Bauchi Commissioner Declares AI, Climate Change and SGBV Workshop for NAWOJ Open

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu Usman, on Wednesday declared open a two-day capacity-building workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Change, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) for women journalists in the state.

The training, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication, was held at the American Space, Professor Iya Abubakar Resource Centre, Bauchi. It brought together chief executives of media organizations in the state and members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

In his remarks, the Commissioner described the initiative as a crucial step towards strengthening the capacity of female journalists in Bauchi. He noted that it was his first official engagement with NAWOJ since assuming office.

“The turnout today is very encouraging. In the Ministry, we have many female information officers, and I always insist on including women in whatever we do. But women must also push for opportunities. Leadership is earned, not given. I want to see women journalists take advantage of opportunities like this and rise to the top—even in the NUJ, I hope one day a woman will become chairperson,” Usman said.

He explained that the ministry has consistently invested in training for both information officers and staff of state-owned media. “I have never turned down any request for training. Updating knowledge is critical, and I encourage women journalists to keep pushing forward. Make use of the support of the First Lady, who is willing to help and committed to women empowerment,” he added.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Bala Mohammed, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado—represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Communication, Alhaji Abdulwahab Mohammed—said the training underscores the administration’s recognition of the contributions of women in the media.

“Under His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, our relationship with NAWOJ has been cordial and constructive. This training reflects the state government’s commitment to investing in your growth,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Bauchi State Council, Comrade Umar Sa’idu—represented by the Council’s Financial Secretary, Saliu Bala—commended the state government for organizing the training and pledged continued partnership to strengthen the capacity of journalists in the state. 

Saidu also praised the leadership of NAWOJ Bauchi State for its consistent efforts in organizing trainings for its members and assured them of the NUJ’s full support in future initiatives.

Former NUJ Chairman and Zonal Director of Radio Nigeria North-East, Dahiru Garba, described the training as timely, urging participants to take advantage of the wealth of experience being shared. He advised journalists to build their capacity and reclaim the media space from untrained social media bloggers.

In his own contribution, Alhaji Inuwa Bello, General Manager of Eagle Radio and Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), expressed delight at the increasing participation of women in journalism compared to when he began his career decades ago, when female journalists were very few.

In her remarks,  NAWOJ Zonal Secretary , Hajia Hauwa Shall, said the workshop was imely in view or the global impact of AI.

“Journalsts must follow the trend and this training is therefore timely,” she said 

Shall said female journalists face numerous challenges because they balance professional work with responsibilities on the home front, noting that “the world is changing and turning global, so we need to catch up with such trainings and even work from home.”

The good, she added,  the also training targets SGBV, stressing, “As female journalists it is an opportunity for us to direct our attention to this issue to address it, that even minors are being the targets  is sad.

“We need to focus on this and advocate  for government and stakeholders to address the concern over the rising cases of torture of minors, some perpetrated by women, the is need for female journalists to create awareness to protect the girl child and safeguard the reputation of women as home keepers”

Earlier, in her welcome address, NAWOJ Chairperson, Rashida Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed, the Commissioner, and the Special Adviser on Media for their support. She described the training as a landmark step designed to equip women journalists with cutting-edge skills in AI-driven journalism, climate change reporting, mobile journalism, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) coverage.

“To my fellow NAWOJ members, I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Let us build our skills, exchange ideas, and work collectively to create a more inclusive media landscape that reflects the voices of women in Bauchi State,” she said.