By Juliana Francis
Nkechi Macaulay is one of the brilliant female radio journalists in Nigeria.
This fair-complexioned, vivacious woman is always beaming with smiles, and nothing can get her down. Her mantra is that she has seen it all, suffered it all and comes out stronger from all.
You need to hear her astonishing story of pain and resilience, to doff a hat for her. You need to listen to her tell you about how she became a radio journalist to comprehend the true meaning of the audacity of faith.
But then, that’s a story for another interview.
Suffice it to say that Nkechi’s interviewing and storytelling skills vastly improved after the Female Reporters’ Leadership Programme (FRLP) Fellowship.
She belonged to the 2019 cohort.
I vividly recall the day she interviewed me on my battle with cervical cancer…phew!
She knows her trade!
She is unique, intriguing, and passionate about issues relating to boys and men!
Yes! You heard right; so, while the majority are chanting Girl-Child Rights, Nkechi will be at the same venue, chanting Boy-Child Rights.
Nkechi is a broadcast journalist with over 10 years’ experience with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN.
She runs a media campaign/street rally to sensitise the public on the sexual abuse of the boychild, tagged #boyslivesmatter and also conducted a workshop on “Single parenting” to help single parents navigate raising their wards.
She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in History from Delta State University, Abraka, Certificate course in Presentation and Production, and she is a Fellow of Radio Netherlands.
She shares her FRLP’s journey with me.
Hear her: “Before joining the 2019 Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) Fellowship, I was simply a broadcaster working at a radio station.
“I had no prior experience in field reporting, but that opportunity completely changed my trajectory.
“One of the most memorable stories I worked on during the fellowship was an investigative report on female smugglers operating around the Seme border.
“It was an eye-opening experience that took me into the lives of women who risked everything to smuggle cartons of rice, vegetable oil, and frozen chicken into Nigeria from Cotonou.
“Listening to their stories, witnessing their challenges, and telling their truths was both intense and deeply fulfilling.
“That report was a turning point for me—it unlocked a passion for in-depth reporting and opened the doors to many more impactful stories over the years.
“Beyond reporting, the fellowship helped build my leadership capacity. I’ve since gone on to lead various programmes and projects, building and managing teams to bring those ideas to life.
“Today, I proudly wear the hat of a media trainer, mentoring students and fellow journalists on the art of reporting.
“The journey has been nothing short of transformational. I am who I am today because I took that leap and joined the fellowship. It’s been a game changer—an eye-opener and a life-changing experience that I wholeheartedly recommend for other female reporters across Africa. Take it seriously. It could also be your turning point.”
