NUJ, Benue Government Train Journalists on Digital Literacy, Artificial Intelligence Application

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, in collaboration with the Benue State Government through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), has organized a two-day training workshop for journalists on digital literacy and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of efforts to enhance journalism practice in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the capacity-building workshop, which began on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, and concluded on Thursday, brought together journalists from across the state eager to acquire new skills in digital reporting, content creation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Chairman of the NUJ Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, described the training as a bold step toward equipping members for the digital era, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape where information travels at lightning speed.

He expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the programme and appreciated the Benue State Government for providing an enabling environment for press freedom and professional development.

Ugber commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for promoting a peaceful atmosphere that allows journalists to perform their duties without fear or intimidation. He also applauded the State Working Committee and chapel leaders for their commitment, describing the workshop as “a timely intervention in a fast-evolving media ecosystem.”

Speaking on the theme, “Digital Literacy and the Application of Artificial Intelligence for Enhancing Journalism,” Ugber said it aptly reflects the urgent need for journalists to upgrade their skills to remain relevant and ethical in a digital-first world.

“Digital literacy is no longer optional; it’s a core requirement of modern journalism. Artificial Intelligence provides powerful tools for research, fact-checking, content creation, and audience engagement — but it must be used responsibly. That’s why we are here today: to learn, unlearn, and relearn,” he stated.

He urged participants to take the training seriously and replicate the knowledge gained within their respective chapels to ensure the impact of the programme resonates across the state’s media landscape.

Ugber further commended the Managing Director of BDIC, Comrade Terwase Gbande, for funding the training free of charge, describing it as “a bold investment in the future of journalism in Benue State.”

On the ongoing screening of journalists in the state, Ugber noted that it was “a necessary and overdue process” to sanitize the profession and ensure that only qualified practitioners operate under the NUJ banner. “This is not a witch-hunt but a professional necessity to uphold the integrity of our calling,” he emphasized.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and CEO of BDIC, Comrade Terwase Gbande, highlighted the importance of digital empowerment to the future of journalism. Represented by his management team, Gbande noted that the media remains the conscience, voice, and mirror of society, stressing that “without a digitally empowered press, democracy becomes outdated.”

He explained that BDIC was established by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration to drive Benue’s transition into a 21st-century digital economy through broadband expansion, ICT hubs, and smart connectivity across all sectors, including the media. “Our mission is to build a Smart Benue where digital access powers education, business, governance, and communication,” he said.

Gbande emphasized that journalists are key partners in this vision, adding that a digitally equipped reporter becomes not just a messenger of news but also a “digital storyteller, data analyst, and guardian of truth in a world flooded with misinformation.”

He assured that BDIC would continue to partner with NUJ to train journalists in digital literacy, cybersecurity, and data journalism, as well as establish innovation labs to support modern newsrooms.

While urging journalists to embrace technology, Gbande cautioned against prioritizing speed over accuracy. “In the digital age, credibility is currency. The temptation to go viral must never override the duty to be factual. Let us use digital tools to advance truth, promote peace, and inspire development in our beloved Benue State,” he advised.

The workshop, facilitated by BDIC’s digital experts led by Mrs. Mimidoo Addingi and Engineer Erastus Ikpila, featured hands-on sessions on data handling, AI-assisted reporting, and online content management.

Participants described the training as timely and impactful, noting that it would enhance their productivity and strengthen ethical standards in an increasingly technology-driven media landscape.

“It was emphasized that the media must not only report change but also drive it. Through collaborations like this, Benue’s journalists are now better equipped to lead the digital transformation of the state’s information ecosystem,” one of the participants, Amos Aar, stated.