One of the fastest ways to grow in any profession is to learn from those who have gone ahead of you.
Growing under the guidance of experienced people is like holding the hand of an older person while crossing a busy road as a child. It provides direction, protection, and helps you avoid mistakes that could have serious consequences.
One experience early in my journalism journey taught me this lesson in a way I will never forget.
Years ago, I wrote a story involving Pastor Enoch Adeboye. As a young journalist eager to attract readers, I crafted a headline that I believed was highly engaging and attention-grabbing. At the time, I was thinking more like a blogger than a journalist.
By the way, there is a difference between bloggers are journalist.
My focus was on making the headline attractive enough to generate clicks, but I failed to consider the legal and professional implications of what I had written.
When my editor saw the headline, he immediately called my attention to it.
He explained that the headline could expose the organisation to legal action because of the way it was done. He made me understand that a poorly written headline, especially one that could be interpreted as defamatory, was not just a writing mistake, it was a risk that could cost the company financially and damage its reputation.
That correction was a turning point for me.
It taught me that journalism is not simply about attracting attention. It is about accuracy, responsibility, and fairness. A headline should draw readers into a story, but it should never distort facts or create a false impression simply to generate traffic.
My editor's advice also reminded me that a journalist's reputation is one of their most valuable assets. Once credibility is damaged, rebuilding trust becomes difficult.
Over the years, I have seen several examples that reinforce this lesson. Public figures like Nigeria's for Chief of Army Staff three a loaw suit of N1 billion on someone over false or defamatory claims. These situations serve as reminders that words have consequences, and journalists must always exercise caution.
Since that experience, my approach to writing has changed significantly. Before publishing a story, I pay closer attention to verification, context, and accuracy. While every journalist wants their stories to be read and shared, I have learned that going viral should never come at the expense of truth.
A good headline does not need falsehood, exaggeration, or defamation to attract readers. It simply needs to be clear, accurate, and compelling.
Beyond journalism, this experience taught me the value of humility and teachability. One thing my editor often reminds us during editorial meetings is that nobody is beyond learning. No matter how experienced you become, there is always room for improvement.
I have seen respected media organisations make mistakes. I have even seen global news, BBC, make mistakes in their writings. That reality reminds me that growth is a continuous process and that every professional must remain open to learning.
Today, I am grateful for every correction, every lesson, and every mentor who has contributed to my growth as a journalist.
If there is one piece of advice I would give to young journalists and colleagues at my stage, it is this, pursue excellence, not just clicks. Write headlines that attract attention, but never sacrifice truth for traffic. Avoid clickbait. Avoid defamatory statements. Stay faithful to the facts.
In the end, credibility will take you farther than virality ever can.
Thank you for reading Day 9 of my journalism journey. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing another lesson from the field.
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