As Nigeria celebrates 2025 Workers’ Day, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) honours the invaluable contributions of journalists in upholding democracy, accountability, and civic rights. We spoke with a broadcast journalist, investigative reporter, student journalist, editor, and two veterans who shared their reflections on journalism as a profession, challenges, and future.
Charles Opurum, with Channels TV, highlighted the growing dangers journalists face in the line of duty. Recently attacked by security personnel in Port Harcourt on 8 April 2025 – the second of such incident in two years, he said the experience has made him more cautious. Despite this, he remains committed to journalism as a tool for accountability and democracy.
Speaking on the realities faced by journalists, Lami Sadiq of Media Trust Group highlighted security risks and restricted access to information as key challenges. She stressed the need for careful planning and collaboration to stay safe and noted that the impact of her work keeps her going.
Olanma Stephen, a final-year Mass Communication student at Abia State University, described journalism as a calling to heal, inspire, and drive change. Aware of the challenges—censorship, safety risks, and misinformation, she said student journalism had instilled in her the resilience and discipline needed to thrive.
According to Ade Adesomoju from Premium Times, the current moment in journalism is exciting, with digital tools offering new ways to tell underreported stories and reach wider audiences. However, he also noted the profession’s ongoing credibility crisis, dwindling revenue, and pressure from powerful interests. He urged journalists and newsrooms to explore ethical funding alternatives to safeguard their independence.
Reflecting on his years of journalism under military rule, Lanre Arogundade, veteran journalist and Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), noted that despite the media’s sacrifices for democracy, successive civilian governments have continued to employ intimidation tactics. He called on journalists to remain steadfast and stand in solidarity against arrests, harassment, and threats.
Comfort Ukwela, Associate Professor and Head of Mass Communication at the Federal University of Lafia, whose media career spans over three decades. She urged journalists to uphold integrity, fairness, and truth, while embracing journalistic ethics and their vital role as society’s watchdog.
Journalism in Nigeria faces persistent threats, from violence and harassment to poor welfare and job insecurity. As we mark the Workers’ Day, WSCIJ reaffirms its commitment to journalists’ safety and wellbeing, and calls on media leaders, government, and other stakeholders to ensure stronger protections and uphold press freedom.
Happy Workers’ Day!
