the rising tide of misinformation.
- Content personalisation: Customising news to match readers’ interests.
- Efficient transcription tools: Freeing reporters to focus on deeper investigation.
Her core message: “Let us embrace innovation boldly but responsibly.” For Ike, AI must expand journalism’s mission: to inform, enlighten, and serve the public with integrity.
Skills Surge & Mental Resilience
The workshop covered a triad of competencies: AI framework, Freedom of Information (FOI) usage, and mental health resilience in a digitally accelerated profession.
Leveraging AI in reporting
Busola Ajibola of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development led the AI segment. She delivered a candid warning: resist AI adoption, and you risk obsolescence. Her message was clear—journalists must adapt by integrating current tools and technologies into their craft.
FOI as a watchdog’s weapon
Emman Usman Shehu from the International Institute of Journalism dove into FOI protocols. In light of a recent April 2025 Supreme Court ruling affirming that FOI laws cover all government tiers, Shehu — speaking through Dr Simon Musa Reef — urged reporters to wield the Act fully to hold institutions accountable.
Mental health resilience
Although less spotlighted in written reports, group discussions underscored digital-era stressors: 24/7 connectivity, rapid-news cycles, and rising expectations from tech-savvy audiences. Attendees exchanged coping strategies around managing deadlines, avoiding burnout, and sustaining well‑being amid high-pressure demands.
Journalists Respond: Exploration, Excitement & Apprehension
Feedback showed genuine enthusiasm. One participant noted how AI tools ingested vast datasets in minutes, empowering more meaningful narrative production. Others admitted concerns—would automation erode job security or deepen the digital divide in journalism?
Trainers emphasized AI was not a replacement, but a performance multiplier. A seasoned Abuja reporter captured it: “If we don’t incorporate AI now, we risk falling behind. It’s part of staying professional in modern journalism.”
Chevron: A Media Partner & National Stakeholder
Oduselu remarked, “Your impactful role in reporting on oil & gas helps shape public discourse—and we are here to support that clarity.” He invited ongoing dialogue, stating Chevron’s doors remain open to journalists seeking clarification on complex company or industry stories.
This isn’t an isolated effort. Chevron annually injects over $1 billion into Nigerian content development—through employment and project contracts—reinforcing its long-term stake in national growth.
The Broader Implication: Journalism in Nigeria’s AI Era
This workshop is part of a larger reckoning across African media. As global journalism navigates rapid tech change, Nigeria’s newsrooms stand at a crossroads: continue with legacy methods, or converge with AI-driven innovation.
AI’s practical benefits include:
- Smart search and content recommendations,
- Automated transcription and data extraction,
- Interactive audience-engagement tools (e.g., chatbots),
- Supporting investigative journalism via pattern recognition.
Yet risks remain: algorithmic bias, echo chambers, and ethical dilemmas around sensitive data—all demanding ongoing training, strong editorial policies, and public dialogue.
Nuancing this, the April 2025 court ruling on FOI provides a foil: data-gathering transparency must be paired by journalists’ data-analysis capabilities to fully serve accountability objectives.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Capacity Development
Journalism—often called the Fourth Estate—relies on accuracy. As Grace Ike said, journalists are “agenda-setters and opinion moulders”; building their capacity is vital for democracy and for Chevron’s vision of shared societal progress.
Cheering this, NUJ FCT has committed to follow-up activities:
- AI toolkits and peer‑learning groups,
- FOI refresher sessions,
- Mental health support networks.
Chevron pledged to fund subsequent AWARES programming and host deep-dive AI labs in collaboration with journalism faculties and tech partners. Planning is underway to extend workshops to Kano, Port Harcourt, and Lagos before year-end.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Nigerian Media
In a digital-first world, journalists face a clear choice: evolve with AI tools, or risk professional obsolescence. Chevron and NUJ’s joint effort in Abuja illuminates a roadmap: practical skills, ethical grounding, inquisitive responsibility, and wellbeing support.
This workshop was not just a training day—it was a declaration of intent: Nigerian journalism is ready to innovate—with courage, with integrity, and with impact. By diligently blending AI tools, legal empowerment, and emotional resilience, they’re positioning themselves not just as storytellers but as architects of public trust.
Join our WhatsApp community
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
