Journalists attached to the Government House Press in Abia State have been urged to embrace digital skills and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive media environment.
The call was made on Friday at the closing ceremony of a five-day digital training programme organised by the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor for members of the Government House Press in Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, underscored the growing importance of technology in journalism, noting that traditional manual processes were rapidly giving way to digital innovations.
Mr. Ukoha, explained that the training was designed to strengthen digital literacy and improve productivity among journalists by equipping them with practical knowledge in modern computing and emerging technologies.
According to the Chief Press Secretary, the programme was intended to provide participants with the skills required to enhance efficiency, accuracy and productivity in news gathering, reporting and content creation.
Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha (centre)
He noted that the digital tools introduced during the training would significantly reduce the time required to accomplish tasks that previously took several hours, describing the programme as a foundation for continuous learning and professional advancement.
Mr. Ukoha, urged participants to keep upgrading their digital competencies in order to remain competitive in the global media landscape.
Also speaking, the Head of Information and Press, Government House, Umuahia, Mr Divine Nwankwo, commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to digital transformation within the state workforce.
Mr. Nwankwo expressed appreciation that the digital capacity-building initiative, initially designed for civil servants, was extended to members of the press, including practitioners from privately owned media organisations.
He also lauded the Chief Press Secretary for organising what he described as an impactful programme, noting that it had equipped participants with valuable digital skills capable of enhancing their professional performance.
Mr. Nwankwo further appreciated the Learnfactory Nigeria team, led by Engr Chibueze Ukaegbu, for its dedication and commitment throughout the training.
Mr Everest Olekaibe
Earlier, the Lead Facilitator, Mr Everest Olekaibe, said the programme covered key foundational digital literacy modules, including computer basics, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva and Artificial Intelligence.
He described the participants as committed and enthusiastic, and expressed confidence that the training would improve their professional output in areas such as design, editing, transcription, voice processing and digital content creation.
Olekaibe, stressed that AI had become an indispensable tool in modern journalism, warning that professionals who failed to adapt to the technology risked being left behind.
He also announced plans for continued mentorship and follow-up support to ensure sustained learning and skills development among participants.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Henrietta Ashkodi of the Statesman Newspapers and Chief Uche Nwosu of the Daily Independent Newspaper, expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government and the facilitators for the initiative.
They said the programme had broadened their knowledge of digital tools and pledged to apply the skills acquired to improve their professional practice.
