Polaris Bank Limited has, in the last 10 years, empowered more than 5,000 journalists across the country through its annual media capacity building workshops.
The 2024 edition of the media workshop, which was held yesterday, Thursday 24th October, had as its theme, “Integrating AI Tools in Contemporary Media Practices for Innovation and Excellence.”
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, Polaris Bank’s Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications, stated that the bank will continue to provide its unwavering support for the journalists and the media as a vital pillar of society.
“We believe that journalists and the media play crucial role in shaping public discourse and fostering informed citizenship. Our commitment to training journalists across the media spectrum, is rooted in our belief that they (journalists) deserve the best possible support to excel in their profession”, he said.
He noted the bank started the media training by partnering The Journalism Clinic and holding workshops in various cities across the country. The media clinic which focused on divination of the media, was facilitated by Mr. Taiwo Obe, a veteran journalist and head of the Journalism Clinic.
Mr. Bolarinwa disclosed that more than 500 journalists registered for the 2024 edition and stressed the bank will continue to do more to support journalists and the media by bringing the best faculty to facilitate contemporary issues at subsequent media workshops.
The programme featured a diverse range of topics, including creativity, AI tools, and critical thinking.
Dr. Chike Mgbeadichie, a Senior Lecturer at the Pan-Atlantic University, provided insights into the application of AI tools in media practices while Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, discussed contemporary media trends such as multimedia journalism, fact-checking and data journalism.
Dr. Mgbeadichie noted that at the end of the seminar, participants will be able to reflect deeply on thinking, actions and processes needed to generate ideas, possibilities and actions. He added that journalists should be able to figure out how to analyse, synthesize and evaluate information; know the different AI tools available in the media space as well as understand the benefits of AI tools in contemporary media practices, among others.
Mr. Otufodunrin explained that journalists should be adept at the use of solutions journalism to enhance their investigative capabilities, using new tools such as OSINT, Geo Journalism, data analysis, digital forensics, website blogs, social media, newsletters, podcasts e-publishing and social media engagements.
Participants from across Nigeria, both online and in person, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their skills. Mr. Segun Adeleye, publisher of Worldstage, commended Polaris Bank for its continuous dedication to fostering media excellence in Nigeria.
