By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Determined to go digital in the practice of journalism, the Benue State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), organised a two-day capacity training workshop to equip journalists in the state to enhance their practice.
Addressing journalists at the opening of the workshop on Wednesday, 22 October, at the NUJ House in Makurdi, the state capital, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Peter Egbodo, urged newsmen to make use of the training to enable them perform creditably.
Represented by the State’s Director of Press, Mimi Adamu, the Commissioner assured of government’s support to NUJ to enable it achieve all the union intends to do.
Declaring the training workshop open, Chairman, Benue Internal Revenue Services (BIRS), Joseph Kwaghgba, noted that Benue journalists are known for competence, pointing out, however, that there was need to improve their capacity to work more efficiently.
The BIRS Chairman who assured of stronger collaboration with the NUJ, emphasized the need to digitalize journalism for optimal performance.
He also charged Benue journalists to enlighten the people on the importance of tax payment.
In his remarks, the Benue State Council Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, who appreciated the State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for providing the enabling environment foe journalists to thrive under his administration, added that the peaceful atmosphere in the state has created room for press freedom.
The Chairman also appreciated the MD BDIC, Terwase Gbande for offering to collaborate with NUJ for enhanced performance of newsmen.
The Chairman said: “Digital literacy is no longer optional,it is a core component of modern journalism and Artificial Intelligence (AI) while often misunderstood, offers powerful tools for research, content creation, fact-checking, and audience engagement.
“But let me warn here that it must be used responsibly, and that is exactly why we are here today to learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
The theme of the workshop was on digital literacy and the application of AI for enhancing journalism in Benue State.
*PHOTO CAPTION: BIRS Chairman, Kwaghgba, addressing journalists at the workshop.
