Chevron Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has trained over 70 journalists on the strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Freedom of Information (FOI) implementation, and mental health resilience in the digital era.
The one-day media capacity workshop, themed “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Journalism”, held in Abuja, was sponsored by the NNPC-Chevron Joint Venture.
Speaking at the event, Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs at Chevron Nigeria, emphasised the importance of capacity building as a pillar of sustainable national development.
Oduselu, represented by Victor Anyaegbudike, noted that Chevron has consistently supported media capacity across Nigeria’s geo-political zones through initiatives like the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme, which has trained over 120 journalists since 2014 in partnership with Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.
He reiterated the need for ethical and evidence-based journalism, especially in sectors like oil and gas where public interest is high.
He said: “As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders cannot be over-emphasised. I want to thank you for your impactful role in reporting on the oil and gas industry and providing effective perspectives on complex industry operations.
“Through programmes such as AWARES and this current journalism training, we help to improve professional capacity and build lasting partnerships with our media stakeholders. We also recognise that the success of the larger society invariably translates to success in our business, and we believe it is in our long-term interest to add value to society as we create value for our stakeholders.
“We are always open to dialogue and further discussions if you require clarification on a story that directly affects our company or the oil and gas industry.”
He also urged journalists to make their mark in the narrative of Nigeria and her multidimensional development while maintaining the ethical principles that guide their noble profession.
According to Oduselu, the firm supports Nigerian Content development by providing employment opportunities to Nigerians and contract opportunities in all our projects, with an estimated annual average of over $1 billion.
Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Grace Ike, urged journalists to embrace AI to enhance performance and productivity.
Ike harped on the importance of AI in every field of endeavour, and pointed out that AI has been adopted by colleagues in other climes to harness their potential and work seamlessly.
She commended Chevron Nigeria’s confidence and commitment to organising the media capacity-building workshop, which aims to enhance media reportage in nation-building by leveraging AI to increase efficiency, including setting the agenda and fostering informed public discourse.
“We stand at a transformative moment in the history of journalism. Artificial Intelligence, AI, is no longer a distant concept but a powerful tool reshaping how we gather, verify, and deliver news.
“AI enhances our ability to analyse vast data, detect misinformation, and engage audiences more effectively. It offers unprecedented opportunities to improve the speed, accuracy, and reach of our reporting.
“Moreover, AI plays a crucial role in fact-checking and verification. 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.
“This strengthens the credibility of journalism by reducing errors and misinformation. AI also personalises content for audiences by tailoring news feeds and recommendations based on reader preferences, thereby increasing engagement and sustaining readership.
“Tools that transcribe interviews and speeches efficiently save journalists time, allowing them to focus on analysis and storytelling.
“Let us embrace innovation boldly but responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances our mission to inform, enlighten, and serve society with courage and integrity,” she said.
She also maintained that capacity building is an imperative for all journalists, saying it calls for journalists to “embrace innovation, uphold integrity, and lead the transformation of journalism in Nigeria and beyond.
Deputy Director, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Busola Ajibola, while speaking on the topic, ‘Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance Journalism in Nigeria’ said journalists who fail to leverage on AI would have his or her job threatened.
He urged them to be proactive in embracing trending innovations and technologies to improve their skills and knowledge.
Director, International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, Dr Emman Usman Shehu, speaking on the topic, ‘Freedom of Information and Media Accountability’, said it is important for journalists to use the Freedom of Information Act as it gives them the opportunity and right to hold public officials accountable.
Shehu, represented by Dr Simon Musa Reef, said, “The Act applies not only to public institutions but also to private organisations providing public services, performing public functions, or utilising public funds.
“Recent Developments: In April 2025, the Nigerian Supreme Court ruled that the FOIA applies to all tiers of government, including state institutions.
“This landmark judgement addressed the reluctance of some state governments to comply with the Act, thereby enhancing its applicability nationwide.
He pointed out that there are challenges in its implementation, including Limited awareness – Many citizens, journalists, and public officials are unaware of the FOIA’s provisions and benefits, hindering its effective utilisation.