Kabido Chapel NUJ Kaduna Strengthens Digital Skills, Declares Zero Tolerance for Fake News

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

The Kabido Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna, has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism and digital competence by organizing a training workshop aimed at equipping its members with modern technological skills.

The capacity-building session, held at the Chapel’s office in Kaduna, focused on enhancing members’ knowledge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools necessary for effective news gathering, processing, and dissemination in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

In his presentation titled “Information Technology in Journalism,” Mr. Wenyang Benjamin emphasized that modern journalism demands both professional knowledge and technological adaptability.

He explained that technology in journalism goes beyond machines and gadgets—it encompasses the processes that ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery of news.

According to him, the digital revolution has introduced new audiences, new expectations, and new challenges, making it imperative for media professionals to stay updated with emerging innovations.

He noted that ICT has significantly improved reporting, editing, publishing, and global information exchange, turning the world into a connected global village.

Benjamin also highlighted the concept of the digital divide, describing it as the economic and social gap between those with access to modern ICT tools and those without. He stressed that disparities in broadband access, device quality, digital literacy, income, education, and geography continue to affect opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment.

Bridging this gap, he said, requires deliberate investment in infrastructure, training, and inclusive policies.

Looking at ICT as a Driver of Social Change

A Cyber Media expert, Mr. Joe Nock, in his lecture titled “ICT, Society and the Media,” described ICT as a powerful force reshaping society and transforming media practice. He observed that journalism has evolved from traditional one-way communication to interactive, multi-directional engagement driven largely by social media platforms and smart technologies.

He noted that smartphones, AI-driven tools, and internet platforms have made news gathering faster, cheaper, and more accessible, enabling on-the-spot reporting and wider public participation in discourse.

However, Mr. Nock cautioned that the benefits of ICT come with challenges, including fake news, cyberbullying, misinformation, and digital addiction. He urged journalists to prioritize digital literacy, ethical conduct, and inclusion to safeguard the credibility of the profession.

Position Paper on Ethical Journalism:

At the end of the workshop, Kabido Chapel issued a detailed position paper addressing growing concerns over unethical media practices, particularly among freelance and citizen journalists in Nigeria’s expanding digital space.

The Chapel acknowledged the democratizing power of ICT but warned against the rise of misinformation, sensationalism, manipulated content, and politically motivated propaganda.

It emphasized that while freelance and citizen journalism contribute to diversity of perspectives, freedom of expression must be balanced with responsibility, verification, fairness, and accountability.

Kabido Chapel maintained that journalism remains a regulated profession guided by ethical codes, stressing that “freedom of speech is not freedom to deceive.” The paper called for stronger fact-checking systems, accreditation frameworks for independent journalists, intensified digital literacy campaigns, and stricter adherence to professional standards.

It further warned that unethical reporting in a multi-ethnic and politically sensitive nation like Nigeria could fuel unrest, economic instability, and erosion of public trust.

Commitment to Continuous Training

Speaking at the close of the event, the Chapel’s leadership commended the resource persons and participants for their dedication. They assured members that the digital literacy training would be continuous, aimed at bridging economic, geographic, and gender divides within the media space.

The leadership reiterated its resolve to “separate news from noise,” confront misinformation boldly, and uphold factual, responsible journalism at all times.

The Chairperson of Kabido Chapel also praised the initiative, encouraging members to consistently participate in professional development programs to remain relevant in the digital age.

With this initiative, Kabido Chapel of the NUJ Kaduna has positioned itself at the forefront of promoting ethical standards, digital inclusion, and responsible media practice in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving information ecosystem.