Bauchi Information Commissioner Declares Open AI, Climate Change, SGBV Training for Women Journalists

By Paul ORUDE, Bauchi

Bauchi Information Commissioner Declares Open AI, Climate Change, SGBV Training for Women Journalists

By Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Usman Shehu Usman, has 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 media executives and members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

Speaking at the opening, the Commissioner described the initiative as a crucial step toward empowering women in the media sector. He noted that the event was his first official engagement with NAWOJ since assuming office.

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

He emphasized that the ministry has consistently supported staff training and urged participants to take advantage of government and First Lady initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment.

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 reflects the administration’s recognition of women’s contributions in the media.

NUJ Bauchi Chairman, Comrade Umar Sa’idu—represented by the Council’s Financial Secretary, Saliu Bala—commended the state government and pledged continued support for NAWOJ’s initiatives. He lauded the association for prioritizing training as a way of building professionalism.

Similarly, former NUJ Chairman and Zonal Director of Radio Nigeria North-East, Dahiru Garba, described the training as timely, urging journalists to strengthen their skills and reclaim the media space from untrained social media influencers.

Alhaji Inuwa Bello, General Manager of Eagle Radio and Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), expressed delight over the growing number of women in journalism compared to decades ago when female practitioners were very few.

In her goodwill message, NAWOJ Zonal Secretary, Hajia Hauwa Shall, stressed the timeliness of the training in light of the global rise of AI. She also highlighted the importance of focusing on SGBV, urging female journalists to create awareness around the rising cases of abuse, including those affecting minors.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, NAWOJ Bauchi Chairperson, Rashida Yusuf, thanked Governor Bala Mohammed and the Ministry of Information for their support. She said the workshop was a landmark step to equip women journalists with skills in AI-driven journalism, climate change reporting, mobile journalism, and SGBV coverage.

“To my fellow NAWOJ members, I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Let us build our capacity, share knowledge, and work together to ensure women’s voices are heard in Bauchi’s media landscape,” she said.