News Investigators/ The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) has urged motoring journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital tools to remain relevant in the evolving industry.
Its Chairman, Theodore Opara, made the call at the 2025 NAJA annual training and capacity-building workshop held on Friday in Lagos.
The workshop, with the theme ‘AI Automotive Reporting: Smart Cars, Smart Stories’, was organised in partnership with Jetour Mobility Services.
Mr Opara noted that AI was transforming every aspect of modern life, from how vehicles are designed and driven, to how stories about them are researched and shared.
“Across the world, artificial intelligence is redefining our lives. Smart cars powered by AI are no longer futuristic ideas; they are today’s reality,” he said.
He added that the media industry was undergoing a similar revolution, with AI-powered tools such as machine learning, data analytics, and automation reshaping newsrooms.
“These technologies enable journalists to access data faster, verify facts more efficiently, and tell stories with greater depth and accuracy,” Opara explained.
He urged Nigerian automotive journalists to stay ahead of emerging trends by acquiring digital skills and adapting to new reporting technologies.
The NAJA Chairman commended Jetour Mobility Services for its partnership and continued investment in capacity-building initiatives for journalists.
According to him, the automaker’s commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with NAJA’s mission to promote ethical and technologically driven journalism.
Opara also appreciated all facilitators and stakeholders who contributed to the workshop, saying their insights would help journalists thrive in an AI-driven future.
An executive with Jetour Mobility Services, Ms Christiana Auta, said stakeholders in the automotive ecosystem must adapt to the ongoing technological evolution to achieve automation goals.
“We currently market a range of models that combine style, space, affordability, and intelligent features designed to enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency.
“They are truly smart vehicles, compatible with modern mobility. We are in exciting times, evolving from manual gear shifts to AI-driven vehicle design,” Auta added.
Also speaking, Mr Eze Igwe, General Manager of Cedric Motors, noted that competition was becoming fierce and pledged the company’s commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
On his part, Mr Henry Ojelu, Assistant Editor at Vanguard Newspapers, urged journalists to use AI tools to improve capacity, efficiency, and storytelling depth rather than fear them.
“AI is not here to take jobs away; it is here to make the job easier,” Ojelu said.
He cited tools such as ChatGPT and Perplexity AI as vital for media practitioners in research, data analysis, and content creation.
However, he cautioned against overreliance on AI, warning of potential pitfalls such as factual errors, biased data, and loss of originality or local voice.
NAN
