By Adetutu Audu

Rebecca Ejifoma’s decade-long journey in journalism stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of storytelling with heart. As a celebrated journalist, storyteller, and SDG champion, Ejifoma has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of Nigeria’s most vulnerable—mothers, children, and marginalized communities. With empathy and courage as her guiding lights, she has redefined health journalism, earning prestigious honors such as the Nestlé Nigeria Media Award, a Nordica Media Merits Award (NMMA) nomination, and recognition from the Child Protection Network.

Whether braving rickety boats to report from remote riverine villages or championing women’s empowerment, Ejifoma’s work ignites hope and inspires change. Her story is one of heart, grit, and an unwavering commitment to those often left unheard. For over a decade, this journalist has woven narratives that don’t just inform—they inspire action.

Driven by a deep passion for maternal and child health, women’s rights, and community development, Ejifoma’s reporting has earned her accolades and admiration across Nigeria and beyond. “Being a journalist covering women’s and children’s niche is one of the best impacts on humanity. It’s one of the ways to reach the very marginalized in underserved communities,” she reflects. “Regardless of the handful of challenges that threaten our profession – deadlines, financial instability, biases among others, I attempt to carry Kristen Lamb’s timeless quote in my heart like an eternal flame; ‘When passion wanes, persistence and perseverance carry you through challenges and keep you moving forward.’”

A Rookie at THISDAY Newspaper

Reflecting on the past, Ejifoma recalls stepping into the vibrant newsroom of THISDAY Newspaper in Lagos back in 2014. As a fresh-faced intern, she was eager to make an impact during her six-month stint. “But my journey didn’t end after those six months,” she reminisced. “I returned to school, yet my editor on the Saturday desk, Tunde Raman, encouraged me to return to the desk and keep writing even while studying. I’ve always been grateful for his wise advice—it truly made a difference in my career.”

For Ejifoma, the early days were a whirlwind of challenges as she navigated a range of beats—environment & property, arts, crime, violence against children. “As an intern, I had an amazing editor, Bennett Oghifo, who patiently walked me through the practical side of things—always supportive, confidence-boosting, and genuinely kind. His empathy made a world of difference,” she reminisced about the very beginning.

Then she found her turning point. “It was when my then editor on the health desk who is now the Instructional Designer and Editor at the University of Saint Francis, USA, Dr. Godwin Haruna assigned me. He is another genuinely kind and supportive editor I was blessed with even to date. He assigned me to a health journalism workshop hosted by the Development Communications Network (DEVCOMS) in Surulere, Lagos.” Up until then, Ejifoma had been dabbling in everything: art, religion, culture, news—you name it. “I was even starting to dip my toes into crime reporting, and then, almost by accident, I found myself covering health,” she giggled.

“You know that deep, satisfying sigh you let out when you finally arrive somewhere after a bumpy journey? That’s exactly how I felt at that media dialogue. Sitting in a room full of journalists, all passionately advocating for maternal, newborn, and child health, I realized I’d found my rhythm. For the first time, it felt like I could truly march to the beat of my own drum,” Ejifoma expressed pleasantly.

Reporting from the Margins

Ejifoma’s dedication to storytelling was in full steam ahead and often took her far beyond the comfort of the newsroom. She braved Lagos’ notorious and energy-sapping traffic, setting out as early as 5:30 a.m. from the Agbara axis and ventured into riverine communities where healthcare access is a distant dream. “Reflecting on those times brings back vivid memories—like crossing murky waters in rickety boats, often without life jackets,” she shares, her words painting a picture of both vulnerability and resolve, pondering, “What was I thinking crossing those lagoons with no lifejackets on? Sometimes I went along with an interpreter to bridge the language barrier.” For this reporter, these journeys weren’t just about gathering stories; they were about immersing herself in the realities of marginalized communities, amplifying their struggles, and pushing for systemic change. Truly, her courage in the field underscores a truth she lives by: journalism isn’t just about reporting—it’s about bearing witness to human stories and demanding better for those who need it most.

At this point in her career, she was fully immersed in the field of maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). “I made a deliberate decision to step away from other reporting beats, dedicating myself exclusively to issues affecting women and children, including cases of child abuse. I always attempt to make my reporting go beyond merely exposing problems; I strive to highlight actionable solutions and advocate for improved healthcare access and policies that can truly save lives.”

Ejifoma recounted how her articles often focused on identifying challenges and holding governments and leaders accountable for their inaction. “My perspective underwent a significant transformation after participating in a Solution & Data Journalism program at the School of Media and Communications about three years ago. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity; it provided the momentum and fresh perspective I needed to evolve my writing style. Now, my work is driven by a commitment to inspire change through evidence-based solutions.

Today, from rural clinics to urban hospitals, her stories have drawn attention to the stark realities of Nigeria’s healthcare system, where maternal mortality rates remain among the highest globally. By giving voice to pregnant women, nursing mothers, newborns and children, Ejifoma has become a catalyst for conversations that drive policy changes and inspire hope.