By Oyeyemi Abolade |
Award-winning travel journalist and author Pelu Awofeso delivered an inspiring keynote to budding media professionals during the second cohort of the Career Development With Augustina Armstrong (CDWAA) series, held virtually on August 6, 2025.
Speaking to students of the National Broadcast Academy (NBA) via Zoom, Awofeso shared stories from his unconventional journey in journalism, tracing a path forged by curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering passion for African storytelling.
“Nothing Beats Being There” – The Beginning in Jos
Awofeso recounted how his career began during his National Youth Service year in Jos, Plateau State. Leaving the southwest for the first time, he was struck by the scenic beauty of Northern Nigeria — a spark that ignited his passion for travel writing.
“Before I started writing, I was a lover of nature,” he told the cohort.
Despite limited access to digital platforms in 2004, he felt compelled to document his experiences and began writing reflections, submitting them to local media outlets.
Persistence Amid Rejection: Learning by Doing
Lacking formal training in journalism, Awofeso turned to newspaper vendors at bus stops — reading newspapers in exchange for small tips — to study writing styles and storytelling techniques.
He described sending hand-typed letters through NIPOST and pitching repeatedly to national dailies, often without response. Undeterred, he pivoted to Jos-based publications, where he eventually secured mentorship and a weekly tourism column at The Standard newspaper during his service year.
“That was my own cliché,” he laughed.
“Back then, editors didn’t joke with deadlines — and young career journalists like us didn’t either.”
He funded his travel to local attractions himself, producing a 32-week series that laid the foundation for his first book.
Breakthroughs and Bold Moves
After NYSC, a cold email to an editor listed in a magazine earned Awofeso his first freelance commission. Encouraged by the breakthrough, he relocated to Lagos, continuing to travel, write, and pitch to media outlets across the country — often at his own expense.
This DIY approach to journalism eventually opened doors to national and international platforms.
“Read or Fade Out”: Building a Journalist’s Mind
Awofeso emphasized the importance of reading and knowledge-building in journalistic growth.
“You can’t be a good journalist if you don’t read,” he told the participants.
He urged them to create personal libraries and spend time in public ones. Many of his books, he noted, were written within the quiet corners of libraries, shaped by hours of study and reflection.
He also revealed ongoing book projects, including one on the Ojude Oba Festival slated for release in 2026, and a guidebook on Lagos.
Telling African Stories, Winning Global Awards
In 2010, Awofeso won the CNN/Multichoice African Journalism Award for a feature on tourism — an honor that, according to him, validated his belief that Africa deserves to be celebrated.
“I was just doing what I loved,” he said.
“If this story could win an award, then Africa is worthy of being seen as a tourist attraction.”
He reflected on the Kano Durbar Festival, which international media often cover, urging Nigerian journalists to take pride in reporting their culture.
“Find Your Voice” – Words to the Next Generation
Closing the session, Awofeso encouraged the young journalists to identify their niche and stay committed to their craft.
“Know your own type of journalism,” he advised.
“The most important thing is to find your voice and build from it.”
He championed the value of telling African stories through African eyes, particularly in a media landscape that often sidelines indigenous perspectives.
Session Hosts and Special Guests
The session was hosted by Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna, multiple award-winning journalist and founder of the CDWAA initiative. Other guests included:
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Luna Oyiza, human trafficking advocate
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Mayowa Adeniran, CEO of MAP MEDIA and Managing Editor, The Development Report Africa
The CDWAA series continues to equip aspiring media professionals with tools, mentorship, and industry insights for a sustainable career in journalism.
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