By Marvelous Allen

In its continued effort to strengthen the voices of women in the media, the Female Freelancers Network (FFN) will today host a high-profile virtual fireside chat titled “The All-Round Journalists.”

The event, scheduled for 1 p.m. WAT, will be held via Zoom and will feature two prominent Nigerian media personalities known for their contributions to journalism and storytelling.

The conversation will bring together Lady Ejiro Umukoro, a multiple award-winning author, publisher and founder of multiple media initiatives, and Ms Bunmi Yekini, an international award-winning journalist and publisher whose work spans development reporting, investigative journalism, and media leadership. Both women have distinguished themselves in a profession often described as demanding, competitive, and historically male-dominated.
According to the organisers, the Fire Chat aims to spotlight the resilience, versatility, and creativity of women who have made a significant impact in journalism, as well as inspire the next generation of female reporters and storytellers. The session will provide an avenue for participants to learn directly from the speakers’ experiences ranging from navigating newsroom politics to building sustainable careers in the digital age.

Speaking about the upcoming webinar, FFN Convener Elizabeth Osayande described it as “a platform designed to enlighten, challenge, and encourage journalists, especially women, to embrace their dynamism and potential.”

She added: “We believe this kind of forum will be an eye-opener for journalists at whatever level, especially females, to understand that they can achieve greatness despite stereotypes and other antecedent challenges. More importantly, it will create a space for connection and networking, helping participants to build relationships that can support their professional journey.”

The discussion will also delve into the evolving media landscape in Nigeria, exploring how technological advances, digital disruption, and the rise of freelance journalism are transforming newsrooms and storytelling formats. Attendees will gain insights into the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and personal branding in sustaining a relevant and impactful career.

Beyond sharing their personal journeys, Lady Umukoro and Ms Yekini are expected to offer practical advice on overcoming structural barriers, improving professional capacity, and creating opportunities within and outside traditional newsroom settings. The conversation will highlight how collaboration, mentorship, and community can help women break glass ceilings and thrive in a competitive industry.
The event is open to journalism students, early-career reporters, freelance writers, media enthusiasts, and advocates of gender diversity in the creative and communication sectors. Interested participants are encouraged to register ahead of time to secure access to the Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89740477650?pwd=OkK7e474n5CVvurael1TfJ3YrkM5G0.1

The Female Freelancers Network, formerly known as the Female Freelancers Federation (FFF), is a platform committed to empowering female freelancers through resource sharing, collaboration, mentorship, and capacity-building programmes. The organisation hosts monthly media exposés, where seasoned journalists and media experts share their experiences and shed light on the evolving nature of journalism.

For registration and additional information about the fire chat, FFN can be contacted via [email protected].