Mariam Abeeb
The Executive director and chief rating officer of DataPro, a Nigerian technology-driven credit rating agency, Oladele Adeoye, has emphasized that the future of financial journalism lies in collaboration between machine efficiency and human skepticism.
He disclosed this during an annual virtual training programme for media practitioners.
This initiative, which began in 2021 as part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility, aims to enhance public understanding of the credit rating industry and improve the quality of financial reporting.
During his presentation at the training themed “Reporting Financial Analysis in the Age of AI,” he explained that Artificial Intelligence is reshaping financial reporting but human judgment remains the cornerstone of investor’s trust.
He added that journalists and analysts alike must work in tandem to ensure financial narrative are accurate contextual and responsibly delivered.
According to him , financial reporting is the backbone of modern life, serving a bridge between corporations and the wider society .
Adeoye stated that this is not merely a technical exercise of compiling numbers, noting that it is a vital communication tool that foster trust, transparency and accountability.
The ED noted that in essence, financial reporting is the common thread that connects companies, the public, investors and journalists ensuring that economic activity remains transparent, credible and accessible.
He mentioned that it is the foundation upon which trust in market and institutions is built , emphasizing that without media the entire fabrics of modern economics would be weakened.
To reporters , he explained that financial reporting is often seen as the technical domain of accountants and analysts but for journalism, it is vital tool that underpins credibility.
He charged journalists to use financial reporting to scrutinize claims and detect irregularities.
The training designed for financial journalists, editors, and financial analysts to enhance their skills in modern financial reporting.