Alaka made this known on Wednesday in Lagos, during the WSCIJ ReportWomen 6th Fellowship Induction and Award, a Female Reporters Leadership Programme, FRLP.

She said that 11 years ago, the centre set out to confront the silence around women and girls in the news, and to challenge the imbalance of power in the newsroom.

According to her, what began in 2014 as a push for more and better coverage of women’s issues has grown into a movement that insists that at the centre of accountability and democracy is representation.

She said that the movement also insisted that women be included as leaders, agenda-setters, framers and editors.

“At the Wole Soyinka Centre for lnvestigative Journalism (WSCIJ), our purpose has always been clear, investigative and accountability journalism in service of democracy and good governance.

“Through ReportWomen! and its Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP), we have shown that democracy is stronger and governance better when women’s voices are amplified.

“This sixth cohort of FRLP fellows proves the point. With courage, leadership, and uncommon storytelling, they have exposed hidden truths from the digital sex trade to unsafe communities around oil pipelines.

READ ALSO: Lagos charges textile industries to adopt circular fashion practices

“They have exposed hidden truths from the denial of education for visually impaired girls, gaps in health care in riverine and conflict zones, child labour, sexual violence and the trafficking of underage girls.

“Their work affirms a simple truth: democracy thrives where silence is broken and accountability is demanded. But this is not just about stories. It is about leadership,” Alaka said.

She said that each of the 12 fellows engaged newsroom leaders, mentored younger colleagues and reignited the passion of students, who now saw journalism as a worthy calling.

The executive director said that the 12 fellows reminded journalists that journalism was not just a profession, but also a public trust.

“The results over a decade are humbling, 537 reporters trained across Nigeria and Ghana, 136 investigative stories, 138 leadership projects, six documentaries, seven research reports and a female experts’ guide featuring over 500 credible voices and award initiatives,” she said.

Alaka noted that with the 12 inductees, ReportWomen! now had 98 FRLP fellows, whose work had touched more than 2,930 indirect beneficiaries.

She said that the Report Women Network, REWON, was indeed, becoming a formidable force for accountability and inclusion.

The executive director said that with approval from the WSCIJ Board of Trustees, ReportWomen! would begin a new chapter soon, as it would be registered as an independent organisation under the WSCIJ’s supervision.

“As we mark 11 years of ReportWomen! and induct the 6th FRLP Fellowship cohort, I extend deep appreciation to our donors and partners, The Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundation, Netherlands Embassy, Free Press Unlimited, our mentors, publishers, journalism communities, current fellows, and every ally who has walked this journey with us.

“My charge is simple, let us keep opening doors, challenging practices that work against us, and reimagining journalism as a tool of accountability, democracy and justice.

“Change is never easy, but change is possible when we build it together,” she said.

Also speaking, the Lead Consultant of Strictly Speaking, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede, urged female journalists to embrace the fact that they are women and there was no case of being a second citizen.

Oloyede said that women are just as able as their male counterparts to deliver developmental stories that would make impact.

“They need to focus on continuous learning. It is my advice to female journalists to ensure that for them to be as professional as they possibly can, they need to embark on continuous learning, especially in this digital age,” she said.

The 2025 ReportWomen! Female Reporters Leadership Programme, FRLP, fellows include Aisha Gambo (NAN), Bilkis Abdulraheem (Bond FM), Chigozie Victor (Big Cabal Media) and Christiana Alabi-Akande (DevReporting).

Others are Dana Zagi (Daily Trust), Gloria Attah (ClearView TV), Jemilat Nasiru (The Cable), Juliet Buna (Crest FM), Mary Agidi (The Hope), Melody Ishola (The Punch), Rasheedat Iliyas (Harmony) and Temitope Obayendo (Pharmanews).

Source: NAN

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The theme is “Media Career, Mentoring and Innovative Journalism: Identifying the Gaps, Connecting the Dots.”

The summit will bring together a distinguished line-up of media development experts, mentors, emerging role models, and proteges to explore ways of strengthening mentoring practices in the media industry, linking mentorship with innovative journalism, and creating fresh pathways for media mentoring and development initiatives.

The programme will feature quick expert insights, mentee–mentor testimonials, a plenary discussion, and an interactive networking session.

It will also feature the public presentation of a publication titled, “Milestones of a Media Icon: A Collection of Plaudits & Testimonials on Lekan Otufodunrin”.

The testimonial publication, compiled by Mr. Sanmi Falobi, Project Manager, International Press Centre, IPC, who identifies as a long-time mentee of Mr. Otufodunrin, documents the career impact, leadership, mentoring contributions and testimonials about the transformational impact of Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin’s influence in media career mentoring over the years as a journalist, editor, trainer, young journalists mentor and media career coach whose influence has shaped countless careers in Nigeria’s media space.

READ ALSO: UBA fined N30m, ordered to refund $163, 592 over unlawful account restriction

According to Falobi, coordinator of the summit, focusing on identifying the gaps and connecting the dots in media career for innovative journalism was not only desirable but imperative.

“In Nigeria’s fast-changing media landscape, where opportunities are evolving alongside daunting professional challenges, career mentoring and guided support are not only necessary, but very important in the career life of budding media professionals. They bridge the gap between raw talent and industry relevance, equipping media and communication enthusiasts with the skills, resilience, and innovation needed to make lasting impact.

“While digital creativity and artificial intelligence is opening the space for innovations, guided support and wisdom from experienced mentors remain a dire need for impact and effective media communications and journalism initiatives.”

Lead speakers/contributors expected at the session, apart from special input by esteemed media career and communications experts include:

• Prof. Oloruntola Sunday – Dean, Faculty of Communication & Media Studies, University of Lagos.
• Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka – Executive Director/CEO, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
• Dr. Theophilus Abbah – Programme Director, Daily Trust Foundation.

The event, which will be moderator by Blessing Oladunjoye will also have a Mentee–Mentor experience sharing session by:

• Elizabeth Osayande – Convener, Female Freelancers Network (FFN).
• Dayo Emmanuel – News Editor, National Wire.
• Ann Godwin – Head, South-South Bureau, The Guardian Newspaper.
• Seye Joseph – Founder/CEO, EnterpriseCEO.
• Justina Asishana – Coordinator, Media Mentors Network.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, August 15, 2025

Time: 4:00 PM (WAT – Lagos, Nigeria)

Venue: Zoom (Pre-registration required)

Registration Link: bit.ly/LOMNET-EVENT

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The government made the call just as it commended the old students association of Lagos Baptist Secondary Schoool, LABASCO, for its consistent support of the alma mater.

The latest in a series of interventions by the alumni in Lagos Baptist Senior Secondary School, LBSS, is a special seminar for Senior Secondary School 3, SSS3, students, the teachers and parents.

The well-attended seminar was held on Thursday at the school premises to sensitise students, teachers and parents ahead of the coming West African Secondary School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, and other related ones.

The state government was represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Prince Adebowale Adeoye Bashir.

Speaking at the occasion on behalf of the Tutor General, the Director and Head of Unit Examinations, Mr. Sanni Olakunle Taiwo, expressed gratitude over the unrelenting support the school had enjoyed from the old students.

He said it was indeed remarkable that the old students were conscious of the fact that the government alone could not provide everything required for maximum functioning of schools.

While giving assurance of the commitment of the state government to continue to improve the level of education in all ways, its priority, the Tutor General urged the old students not to rest on their oars.

The principal of the school, Mrs. Modupe Shofela, who was highly excited expressed gratitude to the old students, declaring that the school was very fortunate to have them.

According to her, the commitment of the old students to give back to their alma mater was exemplary.

Mr. Akindele, Benjamin Ojo of the 1984 set, who chaired the seminar organising committee, disclosed that the essence of the event was to challenge the students, parents and teachers ahead of the coming examination.

His words: “We were dismayed when our alma mater was red-lagged by WAEC due to examination malpractices.  It was a low moment for us as ex-students, and we promised to get involved and return the school to its glorious past.”

READ ALSO: LABASCO: Give us back our school, old students charge Lagos govt

Akindele added: “We expect our students to respond with discipline, hard work and excellence.  We urge you to make us proud by passing your exams with flying colours, displaying dignity and respect, and upholding the values that our institution represents.”

The seminar featured six resource persons who are old students of the school and had made their mark in different fields.

READ ALSO: LABASCO: ‘82 set celebrates 40 years, inaugurates projects

The first session was handled by a prominent medical doctor, Dr. Aina Odusola, with the topic: “Overcoming Examination Anxiety and Pressure, and Academic Integtrity and its Importance.

The second session was by a renowned educationist, Mrs. Funsho Bolawole.

The topic of her session is: “The Role of Teachers in Academic Excellence: Teacher-Students Relationships and Mentorship.”

READ ALSO: LABASCO: Govt applauds old students, declares N7.5m assembly ground open

The third session was by a school proprietress, Mrs. Folake Joseph.

She spoke on “Recognising and Addressing Signs of Academic Struggle and Fostering a Mindset in Your Child.”

The fourth session was handled by the MD/EiC of FrontPage (frontpageng.com), Mr. Sakibu Olokojobi.

He spoke on “Building Resilience and Perseverance.”

READ ALSO: LABASCO: Govt commends alumni in Diaspora over N7.5m assembly ground project

Mr. Alaka Abayomi handled the fifth session with the title, “Goal Setting and Time Management.”

The sixth session was by Apostle (Dr.) Bolaji Akinyemi, with the topic, “Civic Responsibility and Community Engagement and the Role of Technology in Education.”

The students, teachers and parents at the occasion expressed gratitude for the timely intervention which they considered very useful for all.

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To celebrate the landmark anniversary themed, My Alma Mata: Towards Relationships That Matter, And Friendships That Last, a four-day activities have been lined up by the organising committee of the event.

According to the Chairman, 40th Anniversary Central Planning Committee, Mr. Abdulwasiu Kehinde, the celebration will commence on Wednesday, June 19 with a courtesy visit to Randle General Hospital directly opposite the school.

The choice of Randle General Hospital for a humanitarian visit to commemorate the anniversary is particularly symbolic as the hospital was a go-to facility for medical treatment by many of the old students.

The visit is therefore a means of saying thank you to the hospital and also to show a token of appreciation with some gift items as a way of contributing to its growth.

The day two of the event is a career talk for SS1&2 students of the school.

However, the talk which was originally scheduled for Thursday, June 19 will now hold on Tuesday, June 25, due to a change in the school’s academic calendar.

READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu awards N10m cash prize to LASU’s valedictorian

The career talk which will hold inside the school hall will be given by old students of the school as well as representatives of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, with parents in attendance.

The students will also have some fun time with the Old Students after the talk.

On Friday, June 14, which is day three of the celebration there will be Jumat and inter-denominational services for muslim and christian old students respectively.

The anniversary celebration will thereafter come to a crescendo with a reunion get-together at Ĺagos Country Club on Saturday, June 22 with the National President of Ansar-ud-Deen Grammar School Surulere Old Students Association, Alhaji Kazeem Kunle Alaka, giving the keynote address.

Apart from wining and dining with members and invited guests, the anniversary reunion party is also a veritable opportunity for members from different parts of the world to reconnect with classmates that some have not met in four decades.

“It promises to be fun-filled,” the chairman of the anniversary committee assured.

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The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr Taofik  Adebayo, made this known on Saturday in Lagos.

He said Olusola of Zone 3, Iponri area of Surulere, had confirmed that a truck laden with gas, with registration number KRD 281 XL hit the newly erected barrier by the Lagos State government at Alaka inward Stadium.

Olusola confirmed further that in an attempt for gas truck to force itself under the newly-erected barrier, had its content (gas) spilled on the main carriage by Alaka inward Stadium Bridge.

According to him, “immediately the incident occurred, LASTMA officials quickly invited other emergency responders, particularly the Lagos State Fire Service and cordoned off the main carriageway at Alaka by Stadium bridge for motorists to avert any fire outbreak.”

READ ALSO: Former Lagos State Commissioner, Bosun Jeje, is dead

“While the driver of the truck was arrested and handed over to Police men from Area ‘C’ Divisional Police Station, vehicular movement was diverted to service lane from Alaka, to continue their movement inward Ojuelegba by LASTMA officials,” Olusola said.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, said that the newly erected barrier at Stadium Bridge was to divert heavy trucks to service lane from Alaka inward Staduim down to Ojuelegba.

Oreagba enjoined heavy truck drivers to always use the service lane whenever they were embarking on any journey around Stadium to Ojuelegba area of Lagos.

He urged the public to contact LASTMA hotlines 08100565860/ 08129928513 in case of any gridlock, comment and observation.

Source: NAN

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