NAWOJ hosts groundbreaking AI Workshop, empowers Female Journalists with NewsAssist AI

The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), under the leadership of its National Chairperson, Hajia Aisha Bura, successfully held an online workshop on Friday, July 4, 2025.

The session, themed “NewsAssist AI Beyond the Byline: Exploring AI’s Role in Journalism and Investigations,” explored how artificial intelligence is shaping modern journalism.

The workshop, aimed at enhancing professional excellence among members, granted NAWOJ journalists worldwide complimentary access to NewsAssist AI — a digital platform designed to ease newsroom operations and support journalists in their reporting tasks.

The training was conducted by the Deputy National Chairperson, Dr. Lilian Okonkwo Ogabu, alongside the platform’s founder, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi, an investigative journalist renowned for her work in environmental and climate reporting through The Colonist Report UK and Africa. The session emphasized the need for journalists, particularly women, to embrace AI-driven tools for safer and more efficient reporting.

Dr. Ogabu, in her opening address, commended participants for seizing the opportunity to improve their AI literacy, reaffirming NAWOJ’s commitment to ongoing partnerships with NewsAssist AI for the empowerment of women in journalism across Nigeria.

During the training, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi highlighted the unique features of the NewsAssist AI app, noting its ability to transcribe in four languages and securely store recorded audio. She encouraged participants to familiarize themselves with other AI tools such as Google Gemini and ChatGPT to stay competitive in the evolving media industry.

Key highlights from the workshop included the expanding role of AI in investigative journalism, how NewsAssist AI enhances safety and productivity in reporting, and the importance of data protection. Participants also learned about the app’s capability to quickly transcribe audio and video content, generate summaries, and provide time-saving benefits.

The session concluded with a strong message on the necessity of adopting AI to tackle the growing complexities within the journalism profession.

NAWOJ reaffirmed its dedication to equipping members with the latest tools and skills required for professional excellence.