RismadarVoice Reporters, May 11, 2026
Female journalists in Akwa Ibom State have been encouraged to embrace digital reporting, acquire specialised media skills, and explore new income opportunities to remain competitive in the evolving journalism profession.
The advice was given during a capacity-building workshop organised by Golden Pulse Academy for female journalists at the Patience (Kemi) Umo Eno Auditorium, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Uyo, on May 5, 2026.
The training programme, themed “Empowering Female Journalists with Skills for Impactful Reporting in a Changing Media Landscape,” focused on equipping women in the media with practical knowledge in specialised reporting and career development.
Speaking on “Monetisation and Career Growth for Female Journalists,” Assistant Managing Editor of Premium Times and investigative journalist, Mr Cletus Ukpong, urged participants to view journalism as a profession capable of generating sustainable income rather than a voluntary service.
Ukpong identified freelance journalism as one of the major opportunities available to media professionals, noting that both local and international media organisations regularly engage freelance reporters, especially in areas where they lack permanent correspondents.
He explained that media platforms such as Premium Times, HumAngle, Al Jazeera, and the BBC often commission journalists for assignments based on the quality of their reports and storytelling abilities.
According to him, journalists must build visibility, establish credibility, and position themselves as dependable sources of information within their communities.
Earlier, the Founder of Golden Pulse Academy and Press Secretary to the Akwa Ibom First Lady Designate, Mrs Uduak Ekong, encouraged female journalists to overcome personal and societal limitations that often hinder women, particularly mothers, from advancing professionally.
Reflecting on her 32 years in journalism practice, Ekong shared experiences from balancing motherhood and career demands, stressing that women must remain determined despite the challenges associated with the profession.
She maintained that many of the barriers confronting female journalists are self-imposed and urged participants not to allow family responsibilities to hinder their ambitions.
“Marriage and children should not stop anyone from pursuing excellence. It takes commitment and proper balance to succeed both at home and in the profession,” she said.
Also speaking, award-winning journalist Mr Ibanga Isine, during his presentation titled “The News Report that Gets Attention and Drives Change,” charged journalists to pursue stories capable of influencing policies and inspiring public action.
Isine said impactful story ideas could emerge from overlooked places such as markets, roads, hospitals, courts, schools, government budgets, NGO reports, and complaints on social media.
He advised journalists to ask critical questions while developing stories, including identifying who is affected, who benefits, and whether the report has the potential to drive meaningful change.
In another session on gender-sensitive and political reporting, the News and Current Affairs Manager at NTA Uyo, Mrs Umoh Bassey Edet, cautioned journalists against using words or expressions that stereotype individuals, especially in reports involving gender issues.
Sharing experiences from field reporting, Daily Editor of Pioneer Newspapers, Comrade Helen Udofa, encouraged female reporters to maintain professionalism, confidence, and personal boundaries while carrying out assignments.
She urged participants to speak confidently, remain alert in unfamiliar environments, and avoid situations capable of compromising their dignity.
On digital journalism and branding, a digital marketing strategist and Founder of WetinHappen.ng, Mr Aniekan Ekah, stressed the importance of understanding digital content creation and dissemination across blogs, websites, and social media platforms.
Ekah further encouraged journalists to deliberately build strong personal brands that would improve their visibility and professional opportunities.
The event featured group presentations by participants and the presentation of certificates at the end of the training session.
