The Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, has stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills can help journalists overcome the evolving challenges in modern media practice.
Oyelade made the remark on Tuesday during a one-day Google training session in Ibadan. He commended the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for prioritizing AI training for its members.
The commissioner stressed the critical importance of continuous training for journalists and urged participants to fully utilize the opportunity provided.
“AI can only endanger the jobs of journalists who refuse to learn,” he said.
He explained that embracing the initiative would enable journalists to remain relevant, sharpen their skills, and enhance professional standards.
“The challenges of information gathering are growing by the day, and we cannot afford to be left behind,” Oyelade added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the NUJ, Mr. Akeem Abas, thanked dignitaries and journalists who attended the training—the second in the series.
Abas noted that the programme, organized in partnership with Google Africa, aims to equip journalists with essential digital skills and build their capacity for ethical, accurate, and impactful reporting.
He highlighted that journalists who adopt AI tools stand to gain significant professional advantages and called for support in establishing a dedicated fact-checking platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The chairman expressed appreciation to Google Africa for the collaboration and reaffirmed the union’s unwavering commitment to upholding professional excellence and adapting to technological advancements in journalism.
The training reflects a growing recognition among Nigerian media stakeholders that AI is not a threat but a powerful tool for enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and relevance in an increasingly digital information landscape.
