Many years ago, while I was still very young, my dad and I were watching a live television programme together.
It was a public screening involving a government official who was being questioned about money meant for a project that was never executed. From the discussion, it was obvious that the funds had been mismanaged.
Then suddenly, during the screening, the man pretended to faint.
My dad laughed immediately and said, “This is so fake.”
That moment stayed with me.
Watching journalists ask difficult questions, hold people accountable, and bring hidden issues to public attention sparked something in me, even though I did not fully understand it at the time.
I never imagined that one day, I would stand at crowded events with a press tag around my neck, interviewing people from different walks of life, gathering information, and telling stories that would reach thousands of people.
My name is Alagbe Shenayon, and I am one of the young people whose passion for journalism runs deeply.
Somehow, journalism found me and gradually became part of who I am.
Over time, I realised that journalism is more than just holding a microphone, attending events, or posting news online.
It is responsibility.
It is service.
It is sacrifice.
It is learning how to listen to people beyond their words.
It is refusing to be biased despite the noise in society.
It is understanding that information has the power to shape lives.
Interestingly, my journey did not begin the way many people would expect.
At first, I wanted to study law.
But life had a different path for me, and I eventually studied Mass Communication at Lagos State University.
Funny enough, during my school days, I was not even the “serious journalist” type.
I was not the person people would point at and say, “This one will become a journalist someday.”
But with time, I discovered something inside me — a strong desire to inform people, educate society, and communicate stories that matter.
Sometimes, even when I feel tired, the excitement of covering an event still energises me.
The feeling is difficult to explain.
That passion alone pushed me to start my own blog years ago.
Through writing, I was able to impact lives in countries my feet have never even reached physically.
That experience made me realise that words are powerful.
As both a journalist and a person of faith, one thing I have tried to do is teach younger people not only through words, but through lifestyle, consistency, growth, and purpose.
We live in a world where value creates opportunities, and I strongly believe that people must continue building themselves intentionally.
One of my visions in journalism is not just to inform people, but to impact lives through writing and storytelling.
Of course, journalism also comes with fears.
Growing up, one of the things I often heard was that journalists are attacked, silenced, or even killed because of the truth they pursue.
At some point, that thought used to scare me.
But I also began to understand the importance of journalism in society.
Unfortunately, many people misunderstand journalists.
Some believe journalists spread rumours, cannot be trusted, or simply chase controversy.
I remember attending an event where someone spoke negatively about journalists, and honestly, I felt uncomfortable hearing those statements.
Because journalism is a noble profession.
Journalists are society’s watchdogs.
Our responsibility is not just to inform people, but to help society stay aware, conscious, and accountable.
This journey has shaped me personally, spiritually, mentally, and professionally.
And for the next 20 days, I’ll be taking you through this journey:
• The stories I’ve covered
• The lessons I’ve learned
• The mistakes that helped me grow
• The experiences that changed my perspective
• The people I met along the way
• And the moments behind the headlines
This is not just about journalism.
It is about growth, purpose, communication, impact, and becoming.
Welcome to my journey.
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