Media/ Journalism Is Not a Get-Rich-Quick Space — Honourable FM CEO Jolaoluwa Afolabi Urges Young Broadcasters to Build Skill, Resilience, and Consistency
By Elizabeth Olagoke Abai
The Chief Executive Officer of Honourable FM, Mr. Jolaoluwa Afolabi popularly known as Jabulani, has urged aspiring journalists to remain resilient and consistent in developing their skills, discipline, and professionalism, stressing that the media industry rewards patience, hard work, and competence rather than quick profit.
He made this remark while addressing students of the National Broadcast Academy, who are scholarship beneficiaries of the Career Development With Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna (CDWAAO) initiative. The session, held on Thursday, October 10, 2025, formed part of the CDWAAO Cohort 3 weekly webinar series, designed to equip young journalists with practical knowledge, mentorship, and professional ethics.
“In media, you make fame before money,” Mr. Afolabi said. “Only those who keep learning, practicing, and standing out through consistency will succeed.”
He emphasized that surviving in today’s media space requires continuous training and hands-on experience, noting that artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping how media organizations operate.
“In ten years, media will move completely from analog to digital. One person will be able to do the work of ten through AI-driven tools. So, upskill and keep learning,” he advised the students.
With decades of experience in broadcast journalism, Afolabi described a broadcast journalist as “a producer who creates, presents, and curates content that informs and engages the public.”
He added that every broadcaster must strive to be intelligent, accurate, and up-to-date, ensuring that information shared with the public is both credible and impactful.
He cited notable professionals such as Seun Okinbaloye of Journalists’ Hangout (TVC News), Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise TV, and Musa Alao Adeoye, publisher of Alaroye, as examples of journalists who built strong reputations through discipline, consistency, and perseverance.
Reflecting on his early career, Afolabi encouraged the young journalists to take internships seriously, describing them as vital learning grounds.
“I started as an intern under a senior presenter whose professionalism taught me that success requires patience and respect for the craft. I learned to keep my head down, observe, and grow and today that patience is paying off,” he said.
The interactive two-hour session ended with renewed energy among the participants, who expressed motivation to pursue ethical journalism and continuous self-improvement.
Afolabi’s session left them with a lasting message that true success in the media comes through resilience, learning, and the courage to stand out.