Safer-Media Initiative Trains Journalists in Benin City on Ethical AI Use

Safer-Media Initiative has concluded a specialist training workshop in Benin City, Edo State, South-South Nigeria, aimed at equipping journalists with the skills to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools effectively and responsibly.  

The one-day session, held on Friday 20 March at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in GRA, Benin City, focused on both technical proficiency and ethical considerations in the adoption of AI across newsrooms.  

Welcoming participants, the organisation’s Executive Director and CEO, Mr Peter Iorter, described the level of interest as “overwhelming”, noting that the response reflected journalists’ recognition of the growing intersection between technology and journalism.  

“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept—it is here, shaping how stories are discovered, verified, and told. But with these opportunities come responsibilities. That is why this training is not just important—it is urgent,” he said.  

Iorter stressed that journalists must harness AI to work “smarter, faster, and deeper” while safeguarding ethics, accuracy and public trust. He added that the workshop was about building a culture of responsible innovation, ensuring AI strengthens journalistic integrity rather than undermining it.  

Sessions were led by Ms Titilope Fadare Oparinde, founder of Generative AI Journalism, who highlighted practical applications of AI in transcription, audio cleaning and content summarisation. She cautioned, however, that speed must never replace human verification, insisting that the profession’s future lies with those willing to learn and adapt.  

The Chairman of the NUJ Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, commended the initiative, describing the training as timely given AI’s growing role in modern journalism.  

Findings from a recent survey conducted by Safer-Media Initiative revealed that while 95 per cent of journalists use AI tools weekly, 85 per cent are only familiar with ChatGPT, and just 10 per cent have received formal newsroom training. The survey also showed widespread concern about job displacement. Addressing these fears, Iorter argued:  

“AI will not replace journalists. But journalists who use AI responsibly will replace those who do not.”  

The workshop formed part of the Artificial Intelligence and Media (AIM) Project, supported by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).