The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, successfully conducted a one-day training workshop for sports journalists on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in reporting.
Held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the OtownGist Media and Creative Hub in Owerri, the event underscored the growing role of AI in modern journalism while stressing the importance of upholding professional standards.
Under the leadership of Chairman Cosmos Chukwuemeka, the initiative was announced through a press statement signed by SWAN Secretary Tunde Liadi.
Titled “Ethics & Professionalism in the Generative AI Era,” the workshop featured Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, founder of OtownGist Media and Creative Hub, as the lead resource person.
This collaboration highlights ongoing partnerships between SWAN Imo and local media hubs to advance digital skills among journalists.
Participants gained hands-on knowledge on leveraging AI tools to streamline sports reporting tasks, including match coverage, interview transcription, content creation, and digital distribution.
The training included live demonstrations of AI integration into real-time newsroom workflows, enabling faster and more efficient production without compromising quality.
A core focus was maintaining journalistic integrity amid AI adoption, with sessions emphasizing accuracy, originality, credibility, fact verification, and responsible usage.
Organizers stressed that AI should enhance, not replace, human judgment in verifying information and upholding editorial standards in the evolving media landscape.
This capacity-building effort aligns with Imo SWAN’s broader commitment to professional development, following previous workshops on digital media and ethics.
By equipping members with AI competencies, the chapter aims to keep Imo sports journalists competitive in a rapidly changing industry, fostering innovative storytelling and audience engagement.