The Media Career Development Network has launched a new initiative, “Media Career Fix,” aimed at enhancing the professional growth of journalists across Nigeria.
The programme, supported by Nigeria LNG Limited, is expected to benefit more than 150 media practitioners through structured career development support.
Executive Director of MCDN, Lekan Otufodunrin, said the programme is designed to address long-standing gaps affecting journalists’ career progression.
Otufodunrin explained that participants will undergo career assessments to identify specific challenges and growth gaps. Based on these evaluations, journalists will receive personalised recommendations, access to training sessions, and opportunities for mentoring and coaching.
According to him, findings from a pre launch survey revealed widespread challenges among journalists, including lack of mentorship, unclear career direction, and limited access to essential tools and data. He added that issues such as poor remuneration, safety concerns, and institutional constraints continue to hinder career advancement in the industry.
To tackle these issues, Otufodunrin said the programme will provide beneficiaries with structured career guidance and improved access to professional opportunities. He added that participants will also receive training in digital skills, economic empowerment, and sustainability strategies.
Originally designed for 30 participants, the programme was expanded to accommodate all respondents due to the scale of the challenges identified. Otufodunrin said the decision reflects MCDN’s commitment to addressing systemic issues within the media profession.
“It is important for journalists to be intentional about achieving their career goals and aspirations instead of leaving things to chance,” he said. He described the initiative as “a wake up call for journalists to take charge of their career development.”
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Omotola Adebanjo, Editor of Gist Nigeria and a career mentor at BBC, emphasized the need for personal responsibility in career growth. Speaking on the theme “Fixing You First: The Hard Truth About Building a Journalism Career in Nigeria,” she urged journalists to focus on self improvement.
“You don’t grow because of the newsroom; you grow because you decide to, then the newsroom will catch up with you,” Adebanjo said, highlighting the importance of skills ownership, visibility, adaptability, and financial discipline.
While stressing individual responsibility, she also called on media organisations to invest more in their workforce. Adebanjo urged newsrooms to prioritise training, build mentorship systems, reward innovation, and protect editorial independence.
The launch event attracted participants both physically and virtually from across the country, reflecting strong interest in the initiative. Several media and development professionals were also in attendance, lending support to the programme.
Notable guests included Shekinat Lawal, Joke Kujenya, Anikeade Funke Treasure, and Adebisi Adetunji, among others, who commended the initiative as a timely intervention for strengthening journalism careers in Nigeria.
