By Kelvin Ololo And Favour Adinya
The Cross River State Government has commended the Agba Jalingo Foundation for Investigative and Accountability Journalism (AJFIAJ) for successfully organizing a media capacity-building training for journalists, media aides, and spokespersons across the state.
Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave the commendation during the closing session of the training held at the Cross River State Library Complex, Calabar.
He described the media as a crucial pillar of democracy and called for stronger collaboration among media practitioners in the state. He said the government is committed to fostering a professional, ethical, and coordinated media environment for effective public communication and accountability.
The Deputy Governor encouraged media professionals to work together in the interest of the state, advocating for media synergies and a unified front among media practitioners in the state.
Responding, the Convener and Founder of AJFIAJ, who is also the Editor-in-chief of CrossRiverWatch, Citizen Agba Jalingo, expressed appreciation to the State Government for its support, which, according to him, facilitated the release of 54 inmates from the Afokang Correctional Center. He also thanked participants for their dedication throughout the training.
Jalingo explained that the program was part of a personal commitment he made during his birthday in January 2025 to enhance the capacity of journalists and media aides to navigate contemporary challenges and adapt to global shifts in communication.
He said: “We live in an era where information is power. The way we manage, interpret and use this information determines the credibility of our institutions.”
Also speaking, the Managing Director of BillsBox Services Limited and AI expert, Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, who delivered a practical session on the application of Artificial Intelligence tools, advised participants to uphold professional standards, saying, “Know your worth and know how to do it right. Because everybody is doing it doesn’t make it right.”
He emphasized the need for strategic thinking and ethical application of digital tools in media practice.
In her presentation, the Deputy Director at the Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Busola Ajibola, examined the growing integration of AI in newsrooms. She highlighted its benefits in enhancing efficiency, while also cautioning against the weaponization of AI, ethical breaches, and misinformation risks.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, shared field experiences, asked critical questions, and explored networking opportunities with media professionals and experts.
The AJFIAJ Masterclass, which has been described as a transformative step in the state’s media landscape amid global technological advancement, certified participants in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Communication Law at the end of the two-day intensive training.
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