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Category: Media Nation

  • Flow FM 92.7: Revolutionising Radio with a Global Perspective and Local Heartbeat

    Flow FM 92.7: Revolutionising Radio with a Global Perspective and Local Heartbeat

    • By Babajide Fadoju

    Since joining Media Planning Services in July 2024, Flow FM 92.7 Ilorin has rapidly made its mark, surging to a 36 per cent market share in Kwara by October 2024. The station, a 24/7 English-only broadcaster, has climbed eight spots in a competitive market in just a few months, a testament to its innovative approach to radio.

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     Under the direction of Flow FM’s executive leadership, the station has embraced a bold vision of blending local and international sounds, appealing to both the younger and older generations. With highlights like DJ nights featuring both new-school and old-school music on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively, the station stands out as a cultural hub. Its focus on “more music, less talk” ensures that listeners get a steady stream of entertainment that celebrates the universal power of music. Music, as the station demonstrates, transcends language and borders, unifying people both within Nigeria and globally. The station’s dynamic programming reflects its mission to not only talk about culture but shape it. With the global rise of Nigerian music, Flow FM brings the best of Afrobeats and international genres to the forefront, offering a sound that resonates with people from all corners of the world. The station’s digital-first strategy ensures that listeners can tune in 24/7, whether through traditional airwaves, digital platforms like Radio Garden, or directly via the station’s website (www.flowfm927.com), with an app soon to launch for even more accessibility. A Global Perspective, A Local Commitment Simi Sanni, General Manager of Flow FM, brings an invaluable global perspective to the station. Having lived across three continents—North America, Europe, and now Africa—Simi Sanni combines a wealth of international experience with a deep love of music. Her unique insight into the global music scene has shaped Flow FM into a station that not only entertains but also builds bridges between Nigeria and the world. “Having lived in multiple countries, one thing that stands out to me is the global impact of Nigerian music. Much like K-pop has found its audience worldwide, Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats, has captivated listeners from every continent,” says Simi Sanni. “At Flow FM, we’re not just broadcasting Nigerian culture; we’re helping to shape the narrative, showing the world how powerful and unifying music can be.” Under Simi Sanni’s guidance, the station has quickly established itself as a leader in the media landscape, leveraging innovative digital strategies and a focus on community engagement. With a mission to both entertain and empower, Flow FM strives to connect with listeners on a personal level. The station’s outreach programmes, giveaways, and regular check-ins with listeners foster a family-like atmosphere, making every listener feel like they’re part of something bigger. Empowering Change and Shaping the Future At the heart of Flow FM’s success is the support of its founders, Chairman Engr. Femi Sanni, FNICE, and the CEO Dayo Sanni, whose vision and guidance have been instrumental in building the station’s foundation. Their commitment to empowering Simi Sanni and the team has enabled Flow FM to flourish in an overcrowded radio market. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short time, but we’re also aware of the responsibility we have,” says Simi Sanni. “In a world with so many media options, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But by staying true to our vision—being a station that speaks to both the heart and the mind—we’re able to stand out. Our focus on digital-first programming, our commitment to music, and our dedication to community engagement are the pillars that will continue to drive us forward.” The CEO echoes this sentiment: “Flow FM isn’t just a station; it’s a movement. We’re setting the pace for what modern radio should be—engaging, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to our audience.” Flow FM’s Vision: Redefining Radio in Kwara Flow FM’s vision is to be Nigeria’s voice to the world, not just a local broadcaster but a station that speaks to the global community. While deeply rooted in Kwara, Flow FM blends local authenticity with a global outlook, ensuring that its influence extends far beyond the state’s borders. With its dynamic programming and smooth presentation style, Flow FM embodies the cosmopolitan energy of Lagos, a major global city, known for its cultural vibrancy and economic influence. By offering a fusion of global sounds and local stories, Flow FM is positioning itself as a station that not only reflects Nigeria’s cultural epicenter but actively shapes the conversation around it. Whether it’s through the latest Afrobeats hits or international R&B tracks, Flow FM is creating a space where music and culture are celebrated on a global scale. The station’s success isn’t just about ratings; it’s about breaking barriers, challenging perspectives, and pushing boundaries in a way that inspires listeners everywhere. “This is just the beginning,” says the Chairman. “Our mission is clear: to amplify Nigerian culture to a global audience while keeping that deep connection to our roots.” And with its innovative programming and growing presence, Flow FM is well on its way to achieving this bold vision, resonating with audiences both at home and abroad.

  • Double celebration for Biodun Fatoyinbo

    Double celebration for Biodun Fatoyinbo

    Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo’s journey into the ministry is a tapestry woven with both triumphs and challenges. Starting in Ilorin, Kwara State, he gradually established himself as a prominent figure in the ministerial landscape. Despite being surrounded by controversies from his past, Fatoyinbo believes in the power of redemption, asserting that his creator has forgiven him and transformed his life, allowing him to shine brightly in his calling.

    His church, the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), located in Abuja, has become a beacon of hope, attracting thousands of faithfuls from diverse backgrounds to each service day. The vibrant atmosphere of COZA, coupled with soulful worship sessions, creates a welcoming space where individuals can connect deeply with their spirituality. As a result, the church is consistently filled, further solidifying Fatoyinbo’s reputation as a household name in ministry.

    In recent years, Fatoyinbo faced a significant health scare but emerged from the ordeal even stronger, demonstrating the grace he attributes to his creator.

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    On January 1, he celebrated an  age milestone – his 50th birthday. However, he chose to delay the festivities until last week, marking this significant occasion alongside his 25th wedding anniversary. The celebration saw a renewal of his wedding vows with his wife, Modele Fatoyinbo, in a ceremony that beautifully blended modern elegance with traditional cultural elements.

    The renewal of vows was officiated by Bishop David Oyedepo, the esteemed founder of Living Faith Church, and attended by a host of dignitaries, including a former president of Nigeria, who all gathered to witness this momentous event. Following the church service, a lavish reception awaited the guests, characterized by a splendidly decorated venue that set the stage for an unforgettable ‘Owambe’ celebration. Attendees were treated to an exquisite array of culinary delights, and the air was filled with music and laughter as friends and family came together to celebrate the Fatoyinbos. Notable performances from gospel artists like Testimony Jaga and Mercy Chinwo added to the festive atmosphere, making it a truly joyous occasion.

  • Battle against fake news is for all, says NIPR

    Battle against fake news is for all, says NIPR

    The President and Chairman of Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku has called for a synergy among critical stakeholders to curb spread of fake news in the society.

    Speaking recently at the UN House Abuja during the premiere of When Wolves Cry, a pan-African movie project that is aimed to address the challenges of fake news on the continent, Dr. Neliaku said the multiplicity of platforms through which fake news are shared has made it difficult for a single body to fight it.

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    “It is no longer for one person or organisation to handle. It is a responsibility that is now before all of us. Fake news has a brother, which is disinformation has a sister, misinformation and a cousin, which is propaganda. We must fight all these together with the needed energy and it is everybody’s responsibility to do so at this material point in time”, he stated.

    The NIPR boss while cautioning that responsible communication must be deeply imbibed, urged that individuals should avoid utterances that they would not take responsibility for. He commended the producer/director, Eyaba Emmanuel and his team for embarking on the project. He also called on relevant agencies, including the UNESCO to embark on capacity building for journalists, which will help in curbing the spread of fake news.

  • Enhancing quality of journalism practice

    Enhancing quality of journalism practice

    The significance of ethical journalism and its impact on good governance formed the thrust of a recent one-day workshop for training of journalists in the Southeast region.

    The training organised by Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative  ( IMCAI )  with support by the MacArthur Foundation  ( MAF ) through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ ), was held at Umuahia Abia State capital to improve the quality of journalism in the region.

    Participants were charged  to abide by the set ethical standard of  practice of the  profession in such manner that would  also hold the country’s  leaders accountable to the people.

    With the theme “Improving the Quality of Journalism in the South-East for Good Governance,” the workshop was declared open by the co-Publisher of Ikenga Online Media  Dr Chido Onumah. He said it was one of the activities of IMCAI,  supported by the MAF through the  WSCIJ, with the aim to  promote accountability and good governance through media independence and ethical journalism in the country.

    He noted that with this third edition, the workshop has trained more than  55 journalists in the region  on the fundamentals of ethical Journalism.

    “ Some of the feedbacks we got after the  previous trainings included the need for continued reinforcement of the message of how the media can impact positively on the governance process,” he added..

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     Pastor Ralph Egbu, a resource person In his paper titled   “Ethical Journalism in an era of Technology” said that ethical issues in journalism practice are frequently impaired by the very nature of the intrusion of pervasive technology in the profession  with the immediacy of digital platforms often demanding  quick reporting even as  there is always pressure on journalists to publish the news rapidly/quickly.

    Egbu who was represented by Sir Chimdi Oluoha, stated that the emergence of technology has not improved the ethics of Journalism practice hence the call by Scholars for a drastic review of the traditional Journalism ethics .

    He noted that media newsrooms expose the inadequacy  of the training of journalists as many of the graduates are not grounded in the theory of journalism.

    In his  paper  titled  “Moving the needle; the kind of journalism that engenders good governance” Mr Chinagorom Ugwu  of the Premium Times said that Investigative Journalism remains an in dept form of Journalism that uncovers the truth, holds leaders accountable and protects the interest of the masses.

  • Eugenia Abu honoured with nonfiction prize

    Eugenia Abu honoured with nonfiction prize

    Two creative initiatives in the auspices of Sevhage Literary and Development Initiative and the ALINEA Initiative have honoured distinguished writer, broadcaster, and media consultant Eugenia Abu with a prize.

    Tagged: Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE International Prize for Creative Nonfiction, the organisers say the prize is inspired by her life, and rich legacy across fields.

    According to them, it is aimed at celebrating outstanding creative nonfiction from writers worldwide, highlighting voices that challenge, inspire, and/or provide deep insights into the human experience”. The prize, which is funded and administered by their organisations, is also supported by an endowment from Dr Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, African Development Bank Group, and some anonymous patrons.

    “We are honoured to dedicate this year’s Creative Nonfiction Prize to Eugenia Abu, better known as one of Nigeria’s cherished broadcasters, an award-winning author and an outstanding mentor.

    “Mrs. Abu holds a special place in many of our hearts. It was always a delight to watch her on TV and, for me personally, to learn from her guidance at different points. She is an once-in-a-lifetime figure, and we are blessed to have her in our lives. Inspired by her life, and rich legacy across fields, we are excited to celebrate nonfiction works that resonate with readers locally and globally,” said award-winning writer and Executive Director/President of SEVHAGE, Su’ur Su’eddie Vershima Agema, said.

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    The prize, according to him, is a key component of the SEVHAGE Literary Prizes 2024, which also includes categories for fiction and critical essays. Prof. Hyginus Ekwuazi, multiple award-winning multi-genre writer, scholar, Professor of Broadcast Media and former Vice Chancellor of the Dominican University Ibadan, will serve as the Chief Judge for this year’s prizes.

    Mrs. Abu is one of Nigeria’s frontline awardwinning broadcast journalists, who anchored the NTA flagship network news for 17 years and retired from active public service at the top of her career as Executive Director Programmes having served for 34 years. A Multimedia Strategist, Media Consultant, Columnist, and author of two books, is the Managing Partner/CEO of The Eugenia Abu Media who anchored the 2023 Presidential inauguration Lecture and the Presidential inaugural ball for President Tinubu. 

    SEVHAGE prizes, which are a series of annual literary and art awards organized by the SEVHAGE Literary and Development Initiative and SEVHAGE Publishers (a branch of SEVHAGE Integrated Services Ltd) in collaboration with various partners, are open to Africans and other writers globally. Submissions are annually reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, including established writers, editors, and literary critics. The shortlist and final announcement of winners for the awards will be announced in the final quarter of 2024. More information on the prize are on www.sevhage.com/prizes website.

  •  ‘Be socially responsible in election coverage’

     ‘Be socially responsible in election coverage’

    Journalists have been advised to be socially responsible in the coverage and reportage of events, especially the forthcoming September 21 Edo State gubernatorial elections. Giving the advice at a recent media engagement in Benin City, the Edo state capital Executive Directors Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) Akin Akingbulu and International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade charged member of the fourth estate of the realm to be professional in the performance of their duties.

    Akingbulu urged journalists to fulfill their duties in providing professional coverage and voter education stressing the importance of understanding the local electoral landscape and consistent engagement to ensure citizens are well-informed and prepared to participate in the election.

    He noted that the people of Edo State, along with other democratic stakeholders, are eager for a free, fair and credible election. He also encouraged media professionals to contribute positively to the process by promoting peaceful conduct, preventing malpractices and ensuring the participation of all citizen groups.

    Akingbulu disclosed the event is part of the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Phase II Project, which aims to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes by enhancing the media’s role in providing fair, accurate, and inclusive electoral coverage. He stated that CEMESO in collaboration with the IPC is working to improve the professionalism of media practitioners.

    This, he said, includes building capacity to tackle misinformation and disinformation, diversifying civic and voter education and ensuring inclusive electoral coverage, particularly for women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

    Arogundade highlighted the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage, which outlines guidelines for equitable representation, professionalism, social responsibility, and ethical conduct.

    According to him, ‘the code emphasises accurate and impartial voter education, dissemination of information in indigenous languages, and clear identification of political advertisements.’

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    He underscored the media’s responsibility to uphold highest standards of ethics and professionalism in voter, civic education and election coverage.

    Programme Manager CEMESO, Timothy Bamidele said that the project’s media support focuses on enhancing the professionalism of media practitioners.

    The initiative, he noted, addresses misinformation and disinformation, promotes effective civic and voter education, encourages the use of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, and fosters inclusivity in the electoral process with particular attention to women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

    Edo State Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Festus Alenkhe and the state Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Adesuwa Ehimuan described the training as timely and acknowledged the challenges faced by the media such as the need for neutrality and the potential for misinformation and disinformation.

  • Three journalists make NLNG literary prize list

    Three journalists make NLNG literary prize list

    Three journalists are on the list of those contending for the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature.

    The journalists – Henry Akubuiro, Anietie Usen and Jumoke Verissimo –  are part of the 11 authors that made the prize’s initial shortlisted, dubbed popularly as ‘longlist.

    The 11 selected works were chosen from a pool of 163 entries entered for the prize by a panel of judges led by Prof. Saleh Abdu of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, are all contenders for this year’s prize, which is dedicated to Children’s Literature. Other judges include Professor Vicky Sylvester and Dr. Osarobu Igudia.

    Akubuiro is the Arts Editor of Daily Sun and member of The Sun Editorial Board); while Usen is currently the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Media and Publicity). On her part, Verissimo, who is currently Assistant Professor of English at Toronto Metropolitan University, used to contribute to The Guardian.

    Their works included Verissimo (Grandma And The Moon’s Hidden Secret), Akubuiro (Mighty Mite And Golden Jewel) and Usen (Village Boy).

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    A book party in Lagos was hosted over the weekend by Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA) and The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) in honour of the 11 authors at the prestigious Muson Centre, Onikan.

    The authors on the longlist honoured alongside the three included Ndidi Chiazor-Enenmo (A Father’s Pride), Akanni Festus Olaniyi (Bode’s Birthday Party), Temiloluwa Adeshina (Risi Recycle – The Dustbin Girl), and Olatunbosun Taofeek (The Children At The IDP Camp).

    Other authors on the longlist are Ayo Oyeku (The Magic Jalabiya), Familoni Oluranti Olubunmi (The Road Does Not End), Hyginus Ekwuazi (The Third Side of A Coin), and Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike (Wish Maker).

    According to the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development in NLNG, Andy Odeh, the winner is set to be announced in October 2024. The Nigeria Prize for Literature, which has been promoting excellence in literature for 20 years, rotates annually among four genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature. As the Prize continues its commitment to nurturing talent and supporting the arts, the impact of this year’s edition is expected to inspire the next generation of Nigerian writers and readers, according to Odeh.

  • NatureNews gets JTI nod

    NatureNews gets JTI nod

    Frontline environment newspaper, NatureNews has been certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) as first news media in Nigeria dedicated to nature and environment and to be certified by JTI.

     The certification, which was announced at the weekend, is sequel to the newspaper’s excellent performance on a score of JTI parameters. JTI is an ISO-Standard international organisation designed to provide a transparent mechanism for curbing misinformation and providing tangible rewards for ethical and professional journalism.

    According to a statement by the media organisation JTI standards were developed by the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontiers, RSF) in partnership with 130 experts and organisations representing journalists, editors, technology and advertising industries. The statement said more than 400 media outlets from over 70 countries are currently participating in the JTI programme, with NatureNews blazing a historic trail as the first media establishment in Nigeria to be JTI certified.

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    Conveying the certification, Mr. Macoumba Ndour said: “Nature News has been independently certified according to the JTI and CEN Workshop Agreement No. 17493.2019. Mr. Ndour said ‘the certificate covers the media production, media business management, production quality, and information reliability of the news brand.”

    The JTI recognition comes a few weeks after the newspaper, NatureNews, was rated Top 10 in a survey of over 2,500 nature publications in the world. In a reaction to the certification, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, said he was thrilled and excited by the successful audit after working so hard for it.  He said: “The JTI certification is a culmination of the rigorous online evaluation and scrupulous onsite verification of our journalism processes based on performance indicators administered by the International Risks and Quality, IRISQ.”

    “Coming barely two months to the fourth year anniversary of NatureNews”, he noted, ‘the certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to journalism ethics, managerial excellence, professional integrity, accountability, and corporate governance.’

    “We are delighted to share the joy of this enviable certification with our loyal fans and audiences across Africa and around the world. We cherish them for keeping faith with our authoritative journalism on the thematic issues of environment, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable earth.”

  • Solution journalism the way to go

    Solution journalism the way to go

    Former Osun State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode has said that the campaign against slavery/modern slavery is a critical situation that warrants the enactment of solution journalism. She stated that it is important to focus as heavily on sustainable freedom for people who have escaped as it is to talk about the root causes that lead to enslavement in the first place.

    Egbemde spoke on The role of media and communication in shaping anti-slavery narratives at a three-day workshop organised by the African Abolitionism Research Project held at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos recently.

    The aim of the workshop is to study local abolitionism on the continent as the conventional narrative about the abolition of slavery in Africa is largely centered on European efforts. However, the role played by local Africans in combating slavery within their own societies has received minimal attention. The project has been awarded funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

    She said the role of media in anti-slavery narrative is both broad and profound, noting that media are not the only ones who have a role to play in promoting anti-slavery narratives–the chain of role players is quite a long one. She identified media and information literacy as key elements that should complement the role of media in the campaign against slavery in the society. 

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    “While globally and nationally, so much strategic efforts are being invested to ensure that more and more people are information literate, it is important to begin to ask ourselves some critical questions.” 

    “What is the purpose of the media I subscribe to or commonly derive my feeders from? What values or points of view are always presented by this media? What messages or ideologies are they trying to convey? How vocal or otherwise is this media on issues relating to social justice and health?” she asked.

    According to her, it is important that media audiences are also literate because the media can be used to spread messages of empowerment and oppression because sometimes, those who control the media–the multi-layered gatekeepers– also control its narratives.

    “So, the quicker the literacy level of the audience moves quickly past the level of fake news or no fake news, and we begin to interrogate deeper issues inflicting injuries to the sanctity of the society, the better for us,” Egbemode added.

    She identified some tips for media engagement to include presenting a complete narrative, showing context and causes, showing connections and building hope through their respect reports.

    On the need to show context and causes, she said: “There are reasons that slavery is thriving. A variety of social, economic and political problems make people vulnerable; these include migration, poverty, racial and gender discrimination, governmental corruption, inadequate regulations and legal enforcement, overpopulation and economic globalisation. Until these root causes are addressed, survivors may fall back into slavery or others may be enslaved in their place. Being conversant on these trends helps journalists establish deeper diagnoses rather than just peripheral reporting.”

    She observed that there has been large-scale protests and demonstrations over the years against the system of slavery and other forms of undue advantage taking both in intra-national and international relationships. She stressed that there have been many potential and actual armed resistance against slavery, but the question remains– is slavery still in force today? Is slavery still a phenomenon we should be concerned about today? Are African human resources and natural commodities still being exploited for the cultivation of wealth and power of in Europe and America? Are the ruling class and bourgeois still taking advantage of the vulnerable in the society for political power, social standing and wealth creation?

    According to her, understanding the ideological construct that undergird the overall workings of the media provides a window that allows us to see what kind of ideas circulate through media texts, how they are constructed, how they change over time and when they are being challenged (if at all).

    Journalism and media practice, she said, is not about disseminating reckless information from all manner of beats and events as media is a battleground for cultural warfare for the overall benefit of the masses, the ordinary people. “That is why is the called the ‘fourth power’ or the ‘fourth estate’, because of its responsibility as a watchdog over society’s systems and structures, and because of the weight it pulls as an explicit advocate and implicit framer of situations,” she added.

  • FactCheckAfrica trains 41 West African journalists

    FactCheckAfrica trains 41 West African journalists

    FactCheckAfrica, an initiative of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, has trained 41 journalists across West Africa in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    This initiative, titled the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Journalism Fellowship (West Africa), focuses on the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools within journalism.

    This three-month programme explores the intersection of journalism and AI, paving the way for impactful storytelling and informed public discourse.

    Participants learned about new AI tools that enhance newsroom productivity, accuracy, and engagement through streamlined workflows, bias detection, improved research capabilities, and captivating multimedia storytelling platforms.

    Programs Lead, FactCheckAfrica AI Journalism Fellowship, Prudence Emudianughe, said a key objective of the fellowship is to empower journalists with a strong foundation in ethical AI principles and best practices.

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    This, she said, involves not only recognising and mitigating biases in AI algorithms but also ensuring the protection of privacy and the prevention of misinformation.

    Prudence said by instilling these values, the fellowship seeks to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity in the age of artificial intelligence.

    She added that participants, who are now fellows, have learned from leading experts in AI and journalism, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge that they can apply in their professional work.

    She also said the training has not only expanded the participants’ technical skills but also instilled a deeper appreciation for the nuanced interplay between AI and journalism, reaffirming the transformative potential of responsible AI integration in newsrooms.

    “The AI Journalism Fellowship West Africa underscores the importance of ethical considerations in integrating AI tools within journalism. Throughout the program, participants engage in insightful discussions about potential biases, privacy concerns, and misinformation risks associated with AI technology.

    “The goal is to empower journalists with a strong foundation in ethical AI principles and best practices, ensuring their use of AI aligns with the highest standards of journalistic integrity.

    “The integration of AI in journalism offers tremendous potential, but it also comes with significant ethical responsibilities. Our goal is to ensure that journalists are well-equipped to handle these responsibilities and to use AI in ways that enhance, rather than undermine, the credibility and trustworthiness of their work,” she said.

    The Global Director of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, Olasupo Abideen, expressed enthusiasm about the pioneering AI Journalism Fellowship in West Africa.

    “We are so enthusiastic to see that, for the first time in Africa, especially West Africa, we have the first AI Journalism Fellowship that cuts across West Africa,” Abideen remarked.

    He said the initiative represents a significant milestone for the region, bringing together journalists and technologists to navigate the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence in media.

    Abideen noted that the fellowship has already shown promising results, as evidenced by the fellows’ active engagement on social media and their reports back to the initiative.

    “Judging by what the fellows have been posting across their social media and sharing with us, it has been intriguing that we have not only imported the fellows but also impacted different newsrooms, news platforms, and technologists with various tools to navigate the AI world,” he said.

    Abideen emphasised the importance of sustainability and the transfer of knowledge gained during the fellowship. “We hope that the fellows will pass this knowledge to others.’ he ahead.

    Intellectuals such as Harvard Assistant Professor Greg Gondwe highlighted the importance of localised content development and the critical role internet connectivity plays in Africa for proper AI utilization.

    Dr. Gondwe’s cautionary statements about AI’s inherent biases emphasized the necessity for human oversight. Contributions from experts like David Caswell of StoryFlow Ltd. and Dr. Marie E. Müller illuminated the practical applications of generative AI for journalists, stressing the ethical imperative of its use.

    Their insights, alongside those of esteemed speakers like Walid Al-Saqaf and Camilla Bath, underscored the importance of ensuring ethical and equitable AI practices in journalism.

    Douglas Ng’s assertion that “data is the new oil” resonated deeply, highlighting the necessity of data for efficient AI use. The collaborative atmosphere among fellows, whether through individual interactions or group projects, has fostered a sense of connection and shared purpose, greatly enhancing the learning process.

    Laurens Vreekmap, the founder of the Future Journalism Today Academy, delivered an outstanding session on developing effective AI implementation plans for news organisations, addressing challenges, and illustrating how specific tools can meet operational needs.

    Data journalist, Stephane Ohumu discussed utilizing AI for data analysis and visualization in journalism, cautioning against reliance on ChatGPT due to privacy concerns, and advising the use of local AI models to boost African data and protect information.

    Future and product strategist Sam Guzik shared creative ways to enhance audience interaction using AI. He traced the evolution of printing technology and its modern-day impact on media, highlighting how generative AI reshapes traditional media business models and user behaviours.

    Award-winning journalist and founder of SIRAJ, Ali al Ibrahim, emphasized ensuring ethical and equitable AI practices in journalism, underscoring the importance of transparency, verification, and ethical guidelines.

    He reiterated that AI, while powerful for data analysis and investigative reporting, must be complemented by human skills for accurate interpretation and fact-checking.

    Award-winning data and investigative journalist Justina Ashishana from THE NATION newspaper demonstrated the transformative power of AI in visual journalism, urging fellows to leverage AI tools for generating stunning images, captivating videos, and immersive audio, and emphasising the importance of collaboration between human expertise and AI.

    Professor Stephen Quinn of Kristiana University, Norway, discussed the transformative role of AI in filmmaking, showcasing tools like Gemini Chat, Runway, and Topaz AI, and emphasising that while AI can enhance creativity, human input remains irreplaceable.