The atmosphere was filled with excitement, learning and celebration as Media Girls Nigeria (Media Girls Emerging Star Initiative) hosted an engaging hangout that brought together female professionals and aspiring media practitioners from diverse sectors of the communications industry.
The event, which attracted participants from television, radio, public relations, corporate communications, banking and other related fields, reinforced the organisation's mission "...To nurture, to inspire, to elevate."
Welcoming participants, Oludolapo Adewale, Chief Executive Officer of Media Girls Nigeria, founder of Crystal Lattice Media, and a renowned diction and public speaking coach popularly recognised for rhythmically introducing herself in Yoruba as "Remiremidoremimimi," expressed delight at the impressive turnout.
She described every participant as a star with limitless potential, encouraging them to believe in themselves and maximise every opportunity available to grow in the media industry.
"Every Media Girl is a Star," she declared, a message that resonated throughout the event.
Adewale also announced that Media Girls Podcast will soon be launched to create another platform where women in media can learn, share experiences and amplify their voices.
Beyond the insightful conversations, attendees enjoyed free meals, gifts and refreshments while networking with professionals from different areas of the media and communications ecosystem.
The highlight of the event was a keynote session delivered by Bukola Coker, an award-winning broadcast journalist, women's rights advocate and Certified Associate Family Systems Engineering practitioner.
Watch Bukola Coker Inspire Media Girls
Drawing from her professional journey, which began at the age of 19, Coker encouraged participants never to underestimate the power of social media in building a successful media career.
According to her, visibility is a powerful professional asset.
"Never underestimate your social media account as a media girl. Don't underestimate the power of being visible and having a personal brand online."
She urged participants to distinguish themselves as presenters by investing in research, developing strong knowledge, improving their elocution and diction, and remaining committed to continuous learning.
She warned against complacency, encouraging young professionals to erase the mentality of "I have arrived" and instead remain teachable and eager to improve.
Coker identified inadequate training as one of the major challenges facing many young women in the media industry, stressing the importance of self-development, confidence and consistency.
She also encouraged participants to become more expressive on social media, deliberately showcase their work and ensure they pronounce names correctly, noting that excellence and hunger for growth remain invaluable qualities in broadcasting.
The session featured lively interactions as participants asked questions about career growth, workplace experiences and personal development.
To conclude the programme, Oludolapo Adewale led an open therapy and mentoring session where participants freely discussed sensitive issues affecting women in the media profession, including sexual harassment and "sex-for-role" demands, body shaming, workplace discrimination, confidence and self-worth.
Responding to the concerns, Adewale encouraged participants never to compromise their values or dignity for opportunities, reminding them that talent, preparation, resilience and integrity remain the strongest foundations for long-term success. She urged every media girl to reject intimidation, embrace authenticity, seek support when necessary and continue building a career anchored on competence and excellence.
The hangout ended on a high note with renewed commitment among participants to support one another, build stronger personal brands and pursue excellence as ambassadors of the Media Girls Nigeria vision.
With mentorship opportunities, regular training programmes, fellowship opportunities, access to media jobs and an expanding professional community, Media Girls Nigeria continues to position itself as a platform dedicated to raising the next generation of confident and impactful female media professionals.
As the event drew to a close, one message echoed throughout the room:
"Every Media Girl is a Star."
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