Editor, Gist Nigeria and career mentor at the BBC, Omotola Adebanjo, has emphasised the need for skill ownership and adaptability among media professionals seeking to advance their careers in Nigeria.
Speaking to a mixed audience of in-person and virtual participants during her keynote address at the Media Career Check-up/Media Career Fix event, organised by the Media Career Development Network and supported by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Adebanjo noted that career growth is a personal responsibility.
The event, held at the International Press Centre in Ogba, Lagos, on Thursday, brought together media professionals seeking guidance on career development.
“Your career is not stuck. You are. And until we fix you, no newsroom, no mentor, no opportunity will be enough,” she said.
Adebanjo recounted her journey across multiple media organisations, including AIT, before joining the BBC. She explained that success in journalism stems not from the newsroom or platform, but from an individual’s drive, resilience, and willingness to learn.
She urged journalists to embrace evolving storytelling techniques and develop multimedia competencies, stressing that adaptability is critical in an era where technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is reshaping news production.
Citing the success of her digital programme, Gist Nigeria, Adebanjo noted that it grew its audience from 80,000 viewers to over five million weekly, highlighting how innovation can be leveraged to reach wider audiences.
She also addressed the often-overlooked issue of financial awareness in journalism, urging media professionals to understand their value and negotiate fair compensation.
Sharing personal experiences from her career, Adebanjo highlighted integrity and self-advocacy while cautioning against complacency in seemingly stable roles. “Before we fix our industry, we must fix the individual sitting in your chair. The industry is not a vacuum. It is you, it is me, it is all of us put together,” she remarked.
She further encouraged journalists to view their profession as both a calling and a craft, urging them to continuously develop their skills, from writing and reporting to multimedia production and digital storytelling, regardless of their formal roles.
“You don’t grow because of the newsroom. You grow because you are excited to grow, and the newsroom will catch up with you,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, ace broadcaster and author Anikeade Funke-Treasure emphasised the importance of being multi-skilled and purpose-driven.
Funke-Treasure recounted her transition after leaving Radio Nigeria, where she served as Assistant Director of Programmes for Lagos Operations. She noted that she had already written three books and launched an initiative prior to her exit.
She explained that she sustained herself through book sales and later expanded into development journalism, carving a niche for herself.
Funke-Treasure revealed that her work, particularly a book on pronunciation, recently earned her an invitation from a radio station in the United States, affirming her pioneering efforts in podcasting on menstrual health, which have gained recognition across platforms.
She stressed the importance of building beyond one’s current role and urged participants to reflect on what they are creating for the future. She added that mentorship, both vertical and horizontal, has played a significant role in her journey, opening doors to platforms such as MultiChoice and national engagements.
Funke-Treasure further noted that consistent effort compounds over time, leading to greater opportunities.
In her remarks, veteran journalist Ms. Joke Kujenya described mentorship as a critical form of investment, stressing that its value extends beyond financial gains.
Kujenya challenged participants to translate inspiration into measurable personal growth, noting that the benefits of such investment are primarily for the individual, not just their organisation.
She also encouraged media professionals to view their workplaces as platforms for personal branding, urging them to deliberately market themselves and their skills.
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