The Lagos Voice’s editor, alongside other media professionals emphasise role of young journalists in shaping society at ACJOAU conference

By Taiwo Ramat and Oritsejolomisan Edun

The International Campus Journalism Conference (ICJC), organised by the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ) at Obafemi Awolowo University, was held on June 6, 202, in the ICT Conference Hall.

The conference, which was themed Active Voices: Youth Driven Journalism for National Cohesion and Progress, brought together student journalists and media voices from different tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The Lagos Voice earlier reported that Hassan Abdulsalam, Faith Alofe, Segun Odunayo and other media professionals will be speaking at the conference.

The President of ACJOAU, Esther Olatimehin, gave the opening address, welcoming guests, speakers, and visiting campus journalism associations. In her speech, Esther explained how narratives are formed, opinions are shaped, and how societies are built not only by the stories that are told but also by the ones left untold.

She stressed the responsibility of young journalists in shaping those narratives. “National cohesion is not only the responsibility of the government and institutions, It is also built through dialogue, accurate reporting, ethical storytelling, and a commitment to highlighting experiences that bring us together despite our differences,” Olatimehin said.

She added that student journalists are not just passive observers but active participants in society. “Today, we gather not only to discuss journalism but also to explore its power as a tool for social progress,” she added.

The keynote address was delivered via a pre-recorded message by Professor Laolu Akande, who apologised for not being physically present but appreciated the invitation. Laolu Akande is a communication expert with over 30 years of experience in journalism, media, and public relations.

He began by acknowledging young people: ‘Young people have their strength and represent our future,’ he said. He reflected on his days in campus journalism at the University of Ibadan, where he was part of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJUI), and also participated in The Lynx Magazine, The Zik Hall Press, and The History Department Press.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

He emphasised journalism as more than just an institution, but the backbone of democracy. He noted that when journalism fails, misinformation fills the gap, and society suffers the consequences. Laolu Akande also highlighted the changes in media, especially with the internet and social media making news more accessible than ever. But with that access, he stressed responsibilities attached; ‘Our responsibility is not just to report but to verify,’ he said.

He also listed key expectations for youth-driven journalism, including factual reporting, amplifying underrepresented voices, accountability journalism, solution-based reporting, civic participation, and using digital tools responsibly. “The future does not belong to those whose voice is the loudest or who can abuse the worst, but to those whose credibility remains intact over time. Our responsibility is not just to report but to verify.”

He warned against misinformation, saying a nation cannot progress when decisions are built on falsehood.

He also spoke on AI and digital tools, noting that they are powerful but depend on the values of the people using them.‘These tools are only as powerful as the people using them,’ he said. The session ended with a spoken word performance by AdebSpeaks, which encouraged campus journalists to remain active voices shaping society.

Panel Session 

The first panel session was anchored by Jesutomiwo Adebumowa, President of UCJ-UI, and was themed ‘From Campus Newsrooms to National Influence: Preparing Young Journalists for the Professional Media Space.’ Panellists included Faith Alofe ( Journalist, multimedia storyteller, and correspondent at PUNCH Newspapers) and David Olatunji, Editor-in-Chief of The Lagos Voice, representing Hassan Abdulsalam, award-winning Nigerian Multimedia Sports Journalist, Media Relations Specialist, and Original Media Expert.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates

The discussion focused on the journey from campus journalism into mainstream media. Alofe shared how she started in campus journalism at OAU with ICONS Organisation. She also spoke about participating in UDEME, a CJID-led initiative tracking government projects for accountability. In her transition journey, Faith mentioned that she had early rejection from The Cable, saying it taught her not to rely on just one platform.

Olatunji also shared his journey, noting that campus journalism was his starting point. He spoke about the sacrifices involved, including funding his own learning visits to newsrooms. He advised young journalists to avoid brown envelope journalism and focus on building experience, even if it starts with unpaid work. Both speakers emphasised building strong portfolios and using platforms like LinkedIn and Muckrack to gain visibility.

David Olatunji could not help but appreciate his mentors who have shaped his transition journey. He then encouraged young journalists to look up to practitioners in their field, as he believed that mentorship plays a strategic role in the transition journey. He added that his ability to meet various Editors and versatile writers has built visibility. Both panellists encourage campus journalists to not only build their CGPA but also gather as much experience as possible.

While emphasizing media visibility, Faith Alofe stressed that good grades are important, but there are several skills, such as communication skills, as well as newswriting and features, among others, that young journalists have something to offer. In his conclusion, David advised campus journalists to explore different beats and have clear documentation.

The second panel session, tagged ‘Vibrant and Impactful Journalism as a Tool for Accountability, Civic Engagement, and National Development,’ was moderated by David Ogunlade, former Public Relations Officer of ACJ-OAU. Panellists included Segun Odunayo ( Chief Correspondent and Deputy Head of Programme at The Punch Newspaper), Boluwatife Adedokun, a Nigerian Journalist, Fact-checker, and Founder of Harbinger; and Caleb Ijoma, the Executive Director of Roundcheck.

Odunayo emphasised that journalism is about impact and accountability, not money. He explained that sometimes people undermine the role of journalism, but the role remains important because they give society a voice. He gave several instances where the society has belittled his impact as a journalist, yet this has never stopped him from playing his part in society.

Caleb Ijioma spoke about misinformation and the need to educate young people to verify information before sharing it. He also noted that making an impact does not require a big stage, you can start from where you are. Boluwatife highlighted emotionally driven misinformation, explaining how people often share content simply because it confirms what they already believe.

On investigative reporting, Ijoma suggested that involving relevant federal agencies can help ensure accountability and action on stories. The panellist advised young journalists to focus on what the future has to offer and not to undermine the impact of verified information and journalism as a whole in shaping and influencing actions in society.

ICJC 2026 in its entirety emphasised the importance of the youth in journalism and how this brings about development in the diverse levels of society. Ultimately, the key issues discussed advance the conversation regarding the involvement of youth in the fight for accountability and transparency.