The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, has commenced a three day capacity building programme for over 50 journalists and media professionals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The training, which runs from November 4 to 6, 2026, is holding at the Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre, BCA Road, Umuahia, as part of activities marking the Chapel’s 2026 Press Week.
The programme, sponsored by the Chapel, is themed “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for Democracy and the 2027 Polls.”
It is designed to strengthen journalists’ capacity for credible, ethical and responsible election reporting, particularly amid growing concerns over misinformation, disinformation and digital manipulation.
According to a joint statement issued by the Chapel’s Chairman, Deacon Steve Oko; Secretary, Henrietta Ashikodi; Chairman of the Planning Committee, Peter Okor; and Secretary, Leonard Okachie, participants will receive training on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, fact-checking, verification of political claims, ethical election coverage and media safety.
Other areas of focus include hate speech, inflammatory political communication and the role of the media in promoting peaceful and credible elections.
The retreat is expected to feature prominent resource persons, including Abia State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sylvia Uchenna Agu; Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi; and Nigeria’s first female Professor of Mass Communication, Prof. Stella Okunna.
Other speakers include veteran journalist and former Secretary to the Abia State Government, Ralph Egbu; Chief Medical Director of Abia State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu; and digital expert, Chibueze Ukaegbu.
The keynote address at the grand finale on November 6 will be delivered by the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Prof. Christopher Okoro, while the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Uwaoma Uche, will chair the occasion.
A major highlight of the grand finale will be a political debate and manifesto presentation involving National Assembly candidates from different political parties.
The session is expected to provide candidates with an opportunity to present their programmes to the electorate through the Chapel’s media platforms while promoting political neutrality, equal media access and issue based public engagement.
The Chapel explained that the initiative was informed by the growing challenges confronting election reporting, particularly the spread of misinformation, deepfakes, digital manipulation and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence.
It emphasised that credible elections require an informed electorate and a professionally equipped media capable of providing accurate, balanced and responsible information.
The programme will also feature the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians, including Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi; Prof. Nnenna Oti; and Super Eagles international, Samuel Chukwueze, in recognition of their contributions to leadership, public service and sports.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
