Polaris Bank Trains 500+ Journalists on Digital Storytelling, AI Tools, and Social Media Trends

Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to media development by hosting a hybrid training seminar for over 500 journalists across Nigeria and beyond. Themed “Empowering Journalists in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Tools & Transformation,” the seminar focused on equipping participants with modern skills essential for thriving in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

In his welcome address, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management & Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, underscored the bank’s 12-year tradition of investing in media capacity building. He emphasized that Polaris Bank remains at the forefront of digital education for the Nigerian press. Quoting a Chinese proverb, Bolarinwa noted the bank’s philosophy: “Rather than giving fish, we teach people how to fish.” He described the initiative as a practical expression of the bank’s belief in empowering journalists to be self-reliant and impactful.

Renowned media experts led insightful sessions during the seminar. Mr. Taiwo Obe, Founder of The Journalism Clinic, emphasized the enduring role of journalism in informing citizens and shaping society. He traced the evolution of journalism since the 2000s, spotlighting mobile journalism (Mojo) and its power to deliver real-time stories using digital tools. Citing Reuters’ 2007 Mojo Toolkit as a game changer, Obe encouraged journalists to adopt free digital apps and explore multimedia storytelling, incorporating audio, video, and graphics.

He also addressed the rise of artificial intelligence in newsrooms, highlighting its use in content editing, illustration, and strategy. Obe encouraged journalists to creatively repurpose story data into valuable assets like guidebooks, analyses, Q&As, and even full-length books.

BBC journalist Mr. Abayomi Adisa spoke on social media storytelling. He challenged participants to craft posts that cut through digital noise and spark audience engagement. He advised journalists to make their content personal, relevant, shareable, and concise—qualities that drive social interaction and content visibility.

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head of Customer Experience & Value Management at Polaris Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to media growth. She noted that building capacity is a continuous journey, stating, “You can’t improve by holding on to yesterday’s skills. We must keep building.” She pledged that Polaris Bank will sustain the annual seminar, recognizing the media’s vital role in shaping institutions, industries, and public trust.

Through this initiative, Polaris Bank continues to demonstrate that empowering the media is not just a corporate responsibility—it’s a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.