The story of Juliana Francis and the Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP)
Before the FRLP: A Career on Autopilot
Before the Report Women Leadership Programme, my journalism felt like a loop. Day after day, I covered press conferences, police parades, and routine reports. There was no training, no growth, and sadly, no encouragement from my organisation to seek it. I doubted myself. I lived with the Cinderella Complex: never quite sure if my voice mattered or if my skills were enough.
Then came the FRLP, and everything began to change.
During the fellowship, something awakened. My confidence began to rise. I started mentoring interns and young journalists, just to give back, but their feedback made me realise: I was making a difference.
I led a story project on human trafficking, which later became my first published book: We Are Priceless. I also designed a leadership project, where I spoke to students about crime and its impact on families, society, and their future.
I visited a school in Mile 2, and every Tuesday, I began gathering interns in the newsroom. What started as a conversation became a weekly tradition of brainstorming story ideas and sharing lived experiences. I learned as much from them as they did from me.
After FRLP, I didn’t stop.
I registered my organisation: Youthslens Development Initiative.
I collapsed my blog into SecurityNewsAlert.com, planting its spirit as YouthBlog.
I authored a second book: Nigerian Police and Torture.
I was invited to join my newsroom’s investigation team. I became the mentor of mentors—reporters, editors, even unfamiliar journalists started seeking me out for advice.
And then came awards, nominations, and job invitations I never imagined.
Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude.
To the Report Women Leadership Programme, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, and Motunrayo Alaka—thank you for opening the door to my potential. You didn’t just change my career; you changed my life.
To every fellow here, my advice is simple: Open your mind, be ready to learn, be ready to have fun and most importantly… believe in yourself.
