By Joy Odigie, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Digital technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data visualisation, continues to reshape journalism, enhancing storytelling capabilities and challenging traditional reporting methods.
These advancements contribute to a more informed society where diverse voices are heard and valued.
In this evolving media landscape, Nigerian female journalists are at the forefront, leveraging digital technologies to drive innovation and safeguard the socio-economic interests of society.
This is one of the core objectives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
As the NUJ marked its 70th anniversary on March 15, analysts emphasise the importance of recognising the transformation journalism in Nigeria has undergone.
Female journalists, in particular, have played a pivotal role in driving change through innovation, digital storytelling, and the use of AI to redefine the profession.
Their contributions are shaping the future of journalism in Nigeria, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and a commitment to press freedom.
As digital media continues to evolve, Nigerian female journalists are harnessing its power to tell impactful stories.
One of such journalists is Olubunmi Yekini, a veteran multimedia journalist with nearly 20 years of experience.
Yekini has worked with Radio Nigeria, Radio Now, and currently works as a self-employed mediaprenuer, publisher, and podcast specialist.
“I am passionate about data-driven stories as they simplify and elucidate issues, lending credibility and accuracy to my stories,” Yekini said in an interview with Al Jazeera in 2024.
She actively incorporates digital technology into her storytelling, using platforms such as TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram to create short videos featuring text, charts, and images that amplify her newsroom’s reports and programmes.
In 2019, she took part in a collaborative project on Lagos’ Makoko slum, sponsored by Code for Africa and its partners.
Through a radio documentary, she shed light on the struggles of waterfront communities and later used audiograms and short videos to publicise the report on social media.
Building on this wave of digital transformation, another prominent figure in the field is Titilope Fadare.
Known for her expertise in multimedia, podcasting, and AI storytelling, she has worked with Premium Times and SciDev.Net, where she currently serves as Assistant Production Editor (Podcast).
Fadare leverages generative AI tools to create story videos, showcasing the vast potential AI offers in enhancing journalism.
One of such videos featured the Nigerian Professor, Adeyemi Ademowo discussing the importance of teaching children in rural areas in their mother tongue.
This insightful piece gained important insights across social media.
Beyond her work in journalism, Fadare is committed to training the next generation of media professionals.
She organises free mobile journalism workshops, empowering journalists to produce high-quality multimedia content using only their smartphones.
This approach has democratised video production, making it more accessible and cost-effective.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed.
She won the 2021 Facebook Africa Video Storytellers programme and was shortlisted among the top five in the Business and Economy category of the PwC Media Awards 2021.
She was one of the winners of Nigeria’s Best Women Reporter of the Year at the ReportHer Awards in 2023.
Beyond individual achievements, female journalists in Nigeria are using technology to break long-standing barriers in the media industry.
Their work extends beyond storytelling; they are challenging misinformation, promoting gender inclusion, and influencing policy and economic outcomes.
A standout figure in this movement is Anita Eboigbe, Chief Operating Officer at Big Cabal Media; the publishers of TechCabal and Zikoko.
She is widely recognised for her leadership and innovative storytelling projects.
“My work bridges the intersection of strategy, leadership, execution, and innovation, empowering teams to tell impactful stories and build data-driven products that shape conversations across Africa and beyond,” Eboigbe wrote on her LinkedIn page.
Other journalists, such as Magdalene Ukuedojor of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), are also advocating for the power of data-driven journalism.
“I do more solutions journalism using data visualisation. When you use digital tools to tell your story in videos and pictorial forms, it explains it better; people relate with it better,” she said.
She further explained how audience engagement has changed over the years.
“The attention span of people is not so long anymore. So just writing long texts won’t get people to know what you are talking about. AI tools and digital technology make life easier”.
Similarly, Blessing Oladunjoye, publisher of BONews Services and an advocate for women, persons with disabilities, and children, emphasises the importance of accessibility in journalism.
“Multimedia stories make it easier for target audiences across diverse marginalised groups to read and understand.
“It also helps drive impact, as decision-makers can grasp the core of investigations by viewing the visualisations,” she explained.
While some fear that AI may replace human jobs in journalism, others see it as a tool for enhancement rather than a threat.
Chioma Obinagwam, Editor-in-Chief of Confiance News, is among those who embrace AI as a valuable asset.
“Digital technology has impacted my work greatly. Data visualisation amplifies the stories that I write, giving them deeper meaning for my audience.
“AI has also been helpful. It is handy when you’re researching a topic; it often helps with sources and backgrounding stories.
“However, I would like to state that it doesn’t replace that human touch in your work. There’s a place for AI and a place for you, the writer. It only enhances my work; it doesn’t do the entire work for me”.
Obinagwam also praised organisations like Code for Africa for their role in empowering female journalists through training and mentorship.
“The training they provide, the resources, tools, and mentoring are invaluable and have improved the quality of my stories,” she said.
Albeit the strides made, Nigerian female journalists continue to face obstacles, including limited access to resources, gender disparities, and online harassment.
Ukuedojor highlighted the financial barriers that hinder the adoption of digital tools in journalism.
“The biggest challenge I face using digital tools is access to data subscription and work tools.
“So, these things are not cheap. You need good tools to do good videos, you need a good camera and phone, and it’s all about money,” she explained.
She urged organisations to support journalists by providing digital tools, training, and data subscriptions.
“Give us tools, data subscriptions, opportunities, and grants, and we will work. Organisations can partner with journalists to offer free or subsidised data.
“There’s so much to cover in Nigeria; our traditions, cultures, and the solutions happening all around us. With funding, we will go out there and tell these stories,” she urged.
In a world where journalism is rapidly evolving, Efe Omordia, a Nigerian female journalist, has embraced the shift from traditional media to tech-driven innovation.
Rather than working in mainstream journalism, she has found new ways to thrive by leveraging AI to gather information for her YouTube channel, ‘Never Married African’, and remote assignments.
“AI has been a game-changer for me,” she said, reflecting on how technology has enabled her to remain relevant in the digital landscape.
Her journey into data-driven storytelling began with the support of Code for Africa.
With their guidance, she successfully wrote her first data-driven journalism piece, marking a significant milestone in her career.
“Code for Africa’s training opened doors for me,” she noted, stressing how their programmes have helped bridge the gap between traditional reporting and innovative storytelling.
Beyond financial constraints, access to accurate and up-to-date information remains a major challenge.
Yekini pointed out the difficulties of working with outdated or inconsistent data, which complicates reporting.
“The absence of updated and harmonised data is a major challenge for data journalism,” she explained.
“This makes it difficult to know which source to quote. Accessing accurate data is often hindered by restrictions and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“Even using the Freedom of Information Act does not guarantee data availability.”
Reflecting similar concerns, Chioma Obinagwam, Editor-in-Chief of Confiance News, noted the struggle of obtaining expert opinions for stories.
“My biggest challenge in the industry is access to information. Getting pundits to speak on or react to topical issues is quite difficult.
“I remember working on an article outside my usual beat but couldn’t get experts to provide insights. Despite reaching out to them multiple times, they refused to speak,” she said.
For Omordia, a stable internet connection is another crucial factor that greatly impacts journalists’ ability to work effectively.
“Without reliable internet, it’s challenging to fully utilise these tools,” she remarked, stressing the need for better infrastructure to support media professionals.
She also called for more opportunities for training and mentorship, which would equip female journalists with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern media.
Also, Oladunjoye, believes media organisations must invest in digital tools that can enhance the work of their journalists, particularly women.
“There should also be policies guiding the use of these AI tools to ensure the privacy protection of users,” she noted.
“As NUJ clocks 70, the future is bright for women leveraging technology to drive change. Keying into technology puts you ahead of others,” Obinagwam said optimistically.
Omordia also expressed hope for the continued progress of Nigerian women in journalism.
“Women are excelling in this field, and I believe they will continue to do even better,” she said.
Ukuedojor added: “I envision women taking the lead in NUJ. Women are already making significant strides.
“We have a female journalist as the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council. NUJ is also one of the organisations advocating for greater female representation in government, so I see women taking over”.
Overall, stakeholders agree that these female journalists, through their creativity, commitment to press freedom, and adaptability to modern challenges, are keeping Nigerian journalism dynamic and evolving.
Their contributions inspire others who aspire to reshape their roles in tech-driven media innovation. (NANFeatures)
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
