PUNCH journalist, others to compete at 2026 Reporter Slam Nigeria

Six journalists, including PUNCH journalist Adetutu Sobowale, have been shortlisted for the inaugural Reporter Slam Nigeria competition set to take place on October 14 at the Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos. The competition, themed "Journalism and the Nigerian Story" and "Beyond the Byline," aims to provide journalists with a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and discoveries behind their published stories.

Sobowale, who focuses on human-centered digital reporting and public-interest journalism, has previously worked with various organizations such as African Women in Media, the Africa Centre for Development Journalism, and the Women Radio Centre. The other shortlisted contestants are Temiloluwa Bamgbose of BusinessDay, Melody Agwom Dauda of Albarka Radio 97.5 FM, Tina H. Abeku of The Guardian Nigeria, Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan, a freelancer and contributor to Third Lens, and Aliyu Muhammad of the Nigerian Television Authority.

Reporter Slam Nigeria convener Melony Ishola believes the contest will encourage younger journalists to develop their storytelling skills beyond conventional news reporting and create opportunities for international participation and professional development. The winner, known as the Slampion, will represent Nigeria at the regional Reporter Slam competition.

Participants will present their stories before a live audience and a five-member jury, with the outcome determined equally by audience votes and the jury's assessment based on five criteria.