By Olayinka Latona

LAGOS — Christian journalists in Nigeria have been urged to harness the power of digital platforms to build personal influence while preparing for life beyond the newsroom from the very first day of their careers.

The charge was given at the 2026 Annual Training and Retreat of the Christian Faith Reporters Association (CFRA) held in Lagos, themed: “The Future of Faith Reporting in Nigeria: Threats, Opportunities and Relevance.”

Speaking at the event, the General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Missions (Happy Family Centre) and Chairman of the CFRA Board of Trustees, Bishop Charles Ighele, warned that the rise of social media has made it imperative for journalists to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant.

“Social media has come, and it has become a major force. If you don’t position yourself well, you can become irrelevant,” Bishop Ighele said. He advised reporters to understand the boundaries of their employment while seeking creative ways to build personal brands—such as running podcasts or counselling pages—provided they operate within professional ethics.

“Right now, it is about influence. You must make a name for yourself beyond what you are doing officially,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of early retirement planning. “The day you start working is the day you should start preparing for retirement. The older you get, the less energy you may have to make money. Diversify and build something you can rely on after your career ends,” he said.

In his keynote address, Mr. Wale Fatade, Contributing Editor of The Conversation Africa, reinforced the message on retirement planning while stressing the foundational importance of integrity. Drawing from a biblical example, he referenced 1 Samuel 12:2, urging journalists to emulate the prophet Samuel’s commitment to leading without fraud or oppression.

“When your journalism career is over, can you say you have not collected money to write or change a story? If you do not publish the truth, others will,” Fatade warned.

He encouraged reporters to diversify their skills by learning indigenous languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, as well as subjects like History and Statistics, to remain relevant. Reflecting on his personal journey, he shared his retirement plan—establishing a Yoruba community radio station in Osun State—as a model for proactive preparation.

A media consultant and Project Manager at the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Sanmi Falobi, led a practical session on goal setting. He urged journalists to conduct honest self-evaluations, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and diversify income streams in response to the changing economic landscape.

“You must celebrate your strengths and address your weaknesses frontally,” Falobi said, adding that journalists must look beyond traditional salaries to explore legitimate opportunities aligned with their skills.

Earlier, CFRA President, Adeola Ogunlade, described the retreat as a critical moment for reflection and recommitment, particularly as Nigeria navigates social tension, economic hardship, and widespread misinformation.

He noted that the way Christian faith is reported has implications for national unity, public trust, and the moral compass of society. He urged journalists to resist sensationalism and instead report with balance, courage, and compassion.

“The future of Christian faith reporting will be shaped by how well we respond to emerging threats—misinformation, economic pressure, digital disruption, and declining trust—while boldly embracing opportunities for impact and relevance,” Ogunlade said.