PUNCH journalist Adetutu Sobowale has emerged winner of the inaugural Reporter Slam Nigeria competition, using her presentation to highlight the emotional pressures and professional challenges journalists face when reporting breaking news in the digital era. Sobowale clinched the title at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, earning recognition for her storytelling and securing a place at the continental Reporter Slam Africa event.
Key Highlights
- PUNCH journalist Adetutu Sobowale won the inaugural Reporter Slam Nigeria competition in Lagos.
- She highlighted the emotional impact of reporting a breaking news story that was later disputed as fake news.
- Sobowale scored 119.90 in the competition’s combined scoring system.
- Melody Dauda of Albarka Radio, Bauchi, finished as first runner-up.
- Tina Abeku of The Guardian, Abuja, came third.
- The competition was organised under the theme “Journalism and the Nigerian Story”.
- Organisers said the initiative aims to strengthen public trust in journalism through storytelling.
- Sobowale is expected to represent Nigeria at Reporter Slam Africa.
Adetutu Sobowale Wins First Reporter Slam Nigeria Title
Sobowale emerged as the competition’s first-ever Slampion after outperforming other contestants in the journalism storytelling event, which brought together media professionals, broadcasters, journalism educators and campus journalists.
The competition was organised in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Nigeria under the theme “Journalism and the Nigerian Story”.
Held at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos, the event focused on the experiences behind news reporting and the role of storytelling in helping audiences better understand journalists and their work.
PUNCH Journalist Shares Emotional Experience With Breaking News
During her presentation, Sobowale recounted an experience involving her report on a sensitive development in Nigeria’s relations with the United Arab Emirates.
She explained that after she reported the contents of a social media post by an aide to a senior elected government official, the post was deleted. The aide subsequently described the information as fake news.
The experience, she said, left her embarrassed and concerned about the professional implications of publishing information that was later disputed, particularly because of her background as a fact-checker.
“Actually, that story traumatised me. You know why? I am a fact-checker, I wrote a story, a breaking news and it was a big story, then all of a sudden it was tagged fake,” she said.
Her presentation drew attention to the pressure journalists face when covering fast-moving developments, especially when information shared by public officials or their aides is subsequently withdrawn or challenged.
Sobowale Expresses Surprise Over Victory
Reacting to her victory, Sobowale said she was excited and surprised by the outcome, explaining that speaking before an audience was unfamiliar territory for someone accustomed to expressing herself through writing.
“I’m confused at the same time, excited, because I was not expecting this. I’ve never spoken like this before. I am always typing, writing, but now I have to talk to the crowd, and there are people to judge me,” she said.
She added that the recognition had encouraged her to share more personal experiences and connect with other journalists facing similar professional challenges.
‘There Is a Story Behind Every Byline’
Sobowale urged journalists to share the personal experiences behind their published reports, arguing that their professional identities extend beyond the headlines and bylines audiences see.
“Let people know that you have a story behind that byline, behind the headline. There is a lot more to writing a story. So we need to come out and tell people our story so that they will see the value in what we do,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to her employer, PUNCH, for contributing to her professional development.
“PUNCH made me. I thank PUNCH,” she added.
Her remarks reinforced the competition’s central message: journalists can use personal storytelling to help audiences understand the demands, responsibilities and human experiences associated with reporting the news.
Reporter Slam Nigeria Results and Scores
Sobowale secured the title with a combined score of 119.90, comprising an average jury score of 56.00 per cent and an online audience vote of 63.90 per cent.
The other leading contestants were:
- Melody Dauda: First runner-up, with 63.66 per cent.
- Tina Abeku: Third place, with 61.80 per cent.
Dauda is an on-air personality with Albarka Radio in Bauchi, while Abeku works with The Guardian in Abuja.
The competition combined jury assessments and online audience participation, giving contestants an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to communicate compelling stories beyond conventional news reporting.
Organisers Explain Purpose of Reporter Slam Nigeria
The convener of Reporter Slam Nigeria and Head of Programmes at PUNCH Videos, Melony Ishola, said the initiative was designed to strengthen public trust in journalism by giving audiences a better understanding of the experiences behind news reports.
Ishola also highlighted the distinction between reporting facts and presenting stories in ways that engage audiences.
“One of the greatest takeaways from having the jury review each presentation was to make clear to us, especially practitioners in journalism, that reporting and storytelling are not the same thing,” she said.
She added that journalists needed to use storytelling effectively to engage audiences, create impact and sustain readership and viewership in the digital age.
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Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Reaffirms Support for Journalism
The Resident Representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Nigeria, Moritz Sprenker, underscored the importance of the competition in strengthening journalism and helping practitioners develop their storytelling abilities.
He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to initiatives that promote professional development and innovation within the media industry.
The collaboration also highlighted the role of media organisations and development partners in creating platforms where journalists can refine their communication skills and explore new ways of engaging the public.
Who Judged the Reporter Slam Nigeria Competition?
The judging panel featured prominent figures from Nigeria’s media and academic sectors.
They included Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Director of the Institute of Continuing Education at the University of Lagos; veteran broadcaster, journalist and author Bimbo Oloyede; Premium Times founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Dapo Olorunyomi; Nigeria Editor at Africa Check, David Ajokobi; and retired broadcaster Lawal Mohammed.
Other attendees included former PUNCH Nigeria Limited General Manager of Human Capital and Corporate Services, Folake Gbemutor; Head of PUNCH Digital Advertising, Mary Stanley-Ubani; members of the University of Lagos Press Club; and other media practitioners.
Sobowale to Represent Nigeria at Reporter Slam Africa
Following her victory, Sobowale is expected to represent Nigeria at Reporter Slam Africa, where she will present her story to a wider continental audience.
Her success marks a milestone for the inaugural Nigerian edition and highlights the growing importance of storytelling as a complementary skill for journalists working across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
The competition also provided an opportunity to examine the pressures of breaking news, the challenges of verifying information and the need to build public understanding of journalism’s responsibilities.
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