Address: Option FM Akwanga, Low-cost Hill top Akwanga Nasarawa State.
USAGM, VOA Train Nigerian Journalists on AI in Newsrooms
By Michael Umudjon
A three-day intensive training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in journalism has successfully concluded in Abuja. Organized by the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) in collaboration with the Voice of America (VOA), the program aimed to equip Nigerian media professionals with AI-driven skills to enhance their work in an evolving digital landscape.
Sani Mohammed, Nigeria’s Marketing Representative for USAGM, emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting its affiliates through content marketing and professional training.
“USAGM markets content produced by Voice of America, including English and Hausa programs. This AI training, the third this year after two sessions in Kano, is part of our efforts to support media affiliates, promote press freedom, and strengthen democracy globally. AI is shaping journalism, and we want our affiliate journalists to stay ahead by integrating AI tools into their workflows,” Mohammed explained.
The training gathered reporters, editors, and media executives from various organizations, including Option FM Akwanga, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
According to lead facilitator Celestine Achi of Cihan Digital Academy, the goal was to equip journalists with AI skills while addressing fears of job displacement.
“AI is redefining newsrooms across Nigeria. We’ve previously conducted similar training in Ghana, and now we are empowering Nigerian journalists. Those who fail to adapt to AI may struggle in the industry, but those who embrace it can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and productivity,” Achi stated
Participants, including Mercy Tanko, Lukman Adelakin, Yusuf Aminu, and Ahisah Baddegi, engaged in hands-on sessions covering AI-powered fact-checking, automated content creation, and ethical considerations in AI-driven journalism.
With AI transforming media worldwide, initiatives like this training ensure that Nigerian journalists remain competitive and well-prepared for the future of news reporting.
