For some Nigerian journalists, 2022 is not only a new year to continue to practice the profession, they also have new jobs and new roles they have been promoted to. In this report, John Attah shares details of what he calls ” Journalists Transfer Guide”
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Deutsche Welle began the 2022 calendar year with the employment of young journalists.
Below were some of the young employees and their testimonies:
It’s the first day in February and the premier league transfer window is officially closed with so many interesting deadline transfers happening on the 31st of January. There were so many headlines of football players moving from one club to the other for high wads of transfer fees and record-breaking sums for certain clubs. Also, the media industry in Nigeria witnessed some transfer of services by experienced and veteran journalists between media organizations but this time, their fees were undisclosed and it might just be due to security or classified reasons. Here is my transfer list of big moves that are eye-catching and mouthwatering.
In no particular order, first on my list is Olisa Chukwumah, a vibrant journalist who formerly plied his trade with News Central as a broadcast journalist and producer. He has now transferred his services to Deutsche Welle for an undisclosed fee. Olisa currently works as a West Africa correspondent for the German news outfit and announced his move on Twitter with the simple caption “Some January Transfer Update”.
Ifeoluwa Adediran, the young creative writer and content developer, ported from Premium Times Nigeria where she worked as a Journalist/Reporter to British Broadcasting Corporation, Lagos bureau. The Obafemi Awolowo University Alumnus now works as a Journalism Researcher on BBC’s 50:50 project. She said; “Following a productive and amazing time as a reporter at Premium Times Nigeria, today I officially joined the BBC as a journalism researcher for the African region under the 50:50 project. #5050Project” as she announced her move on her personal social media page.
Next up on the list is an experienced broadcaster who has transversed the broadcast landscape in Nigeria. The former Cool FM breakfast show host, Sandra Ezekwesili, who worked as a Deputy Program Manager with Nigeria Info FM announced her promotion to Group Brand Manager on her LinkedIn page. She wrote that; ”2022 is off to a great start. I’m now Nigeria Info FM’s Group Brand Manager for all our stations nationwide (Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt). I’m really excited about this new role”.
If you are looking for a blend of data and environmental journalism with a slice of satire, then Yūsuf Akínpẹ̀lú is your go-to guy. The award-winning journalist who worked with Premium Times Nigeria announced his move to BBC Africa with style; few words, and pictures, a trait common with his trade. He wrote on Twitter; “Ladies and gentlemen, this year @BBCAfrica”
Last off my transfer list is a seasoned journalist with German news outfit Deutsche Welle (DW), Flourish Chukwurah. The Syracuse University graduate started working as a TV Correspondent with DW four years ago and she recently announced her promotion on her social media page. In her words, she wrote; “NEW BEGINNINGS I’m happy to share that this year I’ll be starting a new role at @dwnews as the head of DW Lagos bureau and West Africa correspondent. This is a new and exciting journey and it’s a huge privilege to lead an amazing team of young, vibrant, talented and experienced journalists”.
America’s past president, Eleanor Roosevelt quipped ― “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” With this round-off of transfer updates, it is guaranteed that the year 2022 will be notable and interesting, as these fellows cut their teeth in their new roles. Watch out for more insightful journalistic pieces from them and other remarkable journalists across Africa’s local and international media platforms as the year unfolds.
