NUJ Press Week: FCTA Information Officers, Journalists Urged To Embrace AI, ICT Responsibly

Information officers and journalists serving in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as indispensable tools for modern journalism while ensuring their use remains guided by truth, accuracy, ethics and professionalism.

The charge was given during the 2026 Press Week Training organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCTA Chapel, themed:”Responsible Use of AI and ICT to Enhance Modern Journalism Practice.”

The training brought together information officers from the various Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) of the FCTA to strengthen their capacity in the use of emerging digital technologies.

Speaking at the event, chairman of the occasion and director of Information and Communication, FCTA, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, commended the NUJ FCTA Chapel for organising what he described as a timely and impactful capacity-building programme.

Ogunleye said the theme of the training was highly relevant, noting that Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of journalism and public communication.

“There is no way you can function today without making use of AI tools,” he said, adding that while the technology presents enormous opportunities for innovation, efficiency and improved service delivery, it must be applied responsibly.

He urged journalists and communication professionals to leverage AI in ways that promote credible journalism, strengthen public confidence in the media and serve the overall public interest.

Earlier, chairperson of the NUJ FCTA Chapel, Comrade Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, said the training was designed as a strategic response to the rapidly evolving media landscape driven by technological advancement.

According to her, Artificial Intelligence and ICT have transformed virtually every aspect of journalism, including news gathering, fact-checking, data journalism, content creation, audience engagement and news dissemination.

“These technologies are no longer optional but essential tools for every media professional seeking to remain relevant in the digital era,” she said.

Ufomba stressed that the responsible use of AI requires journalists to uphold the core principles of the profession, including truth, accuracy, fairness, ethical conduct and professionalism, while taking advantage of digital innovations.

She explained that participants would be exposed to practical AI applications and other digital tools aimed at improving newsroom productivity, enhancing storytelling and increasing operational efficiency.

The NUJ FCTA Chapel chairperson also expressed appreciation to the director of Information and Communication, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye; the overseeing director of the Department of Administration and Staff Services (DOAS), Ambassador Fatima Helen Amanabo; the acting managing director and chief executive officer of the Abuja Enterprise Agency, Dr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe; and CWAY Company Limited for their support towards the successful hosting of the training programme.