NLNG Empowers Journalists with AI, Digital Reporting Skills at 2026 ChangeYourStory Workshop By Saheed Badmus

NLNG Empowers Journalists with AI, Digital Reporting Skills at 2026 ChangeYourStory Workshop

By Saheed Badmus

Nigeria Liquefied natural gas.  (NLNG) has reiterated its commitment and dedication to strengthening stakeholders’ capability and advancing professionalism within Nigeria’s media space.

Mrs Sophia Horsfall, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at end of the 2026 edition of its flagship ‘NLNGChangeYourStory’ Media Capacity-Building Workshop, which trained 32 journalists drawn from print, broadcast, and digital media
organisations across the country.

She noted that through hands‑on sessions and expert-led discussions, participants explored how new media tools can be effectively deployed to deliver real-time reporting, expand audience reach beyond borders, and foster meaningful engagement across platforms.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by NLNG Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Mr Sofia said workshop offered new insights into the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence and digital communication in today’s newsroom.

While reaffirming the company’s focus on capacity development as a key pillar of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, She said the #NLNGChangeYourStory initiative continues to equip journalists with the skills and confidence needed to professional media content in an increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven media environment

According to her, “journalism as a calling that informs, educates, and influences society. She encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge they gained to amplify their impact, and expressed optimism that journalists will continue to enlighten the public, and inspire valuable synergies through stories that reflect NLNG’s vision of being a globally competitive energy company improving lives sustainably.””.

She further highlighted NLNG’s broader support for the media sector, citing the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) among others.

Im her opening remarks, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, said NLNG is deliberate with its investments to raise professional standards in Nigeria’s media practice.

“This workshop moved beyond theory to address the real pressures of a digital newsroom, including speed, verification, audience trust, and relevance. Our support for these competencies is aimed at strengthening a resilient media ecosystem that produces accurate, impactful journalism that is capable of shaping public understanding and contributing to national progress,” she said.

The workshop was facilitated by digital communication specialist Dan Mason, and the Journalism Clinic led by respected media veteran Taiwo Obe. Together, they guided participants through practical approaches to digital storytelling, data visualisation, online fact-checking, audience engagement, and the effective management of digital presence.

#NLNGChangeYourStory has so far, `empowered over 180 journalists with enhanced digital communication and social media skills across its various editions.

The training was facilitated by renowned digital communication specialist Dan Mason, alongside digital communication specialist Dan Mason

The participants at training which was facilitated by Journalism Clinic led by respected media veteran Mr. Taiwo Obe alone side digital communication specialist Dan Mason were tutored and guided through practical approaches to digital storytelling, data visualisation, online fact-checking, audience analytics, community building, and the effective management of digital presence.

Speaking on his experience working with Nigerian journalists under the ‘NLNGChangeYourStory’ platform, Mason praised the energy, creativity, and potential within the country’s media landscape.

“Nigeria has one of the most vibrant and energetic media ecosystems I’ve encountered,” he said.

The training was facilitated by renowned digital communication specialist Dan Mason, alongside The Journalism Clinic, led by respected media veteran Mr. Taiwo Obe. Together, they guided participants through practical approaches to digital storytelling, data visualisation, online fact-checking, audience analytics, community building, and the effective management of digital presence.

Speaking on his experience working with Nigerian journalists under the ‘NLNGChangeYourStory’ platform, Mason praised the energy, creativity, and potential within the country’s media landscape.

“Nigeria has one of the most vibrant and energetic media ecosystems I’ve encountered,” .

“There is an incredible foundation here to build entrepreneurial journalism — where journalists move from being small cogs in large machines to becoming the driving force behind their own impactful platforms”.he said.

All the thirty-two beneficiaries of 2026
NLNGChangeYourStory who expressed gratitude to the organiser and facilitator if the training recounted their experiences, new skills acquired during the 3-day strategic and magical Training promised to put the knowledge into use.