Two things can take journalism in Nigeria to greater heights – true press freedom and better salary packages for journalists across the board.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I was born and raised in Nigeria and my childhood dream has always been to become a broadcast journalist. Today I am an award-winning TV show host and MC in Dubai, UAE. I’d say that dream has come true
I am currently the Dubai-UAE correspondent for foreign correspondent for one of Africa’s leading news stations - Channels TV - reporting on stories of global and African interest in the Middle East. Some of my remarkable interviews have been with several high profile personalities from the US, UK, Nigeria, UAE, and Congo; Including CEO Dubai Tourism Issam Kazim, Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, World-renowned British artist Sacha Jafri (creator of the world’s largest painting on canvas), Congolese tycoon - Eric Mandala, World Heavyweight Champion - Francis Ngannou, as well as former Consul General of Japan, Dr. Akima Umezawa.
My career began back in Redeemer’s University Nigeria as an undergraduate student of Mass Communication. I had started to interview celebrities, lead a team of my fellows to publish a magazine. Plus, I also interned at my current organization, shadowing some of the best reporters in Nigeria. Since 2011, I have acquired and perfected skills such as reporting, newscasting, scripting, producing, voice-over, blogging, editing, MCing.
2. What is your opinion about press freedom in your country?
Nigeria is a young Democracy and still has a long way to go. The same can be said for Press Freedom in the country. In recent years, there have been attempts to create laws that will gag press freedom as well as suppress freedom of expression but I’m thankful for the thousands of watchdogs who do not relent in the fight to ensure the press remains free.
3. Who is your favorite journalist and why?
Right now, it’s Jim Stenman, who is a former producer at CNN and now the founder of W1 Media. He has played a pivotal role in the career in recent months and I appreciate how he has helped to sort of birth the new phase of journalistic practice.
4. What do you think about the quality of journalism in your country and how can it be improved?
Two things can take journalism in Nigeria to greater heights – true press freedom and better salary packages for journalists across the board.
5. What is your message to all aspiring journalists?
Glamour and fame make up 10 percent of real journalism, so I hope that’s not why you want in. A true journalist is passionate about truth, fairness, accuracy in story-telling, justice, and many other principles. Money should also not be a motivation even though I advise you to ensure you can live a decent life as a journalist.
6. If you could interview one famous person, who would that be and why?
That would be the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan. I would love to get a heart to heart conversation with him about life as a royal and his vision for the Emirate
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
The Alchemist. I’m yet to read a book (apart from the Holy Bible) that weaves God so beautifully into every life, destiny, and purpose.
Mayowa - News Reporter & Journalist from Dubai
Broadcast Journalist | Mediapreneur | MC | Based in UAE|
Founder: @thellseries @gramforchrist @howheartofworship @projectddd
Interviewed By: Navya Garg
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