By Darasimi Ogunleye & Deborah Adeseyoju
Speakers at the 2026 International Campus Journalism Conference (ICJC) organised by the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJ-OAU), urged young journalists to embrace truth, accountability and solution-oriented reporting as tools for national cohesion and development.
The event, themed ‘Active Voice: Youth-Driven Journalism for National Cohesion and Progress,’ was held on June 6 at the ICT Conference Hall of the university.
The annual conference brought together student journalists, media professionals and journalism enthusiasts from various institutions to discuss the role of youth-led journalism in promoting accountability, civic engagement and national development.
Speakers included Faith Alofe, a correspondent with The Punch and the first female president of ACJ-OAU; Segun Odunayo, Chief Correspondent and Deputy Head of Programmes at The Punch; David Olatunji, representing sports journalist Hassan Abdulsalam; and Boluwatife Adedokun, founder of The Harbinger.
Laolu Akande, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Empowered Newswire, an international news agency based in New York, took the podium virtually to speak on ‘Journalism as a Force for National Cohesion.’ From the outset, his message was clear: journalism is not just a profession; it is a responsibility. He reminded the audience that every nation runs on the free flow of credible information, and that Nigerian youths are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change through the stories they choose to tell and how they tell them.
More so, he emphasised that commitment to verification is central to national development. ‘A voice that cannot be trusted is a voice that cannot lead,’ Akande said, urging young journalists to see themselves as guardians of truth. Akande called on young journalists to pursue stories that solve problems, not just expose them, and to look for the opportunities hidden within society’s challenges. He concluded by encouraging the effective use of digital platforms and associations to create meaningful political and social impact.
Student Journalism and Digital Visibility
Following the keynote address, the first panel session commenced. The session featured Faith Alofe and David Olatunji. The discussion focused on the journey from campus journalism to national journalism.
Alofe shared that her journalism journey started at ACJ-OAU where she gained the experience and skills that laid the foundation for her professional career in journalism. Similarly, Olatunji stated that his journey started at the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan (UCJ-UI).
Discussing the importance of having a portfolio, Alofe underscored the use of online platforms like LinkedIn and Muckrack to gain digital recognition and enhance employability. Olatunji also spoke from experience, adding that student journalists could use X to boost their digital presence.
Olatunji advised against pursuing money as the primary motivational factor behind any form of journalism. Alofe additionally mentioned the need for campus journalists to stay neutral and unbiased. She stated, ‘If you are a journalist, you cannot be politically affiliated.’
In a closing remark, Alofe advised participants to obtain their voter cards and exercise their civic rights.
Good Will Messages
After the first session ended, the presidents of UCJ-UI, UCJ-UNILORIN, ACJ-UNIOSUN and OOU felicitated their sister union, ACJ-OAU, in a warm show of support and solidarity, while representing their respective institutions.
Journalism as a Tool for Accountability
Further, the second panel session included Segun Odunayo, Boluwatife Adedokun and Caleb Ijioma.
Responding to an enquiry about what it cost her to do her work, Adedokun responded that it is the risk of not getting enough recognition.
‘It might not get clicks, but we are not chasing virality. We want to make an impact,’ she replied.
Odunayo narrated how his work helped in the construction of a healthcare centre in Igbokofin to reduce the mortality rate of pregnant women. He urged journalists to write stories that project the realities of the masses, thereby driving effective change in society.
Essay Competition Winners Announced
The announcement of the winner of the Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition by the Chairman, Guild of Editors, ACJ-OAU was a major highlight of the conference. With a total score of 98%, Muslim Adewale clinched the cash prize of #100,000. Kolade Akinniyi and Daley Folahanmi placed first and second runner-up with 96% and 91% respectively, earning #50,000 and #30,000.
Participants Reflect on Lessons Learnt
Joel Oyeleke, a final-year student of the Department of English and Literary Studies, remarked that he learned it takes consistency and dedication to do journalism. He also stated that journalism can direct how the world will move.
One of the panellists, Boluwatife Adedokun, in an interview with an InFocus correspondent, spoke about going into journalism actively to be the voice of the voiceless. ‘I can be the voice of the voiceless through reports and my stories,’ she said. She advised campus journalists to do the job for passion and not monetary value.
The conference came to a close after the presentation of awards, closing remarks by the ACJ-OAU President, Esther Olatimehin and the recitation of the Great Ife Anthem. Participants and guests later took photographs to commemorate the event.