S’West Online Publishers Train Members on Emerging Tech in Media Industry

The South-West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) organised a hands-on training session focused on emerging technologies for its members in Ibadan, last Thursday.

Themed “Navigating The Digital Transformation In The Media Industry,” the training aimed to equip online publishers with the skills to leverage new technologies in media.

The event was held in collaboration with the American Open University of Technology, Nigeria (ATECH) at its Global Campus in Bodija, Ibadan.

Dr. David Akanbi, the Campus Director, facilitated the session, offering practical insights into how emerging technologies are transforming the media landscape.

Akanbi highlighted key technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual and Augmented Reality, Blockchain, and 5G networks, which he said are reshaping how news is produced, distributed, and consumed.

“These technologies are revolutionising media by creating new ways for publishers to engage with their audiences,” Akanbi noted.

He encouraged the participants to embrace these innovations to improve their businesses and positively impact society.

In a post-training discussion, Akanbi shared his motivation for the session, emphasising the importance of knowledge-sharing for societal development.

“If knowledge is not shared, it is wasted. Sharing knowledge is like planting a tree, and by spreading what we know, we contribute to a better society,” he said.

The training also featured a presentation by Mr. John Abayomi, Founder and Chief Strategist of Virals.ng, on Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Abayomi stressed the importance of SEO in achieving visibility in an increasingly competitive digital space. He advised online media practitioners to master SEO tools and techniques to enhance their reach and effectiveness.

“Success in online journalism is not determined by when you start, but by how well you apply SEO strategies,” Abayomi explained, urging SWEGOP members to adopt various SEO applications to boost their work.

Both facilitators noted the critical role of technology in modern journalism, while also stressing the importance of maintaining integrity on digital platforms.

In his remarks, Mr. Olayinka Agboola, Chairman of SWEGOP, described the training as part of a series of initiatives aimed at improving the skills and expertise of its members in the digital media space.

He commended the management of ATECH for their support, applauding Dr. Akanbi for his contributions to the success of the training.