The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has inducted 12 new fellows into its ReportWomen! Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP).
The 6th Fellowship induction and Award Ceremony which held on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos drew seasoned journalists, media stakeholders and executives.
The 12 newly inducted fellows are: Temitope Obayendo (Pharmanews), Melony Ishola (The Punch), Aisha Gambo (News Agency of Nigeria), Jemilat Nasiru (TheCable), Juliet Buna (Crest 91.1FM), Bilkis Lawal (Bond FM), Rasheedat Iliyas (Radio Nigeria Harmony FM), Mary Agidi (The Hope), Dana Zagi (Media Trust Group), Chigozie Victor (Zikoko Citizen, Big Cabal Media), Christiana Alabi-Akande (Development Reporting Newspaper) and Gloria Attah (ClearView Television).
The Executive Director, WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, commended the new fellows for their dedication and urged them to take up the responsibility of championing inclusive narratives in their various newsrooms.
“The Report Women Female Reporters Leadership Programme is only possible if we keep at it.” she said.
Veteran journalist and broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede also addressed the inductees, advising them to embrace collaboration and continuous learning rather than rivalry.
“Stay in your lane and keep learning, stay true to yourself and encourage each other.
“Everyone in the world is different and has something unique to offer, so there is no need to compete,” she said.
Speaking on the need for solidarity among journalists, Oloyede emphasized that growth in the journalism cannot thrive on rivalry but on shared encouragement and support.
She also highlighted the importance of mentorship.
“We would have to collaborate, encourage each other, praise each other. If anyone criticizes you, take it in good faith.
“As part of your learning, keep in touch with your mentors and they will always be willing to assist.”
The Managing Editor of Premium Times, Idris Akinbajo, charged the fellows to embrace collaborative effort in journalism.
“The people who are stealing Nigeria’s money are collaborating to steal, there is no reason why journalists who want to expose them should not collaborate,” he said.
Michel Deelen, the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in his statement affirmed the role of fearless journalism in sustaining democracy.
“Democracy thrives where silence is broken,” he said.
He further cautioned against the over reliance on emerging technologies and Artifical Intelligence without critical scrutiny.
“Be careful with artificial intelligence because it’s not always true what comes out of ChatGPT.”
Also addressing the fellows, the Director of News, TVC News, Stella Din-Jacob, emphasized the weight of responsibility that comes with their new role.
She reminded the inductees that journalism is not a routine profession but a lifelong calling.
“Our work as journalists is not 9-5, it’s a way of life. It starts with you.
“You have not understood the power of your voice if you are yet to understand that you are the gatekeeper. You are in that verified position of authority where people trust you, and once you lose it you’ve missed the point. People will judge you by your moral values.
“You should not be the one silencing your voice.
“You should be the one making sure that voice is heard, not only in Nigeria but around the world.” she said.
Since its inception in 2017, the Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) which includes a fellowship has now inducted 98 female journalists across Nigeria, creating a network of fellows leading impactful projects, amplifying women’s stories, and mentoring younger reporters.