The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Comrade Akem Babatunde Abass, has announced a major capacity-building initiative for journalists in the state, including Artificial Intelligence training for 120 journalists and a strategic collaboration with Google Africa, as part of his administration’s commitment to professionalism and innovation.
Comrade Abass made this known while delivering his appreciation address at the 2025 NUJ Oyo State Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons Service, held on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025, at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Giving glory to God for the success of the event, the NUJ Chairman described the gathering as a special moment of peace, unity and renewed hope for journalists in the state. He noted that the Christmas Carol was particularly symbolic, as it marked the first official outing of the NUJ Oyo State Council under the new leadership elected on December 9, 2025.
He expressed deep appreciation to members, elders and stakeholders of the union for the goodwill, encouragement and solidarity shown to the new executive since its emergence, assuring them of purposeful and people-centred leadership.
Reflecting on the significance of the Christmas season, Comrade Abass said the values of love, sacrifice, unity and service would define his administration. He affirmed that the new leadership was fully prepared, committed and determined to deliver unprecedented achievements that would reposition the NUJ Oyo State Council as a model of professionalism, capacity development, welfare consciousness and institutional respect.
Announcing the training programmes, the chairman disclosed that 120 journalists in Oyo State would undergo comprehensive Artificial Intelligence training by the end of January 2026. According to him, the programme will be implemented in two batches of 60 journalists each, with the first batch scheduled for the end of January and the second batch in the following quarter. He explained that the initiative is aimed at equipping journalists with modern digital skills required to remain relevant, competitive and ethical in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
He further revealed that the council has secured a collaboration with Google Africa, which will commence by the end of February 2026. Under the partnership, journalists in Oyo State will be trained in digital reporting, data journalism, fact-checking and content monetisation, ensuring they are not left behind in the global media ecosystem. He confirmed that the council had formally written to Google Africa and received approval for the programme.
Describing the initiatives as only the beginning of greater opportunities ahead, Comrade Abass reiterated his administration’s commitment to journalists’ welfare, unity of purpose, professional ethics and the protection of journalists’ rights. He added that the council would strengthen engagement with government, media owners, corporate organisations and development partners to advance the collective interest of members while upholding the integrity of the profession.
The NUJ chairman also assured members that the executive would embark on visits to all chapels during the festive period to share in the season of celebration and strengthen internal unity within the union.
He urged journalists to continue to embrace love, understanding and unity as they celebrate Christmas, expressing optimism that with God’s guidance and the support of members, the NUJ Oyo State Council would emerge stronger, more vibrant and future-ready.
Comrade Abass concluded by wishing members a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance
