There are moments in journalism that remind you that the field is much bigger than just reporting stories. It is access — access to worlds you may never have imagined stepping into.
Journalism has made me understand places I probably would never have had access to on my own. Through assignments, I’ve found myself in environments that continuously reshape how I see people, industries, and even life itself.
I can remember a particular moment some years back when I was called from my workplace to cover an event hosted by Tecno. When TECNO debuts CAMON 30 Series and POVA 6.
Honestly, I went there thinking it was just a normal corporate event, the kind I was already familiar with, especially from covering mostly educational-related assignments. I didn’t expect anything beyond the usual speeches and product presentation.
But when I arrived, I quickly realised this was something much bigger.
The event was filled with tech enthusiasts, industry voices, and celebrities who came to speak and support the product launch. One of the key moments was a tech influencer giving a detailed review, explaining why people should consider getting the device.
Interestingly, I remember thinking to myself that I actually needed that phone, but at that time, the financial cost was not something I could comfortably handle.
As the event continued, the atmosphere shifted my entire perception of what I thought I was attending. It wasn’t just a product launch — it was a convergence of technology, entertainment, influence, and storytelling.
Then came the celebrity presence.
I remember seeing personalities like Eniola Badmus, and later realizing that Tiwa Savage also graced the event. It was a moment that made me pause and observe beyond my role.
As a journalist, my responsibility was clear — to document the event properly for my organisation. I took pictures, recorded videos, and paid close attention to everything happening around me.
But what stood out most was not just the celebrities or the product, but the atmosphere itself.
It was filled with thinkers, industry leaders, creators, and people shaping conversations in different spaces. The organisation of the event was also impressive — from coordination to the media setup. It was one of the most structured events I had attended at that time.
There was even a designated media area, proper coordination for journalists, and moments to network and interact. I also remember having access to meals provided during the event, which added to the overall organised experience.
Interestingly, after the event, while scrolling through Instagram, I later discovered even more notable personalities attended — including Kizz Daniel’s wife. It made me realise even more how significant that event actually was.
Through experiences like this, journalism has exposed me to different worlds — education, technology, security, entertainment, governance, and development spaces.
I’ve covered events around the role of AI in the medical field, attended security-related engagements where figures like former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, were present, and interacted with institutions linked to national security and emergency response systems like NCDC.
More recently, I attended an event organised by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, supported by the European Union and UNDP. These experiences have broadened my understanding of how interconnected governance, development, and communication really are.
Beyond access, journalism has also taught me the importance of timing and attention to detail. You begin to notice things differently — body language, atmosphere, energy in the room, and even how people respond to information. You learn to read beyond what is said.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that journalism is not just about being present — it is about being observant.
These experiences have also contributed to my personal growth. They’ve shaped how I see events, how I interpret people, and how I understand influence and perception.
Interestingly, I’ve also come to realise that not everything is as it appears. Even among public figures, perception is often very different from reality. Journalism has taught me not to judge quickly, but to observe carefully.
At this point in my journey, I can confidently say that every assignment is a classroom.
And for me, journalism continues to be more than a profession — it is a lens through which I now understand the world.
Thank you for reading today’s journey with me. Tomorrow’s experience will be just as meaningful.
Here's the post I made about the event on my LinkedIn page.
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