Silas Shentukwak
The bustling city of Kano recently played host to a transformative three-day training on Artificial Intelligence, organized by USA Global Media in collaboration with Voice of America (VOA).
The event, which brought together journalists, tech enthusiasts, and media professionals to Kano aimed to equip participants with practical AI knowledge and skills to enhance storytelling, fact-checking, and digital content creation.
Before the three-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) training organized by USA Global Media in collaboration with Voice of America (VOA), many participants mostly journalists, media professionals, and content creators had little to no experience with AI.
Some were even skeptical about its relevance in journalism, viewing it as a complex and distant technology.
However, as the interactive sessions began, their perception changed dramatically.
The representatives of USA Global Media and VOA, Sani Mohammed who emphasized the growing influence of AI in modern journalism.
“aims to position journalists at the forefront of AI adoption, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in the fast-evolving media landscape”
Experts delved into AI fundamentals, explaining how machine learning and natural language processing are shaping the future of news reporting.
Celestine Achi, the lead facilitator eased the minds of journalist on fears that AI will replace humans in news production.
“AI is no longer the future; it is the present. Journalists must understand its transformative power and use it to enhance their work, from automated fact-checking and transcription to data analysis and audience engagement.”
Participants were engaged in interactive sessions, learning how AI-powered tools can help automate tasks like transcription, content curation, and audience engagement.
Building on the foundation of day one, the second day focused on practical applications of AI in media.
Participants explored tools for detecting misinformation, leveraging AI for investigative journalism, and using AI-generated analytics to understand audience behavior.
A highlight of the day was a live demonstration on how AI can assist in real-time translation, making journalism more inclusive in multilingual regions like Northern Nigeria.
The final day was dedicated to discussions on AI ethics, data privacy, and the risks of AI-generated misinformation.
Panelists debated the fine balance between AI automation and human creativity, stressing the importance of ethical AI use in journalism.
The training concluded with a brainstorming session where participants shared innovative ideas on how AI could be harnessed to strengthen press freedom and enhance storytelling in the African media landscape.
Participants, Maryam Wankari from Yola and Nazeef Bakura
expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with AI experts and gain hands-on experience.
The collaboration between USA Global Media and Voice of America was widely praised, marking a significant step towards bridging the gap between AI and media professionals in Nigeria.
With AI continuing to revolutionize industries worldwide, initiatives like this ensure that African journalists and content creators are not left behind, empowering them to tell stories more effectively and responsibly in the digital age.