The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) Female Reporters’ Leadership Programme has taught me one big lesson, ‘’you can do so much with very little’’, writes Osaruonamen Ibizugbe, Project Officer, Media in Gender at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development.
Before now, I never believed I had any trait of leadership in me. I always pushed aside any opportunity that required me to play a leadership role, and I was okay with being on the sidelines or cheering from behind.
I recall how I would vehemently rebuke anyone who dares to tell me that I would one day in the future hold a leadership position or become a boss in the corporate world someday.
It wasn’t until I made a decision to embrace taking up more organized roles and intentionally nudging those around me, especially my juniors at work, toward taking their work seriously did I see a glimpse of light in the area of my leadership abilities.
I got into the Wole Soyinka’s Female Reporters Leadership Programme FRLP on my first application attempt, which I considered God’s plan. Here, I learnt that you don’t have to have it all or be up there to lead.
I got to understand that you can serve in a leadership capacity, no matter what position or hierarchy you hold. My eyes were open to see that there is always room for a leadership spot in every ladder of hierarchy.
In implementing my leadership project under the fellowship, I brought together the interns from various departments at my former office, Independent Television ITV Abuja, and invited some other FRLP fellows, the likes of Titilope Fadare, (Premium Times), Anita Ebiogbe ( HumAngle) and Dooshima Abu (BBC) to train fellows on new media skills needed to gain relevance in the media industry.
A few weeks after the training exercise, I was astonished at the effects of the training exercise on the interns. It was evident in their drive to pursue objective reports and contribute to the station’s activities even in the littlest of forms.
It’s amazing how I was able to make an impact with my little resources and knowledge. I faced my fears head-on and confronted every doubt I have ever had about my capacity to impact knowledge.
I am proud to say that I now understand the importance of giving out and watering others even from the little you know by doing what you can to impact the lives of those around you even when you don’t think you have enough.
Dealing with self-doubt/stage fright
Another lesson I learned from participating in this life-changing mentorship fellowship by WSCIJ was the courage to face my fears as it opened my eyes to endless possibilities and opportunities in every sphere of influence, especially in the area of public engagement.
I have always been one who fidgets and shy away from facing an audience or addressing a room. I never believed such things were meant for people like me, not even in the smallest capacity. Even though I worked as a broadcaster, delivered the news, interviewed guests on-air, and covered events and the like. I never had the boldness to speak to issues and this wasn’t because I was ignorant of the subject matter, it was largely due to my lack of self-confidence.
After the first round of training and interactive sessions with FRLP fellows and mentors where I got to draw from the well of knowledge the opportunity offered, I thought in my head, ‘’for me to have been selected for this leadership programme, there is something in for me that needs to emerge”.
One day, I made a decision to always say at least one thing at every gathering, meeting or space I find myself in. I encouraged myself with the saying that ‘there is no wrong answer’.
This in a way boosts my courage and gives me the push to face my audience head-on. It hasn’t also been without hurdles like having to stutter or mix up words at some point but ultimately, that fear of not attempting the spotlight is fast becoming an old tale for me.
Navigating my new role as a ‘’Project Officer’’
Shortly after completing the leadership programme, I got an offer from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development CJID. This I strongly believe emanated from the opportunities I leveraged as a FRLP fellow. I must admit that it took me a while to recognize that I needed this shift in my career.
I had to do a lot of consultations, especially with mentors, family members and friends who most encouraged me to jump at the offer.
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Finally, I accepted the offer, and resumed my new role as a ‘Project Officer, Media in Gender’.
I got into this new space a little timid, frightened, and intimidated. Who wouldn’t be at first, not knowing what lies ahead or what you’re facing?
On getting there, I met people in my age bracket and some even younger, doing great things, heading teams, and building amazing stuff career-wise. This always gave me a push and often reminded me that I could do it.
I recognized that it was time to stop myself from thinking I couldn’t do it. I had to let go of self-doubt and anxiety. It was time to focus on changing the negative cyclic narratives.
Strangely though, I take bold steps and I am outspoken. Oddly, it is usually in pursuit of the wrong ventures. I then made it a point of duty to channel my boldness into building my brand as a media professional by daring to speak out without doubting my opinions.
Now, I can boldly step up, face an audience or address a meeting knowing that it is always an opportunity to learn and improve my capacity. I am gradually and intentionally building my public engagement and leadership skills believing that with time, I will take up the bigger stages without intimidation.
All thanks to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism WSCIJ for the gift of its Female Reporters Leadership Programme FRLP which has boosted my self-esteem and re-aired my self-confidence balloon.
