Youth journalism in Nigeria is a powerful force for fostering unity, addressing injustices, and shaping a progressive national identity.

As a young freelance journalist in Nigeria, I have personally confronted the challenges of practicing journalism in an environment fraught with hostility. The strained relationship between the media and government authorities often makes it perilous for journalists to operate without the looming threat of harassment, intimidation, or even detention. Despite these challenges, I am steadfast in my belief that youth journalism holds transformative potential for uniting and advancing our nation.

Nigeria—a nation of remarkable diversity encompassing numerous ethnic groups, languages, and cultural practices—continues to face significant hurdles in fostering national unity. In this context, journalism is a potent tool for informing, inspiring, and bringing people together. Specifically, youth journalism provides a dynamic platform for engaging the younger generation in national discourse, shaping their perspectives, and fostering a more unified and cohesive society.

My journey as a journalist underscores the profound impact that fearless and investigative reporting can achieve. In 2022, I published an investigative report that revealed the exploitation of teenage students in a government-run secondary school in Kwara State. The piece went viral, drawing widespread attention to the issue.

Instead of receiving praise, however, I was summoned to the school under the pretense of a meeting, only to be met with threats of a lawsuit and eventual arrest by civil defense officers. Yet, today, I am proud to see that the exploitation I exposed has stopped. This experience is emblematic of the power of youth journalism to catalyze meaningful change and strengthen national identity.

This story, while deeply personal, is far from unique. Journalists across Nigeria frequently encounter similar, and often graver, challenges. Some have even paid the ultimate price for their courage. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Nigeria ranks 112th out of 180 countries regarding press freedom, a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in this line of work. The report highlights Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most perilous environments for journalists.

Although President Bola Tinubu has pledged to uphold media freedom, the reality paints a starkly different picture. The Press Attack Tracker (PAT), a Centre for Journalism and Innovation Development project, documented 128 incidents of press freedom violations in 2024 alone. These statistics underscore the precariousness of practicing journalism in Nigeria, where speaking truth to power often comes at a significant personal cost.

Journalism remains a beacon of truth, equipping citizens with the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making. Youth journalism, in particular, holds immense promise in shaping an inclusive, progressive, and united national narrative. As Nigeria’s future leaders and storytellers, young journalists can mold our national identity in ways that celebrate diversity and drive collective progress.

Through storytelling, youth journalists can craft narratives of unity, shedding light on the shared values and experiences that bind Nigerians together. By celebrating the richness of our cultural diversity, they can demonstrate how these varied perspectives contribute to national advancement. Moreover, youth journalists play a crucial role in influencing policy development, fostering equitable growth by exposing injustices, and holding corrupt and ineffectual leaders accountable.

Looking ahead, youth journalism is critical in building a more harmonious and prosperous Nigeria. Despite the formidable obstacles, young journalists must remain resolute in promoting unity, progress, and a shared national identity. By harnessing the transformative power of storytelling, they can inspire a new generation of Nigerians to embrace diversity, uphold shared values, and work collectively toward a brighter, more equitable future for all.