Tinuola Ayanniyi, former News Editor, Associate Editor and General Manager, TribuneOnline, who clocked 60 years last week, in this interview with NURUDEEN ALIMI, shares her journalism experience which spanned well over two decades:
Let us into how your journalism journey started?
My journey into journalism was partially an accident even though I love storytelling and have a strong desire to give a voice to the voiceless. I was always curious, always asking questions, and had a passion for writing from a young age.
After my university education where I studied Adult Education with Communication and Language Arts—I knew I wanted to be in the field but always had broadcast journalism in my head but as God would have it i ended up in Tribune after NYSC.
I applied to Tribune Newspapers as a reporter, and that was the beginning of a 30-year journalism journey filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments.
Back then, the newsroom was a highly competitive space, dominated mostly by men, but I was determined to prove myself. My first assignments involved covering local events, community issues, and political developments. I was thrown into the deep end, and I quickly learned that journalism was not just about writing but about accuracy, integrity, and persistence.
One of my early major stories was covering the Asipa of Oyo murder case in court, That report made headlines but also led to all manner of threats, reinforcing my belief that journalism is not for the lily livered indeed bring about change. My career truly took off From the judiciary beat.
Looking back, I can say my journey into journalism was fueled by passion, but it was perseverance, resilience, and hard work that sustained me through the decades.
You spent almost three decades in journalism practice, how was the experience like particularly being a female?
Spending nearly three decades in journalism, particularly as a female journalist in Nigeria, was both exhilarating and challenging. It was a journey of breaking barriers, constantly proving my worth, and navigating a field that was, for a long time, dominated by men.
In the early years, I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. There was this unspoken bias that female journalists were better suited for “soft” beats—fashion, entertainment, or human-interest stories. But I was determined to go beyond those limitations. That’s why when the opportunity came to cover the judiciary beat—one of the most demanding and technical areas of reporting—I seized it.
Being a judicial correspondent meant spending long hours in courtrooms, sifting through legal documents, and understanding complex cases. I had to build credibility with lawyers, judges, and law enforcement officers, many of whom were initially skeptical of a woman reporting legal affairs. But once they saw my depth of knowledge and accuracy in reporting, I earned their respect.
The newsroom environment itself was tough. Deadlines were relentless, and there was always pressure to deliver exclusives. As I climbed the ranks to become a News Editor and later General Manager of the Online Edition, I had to navigate leadership dynamics, manage reporters, and ensure fairness in story selection, all while dealing with the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) gender biases.
Safety was another major concern. Covering sensitive stories—especially investigative reports on corruption, sensitive court cases, and political issues—meant facing threats and intimidation. There were nights I couldn’t sleep peacefully. But I learned to be cautious, stand by my facts, and never compromise my integrity.
On the positive side, being a female journalist also had its advantages. There were times I gained access to sources and stories that my male counterparts couldn’t. Women, especially in rural areas or conservative settings, were often more comfortable speaking to a female journalist about sensitive issues like gender-based violence, maternal health, and education.
Looking back, I would say it was a tough but deeply fulfilling experience. Journalism shaped me into a resilient, fearless, and principled person. And I take pride in knowing that I paved the way for more female journalists who came after me, proving that women can excel in any aspect of the profession—not just as reporters, but as editors, managers, and decision-makers.
Can you share your experience as a female news editor in Nigeria? How were you able to cope in male-dominated terrain?
Becoming a News Editor as a female journalist in Nigeria was one of the most challenging yet rewarding phases of my career. At the time, editorial leadership positions were mostly held by men, and there was always an unspoken assumption that a woman in such a role would struggle to command authority in the newsroom. I knew I had to prove otherwise.
I had spent years as a judicial correspondent, covering complex legal issues and writing in-depth reports, so when I became News Editor, I already had a reputation for thoroughness and accuracy. Still, I had to work twice as hard to gain the respect of my male colleagues. I ensured that my decisions—whether on story selection, headline writing, or investigative direction—were always backed by solid journalistic principles.
How did you handle resistance and gender bias on the job?
There were moments of subtle (and sometimes blatant) resistance. Some male reporters were not comfortable taking instructions from a woman. Some would challenge editorial decisions more than they would if a male editor made them. I handled this by being firm yet professional. I never reacted emotionally or allowed myself to be intimidated. Instead, I let my work and leadership skills speak for me. Over time, even the most skeptical colleagues began to acknowledge my competence.
Leadership in a newsroom is not just about being tough; it’s about understanding people. I made an effort to mentor younger reporters, including female journalists who looked up to me. I also created an environment where both male and female journalists could thrive, ensuring fair story assignments and encouraging investigative work.
As a News Editor, I was responsible for ensuring that the newspaper met its deadlines with quality and accuracy. The pressure was intense—balancing breaking news, exclusives, investigative reports, and newsroom politics. But I had developed the resilience and multitasking skills required to manage it all.
One of my proudest achievements was creating space for more women in the newsroom. I actively pushed for the promotion of female journalists, ensuring that they got assignments beyond the usual “soft” beats. I wanted young female reporters to see that they could rise through the ranks just as I did.
Despite the challenges, being a News Editor was an empowering experience. It allowed me to shape narratives, influence national conversations, and mentor the next generation of journalists. I remember times when major investigative stories published under my watch led to policy changes or held powerful figures accountable. Those moments made all the struggles worth it.
In the end, I coped in the male-dominated terrain by being excellent at my job, refusing to back down in the face of bias, and uplifting other women along the way. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary—and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
On a final note, how do you feel clocking 60 years?
At 60, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude. It’s a milestone that comes with a lot of reflection—on the journey so far, the battles fought, the victories won, and the lessons learned.
I thank God for keeping me strong, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. After spending decades in journalism, I look back and see the impact on my new endeavors, that alone is enough to make me feel accomplished.
Of course, there’s also the realization that time is precious. At this stage, I prioritise purpose over pressure. I no longer feel the need to prove anything to anyone—I’ve done my part, and now I embrace a phase of life where I can give back in different ways, through mentorship, writing and research.
I accept the changes that come with time, celebrating experiences, and enjoying the simple joys of life. I still have dreams and ambitions, but now I pursue them with more wisdom and a sense of peace.
So, at 60, I feel empowered, grateful, and excited for what the next chapter holds!
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