Kano, Bauchi,NAWOJ members trained on artificial intelligence to enhance journalism practice
Kola Oyelere Kano
Women journalists from Kano and Bauchi states have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for improving productivity, enhancing reporting standards, and keeping pace with global developments in the media industry.
The call was made during a two-day capacity-building workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Journalism organize by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), for
members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) from Kano and Bauchi States.
Speaking at the training, Senior Programme Officer of the Centre for CITAD, Isa Garba, said the workshop was designed to equip journalists with practical knowledge on the effective and ethical use of AI in their daily professional activities.
According to him, journalism, like other professions, is evolving rapidly, and media practitioners must adapt to technological innovations to remain relevant.
“Journalism is dynamic, and the face of that dynamism today is Artificial Intelligence. Journalists must understand how to effectively utilize AI in reporting, news writing, and other aspects of their work if they want to keep pace with global developments,” he said.
Garba acknowledged concerns about the potential risks associated with AI but stressed that technology should be viewed as a tool whose impact depends on how it is used.
“Technology is a double-edged sword. It can be used positively or negatively. Our responsibility is to maximize its benefits while minimizing its disadvantages.
Journalists must understand the ethical dimensions of AI and use it responsibly to improve their work,” he added.
He noted that AI should complement, rather than replace, human intelligence, emphasizing the need to combine both for quality journalism.
Garba expressed optimism that participants would apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to improve the quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of their work in line with international journalism standards.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bauchi State Chapter, Rashida Yusuf, said the training was aimed at exposing women journalists to modern reporting tools and emerging technologies shaping the media landscape.
She explained that the workshop would help participants broaden their knowledge and strengthen their capacity to compete effectively both nationally and internationally.
“The world is moving towards AI and other modern technologies. We came here to equip ourselves with these skills so that we can improve our reportage and remain competitive with journalists across the world,” she said.
Yusuf cautioned against excessive dependence on AI, noting that while the technology offers significant advantages, it also has limitations.
“We are not encouraging anyone to rely 100 percent on AI because that can make people lazy. We want journalists to strike a balance between using AI and maintaining critical thinking, research, and reading habits,” she stated.
She added that the training would help participants leverage AI to reduce the burden of routine tasks while maintaining professional standards and journalistic integrity
Also speaking at the occasion,the
Chairperson of the NAWOJ, Kano State chapter, Bahijja Malam Kabara, called on women journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their professional capacity, improve productivity, and explore new income-generating opportunities.
Kabara,who made the call during a training programme organised to equip women journalists with practical knowledge and skills in the use of AI technologies.
According to her, the world is currently in a digital era where technological advancements are rapidly transforming the way people work and communicate, making it imperative for journalists to adapt to emerging trends.
“We are here for a programme to learn how to use Artificial Intelligence. We are in a digital era and we must accept and embrace AI,” she said.
She noted that women have largely been left behind in the adoption and application of AI tools and stressed the need for them to acquire the necessary skills to remain relevant in the evolving media landscape.
“Most especially, women are left behind as far as AI is concerned. Therefore, we are here to learn how to use it properly and how we can generate something special from it regarding our work, business and daily activities,” Kabara stated
.
The NAWOJ chairperson explained that the training would expose participants to various AI applications, including content creation, image generation, visualisation, and the development of awareness campaigns.
She acknowledged concerns that AI could replace some jobs in the future but argued that the technology also presents opportunities for innovation and alternative sources of livelihood.
“Some people believe AI will take over some jobs, but it can also be used to generate other sources of income. If one loses a job, there are opportunities within AI that can help people earn a living,” she said
.
Kabara urged women journalists to take advantage of available opportunities to learn and master AI tools, emphasizing that the technology can be useful not only in journalism but also in business management and household activities.
She reiterated that embracing AI would empower women journalists to compete effectively in the digital age while enhancing their contributions to the media industry and society at large.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance digital literacy and strengthen the capacity of women journalists to navigate the rapidly changing media environment driven by technological innovation.