About 100 journalists from across Ogun State gathered in Abeokuta yesterday February 26th 2026 for the Google AI Growth Lab for Media, a one-day training programme aimed at preparing reporters for the growing influence of artificial intelligence in journalism.
The workshop was hosted by the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in partnership with Google Africa and attracted print, broadcast and online journalists, media executives, facilitators and industry stakeholders.
At the event, the NUJ Ogun State Chairman, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju, said the initiative came at a time when artificial intelligence is already reshaping how news is gathered, produced and distributed. He noted that journalists must not see the technology as a threat but as an opportunity to improve their work and remain relevant in an increasingly digital media environment. According to him, the training was designed to expose participants to practical tools that can support research, fact-checking and storytelling in modern newsrooms.
Facilitators at the session, including representatives from Google’s AI team and an external trainer from Nairobi identified as Mr. Ken, walked participants through the use of several emerging tools such as Gemini, Fact Check Explorer, Pinpoint and NotebookLM, explaining how they can help journalists verify information faster, organise research materials and produce more data-driven reports. Discussions during the workshop also focused on ethical considerations and the need for responsible use of AI in journalism.
The session went beyond routine lectures, as participants were engaged in quizzes and interactive exercises aimed at testing their grasp of the AI tools introduced during the workshop. The atmosphere remained lively throughout the training, with some journalists who excelled in the quiz segment going home with gift items presented by Google Africa.
Speakers at the programme stressed that the media industry is changing rapidly and that journalists who learn to integrate technology into their workflow will have an advantage in the profession. They encouraged participants to continue exploring digital tools that can improve accuracy, speed and productivity in reporting.
The Ogun NUJ leadership also expressed appreciation to Google for bringing the training to the state, describing it as a timely intervention that will strengthen journalism practice and support credible information sharing. Participants,
many of whom described the workshop as practical and impactful, said the knowledge gained would help them improve their reporting and adapt to the realities of an AI-driven media landscape.
Leave a comment