The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has applauded Polaris Bank for training over 6,200 journalists across the country on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ethical journalism, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to strengthening media professionalism in Nigeria.
The Guild also called on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, other financial institutions, corporate organisations and development partners to emulate the bank by investing in continuous capacity building for journalists to prepare them for the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
In a joint statement signed by the National President of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, and the National Secretary, Comrade Clinton Uba, the Guild said Polaris Bank’s commitment to equipping journalists with AI knowledge and ethical reporting skills deserved national recognition.
According to the statement, although the organisers and facilitators of the training are not members of GOMEP-NG, the Guild believes that excellence and contributions to the development of journalism should always be acknowledged, irrespective of affiliations.
“We consider it a duty to appreciate individuals and institutions that make meaningful investments in the growth of journalism. Polaris Bank has demonstrated commendable corporate responsibility by empowering thousands of journalists with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence,” the statement noted.
GOMEP-NG observed that as Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape news gathering, content production and information dissemination globally, journalists must be adequately equipped with the necessary skills to uphold ethical standards, combat misinformation and disinformation, and sustain public confidence in the media.
The Guild stressed that continuous training has become indispensable for media practitioners seeking to remain relevant in an era driven by technological innovation and digital transformation.
It therefore urged the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, commercial banks, private sector organisations, donor agencies and other stakeholders to establish similar initiatives aimed at building the capacity of journalists across Nigeria.
According to GOMEP-NG, sustained investment in media education will not only improve the quality of journalism but also strengthen democratic governance, transparency, accountability and national development.
The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical journalism, professional excellence and innovation within Nigeria’s online media ecosystem while encouraging strategic partnerships that will enhance the competence of media practitioners in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
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