By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho

Aspiring journalists were put to the test as Career Development With Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna (CDWAA) hosted its fourth online session, featuring industry professionals who shared insights and issued real-world challenges to participants.

The virtual event held on Friday, anchored by Nigerian-US based investigative journalist, Mrs. Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna, provided a platform for young journalists to learn from experienced professionals. The session featured three distinguished speakers: Mrs. Ugochi Anyaka-Oluigbo, Mrs. Bukola Ajiboye, and Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, who emphasized resilience, specialization, and credibility in journalism.

Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, Media Consultant and executive director of MAP Media  Initiative, took a hands-on approach, challenging participants to submit two news stories within a short timeframe. “Having passion for journalism is different from seeing a future in it,” he told attendees. “You need to identify a niche where you can truly excel rather than forcing yourself into areas where you lack interest or expertise.”

Mrs. Ugochi Anyaka-Oluigbo, a multimedia journalist specializing in environmental reporting and climate change, encouraged young journalists to remain committed despite the profession’s challenges. “Journalism is not an easy career, but if you love what you do, you will find success,” she said. She shared how she transitioned from being a DJ to a journalist, stressing the importance of consistency and carving out a niche.

Mrs. Bukola Ajiboye, a diction coach, presenter, and award-winning presenter, emphasized the role of passion in sustaining a journalism career. “If I had been chasing money, I wouldn’t have reached where I am today,” she stated. She highlighted how digital tools have transformed radio broadcasting, allowing journalists to create and distribute content from anywhere. “Credibility and focus are essential for success in the modern media landscape,” she added.

The session took an interactive turn as Mr. Adeniran challenge pushed participants to apply their knowledge practically. Many welcomed the opportunity to test their skills under pressure, seeing it as a step toward improving their writing and reporting abilities.

With mentorship and hands-on training, CDWAA’s fourth session reinforced its mission to equip young journalists with the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to thrive in the media industry. Mrs. Armstrong-Ogbonna reaffirmed her commitment to mentoring the next generation of journalists, saying, “We are here to guide you, but success ultimately depends on your willingness to learn and apply what you’ve been taught,” she said.


The event concluded with positive feedback from students, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals. “This was one of the most engaging sessions, and I look forward to applying what we’ve learned,” Abdulbasit encouraged, one of the participants.