Championing Change: Rebecca Ejifoma’s Decade of Giving Voice to Maternal, Child Health in Nigeria

Rebecca Ejifoma’s journey in journalism is synonymous with resilience and purpose. With over a decade of experience as a reporter with THISDAY Newspaper and a two-time award winner, she has become a respected and powerful voice in Nigeria’s healthcare reporting. Through her solution-oriented and people-driven articles, Ejifoma has consistently pushed boundaries and expanded the impact of her journalism. …writes Yinka Olatunbosun

Journalism, Ejifoma believes, is among the most rewarding professions, offering not just a career but a gateway to the world and the chance to create a lasting legacy. “Being a journalist is one of the best professions anyone can ask for. Yes, there are countless hurdles here and there. That doesn’t take away the fact that it takes you around the world, affording you opportunities to leave a mark that generations unborn will admire and be grateful for,” she says, her passion and dedication shining through.

Truly, she has distinguished herself as a health reporter in print journalism, specializing in maternal, newborn, and child health, while also championing the empowerment of women and girls. Her journey, however, was not without its twists. She initially considered studying law, but a heartfelt reminder from her father about her childhood admiration for TV newscasters reignited her true calling. “When I first told my father I wanted to study law, he reminded me of how, as a child, I used to watch a newscaster on TV with admiration and tell him that’s what I wanted to be,” she recalls. Inspired by those early dreams, Ejifoma embraced journalism, forging a path defined by dedication and impact.

Launching Her Career from the Ground Up

Starting at THISDAY Newspaper in Lagos in 2014 shortly after internship, Ejifoma initially struggled to find her feet. While she distinguished herself, covering a wide range of beats from arts and crime to violence against children and then health, early in her career, a chance assignment from her editor to attend a health journalism workshop moved the needle. “That was the spark I needed to realize I wanted to speak for pregnant women, nursing mothers, newborns, and infants through my articles. I wanted a change that would save more women from dying to give life and make life better and more meaningful for families, thereby, saving the economy. That assignment completely tipped the scales in my career.”

Since then, her reporting has consistently shed light on the urgent needs within Nigeria’s healthcare system, amplifying the voices of women and children who too often go unheard. Through her work, she continues to champion better healthcare, not just in Nigeria but across Africa, to drive meaningful change and inspire hope.

“On some mornings, I would set out from home as early as 5:30am, determined to outpace the never-ending gridlock,” she expressed, heaving a deep sigh, recounting how she would spend days traversing riverine communities, immersing herself in their realities to deliver in-depth reporting and spotlight the challenges residents face. “Reflecting on those times brings back vivid memories—like crossing murky waters in rickety boats, often without life jackets,” she recalled. Her work has been marked by courage and tenacity, consistently overcoming obstacles to intensify the voices of marginalized communities and draw the attention of governments at all levels to their pressing health needs.

Making impacts in the field

Soon, Ejifoma gained widespread recognition in Nigeria for her dedication and impactful coverage of violence against children and women and maternal health issues in Lagos’ riverine areas, where access to healthcare remains a significant challenge. In 2017, her advocacy was honored by the Child Protection Network, which recognized her contributions to advancing the rights of Nigerian children. The following year, she was nominated for the Nordica Media Merit Award for her THISDAY feature, “Who is Afraid of Family Planning?”

Reflecting on the nomination, Ejifoma said, “It was such a pleasant surprise when I received the email that one of my articles was nominated for the Nordica awards. Even though I didn’t win the prize, it was encouraging and inspiring to know that my articles were leaving lasting impacts. That gave me the drive I needed to be more intentional about reporting health issues.”

Her influence continued to grow. In 2022, Ejifoma won the Nestlé Nigeria Media Award (Women’s Category) for her reporting on improving the standard of living for rural women, focusing on their journey toward financial empowerment. In the same year, she was also named first runner-up in the Community Development category for her report on local milk-sourcing initiatives.

Interestingly, Ejifoma’s visibility and professionalism have set a powerful example for women in journalism, particularly in the specialized and often underreported field of healthcare. Her achievements in maternal, newborn, and child health reporting have inspired a new generation of female journalists to pursue impactful stories in challenging beats, demonstrating that resilience and dedication can break barriers and amplify underrepresented voices.

Expanding her storytelling skills

Eager to bring her storytelling to new audiences, Ejifoma dove into broadcast journalism, earning a certificate in Presenting Skills from the National Broadcast Academy in 2021. Her drive led her to ARISE Television, a prestigious station affiliated with THISDAY Newspaper, where she honed her craft as an intern, learning firsthand the pace and rigor of premium broadcast newsrooms. This experience laid the groundwork for her dynamic presence both on screen and behind the scenes, setting her apart as a journalist unafraid to embrace new challenges.

By 2023, Ejifoma’s career was surging forward. She was selected for the NLNG Digital Journalism Programme, a competitive opportunity that equipped her with cutting-edge skills in video production, editing, and headline writing. “Some of my colleagues would tease me about how I was in full steam or ‘Becca is on fire’,” she gushed with memories. Immersed in the fast-evolving world of digital media, she mastered the art of crafting compelling narratives that resonate across platforms, further amplifying her impact as a storyteller.

Reflecting on academic excellence and development

Ejifoma’s academic journey is equally impressive. With a Higher National Diploma in Journalism from the Times Journalism Institute and specialized certifications in Creative Writing, Reporting Skills, Solution, and Data Journalism from the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, she has built a formidable portfolio. These credentials have established her reputation as a solution journalist—someone who not only reports on problems but also seeks out and highlights pathways to change.

Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her diverse skill set. In 2024, she earned a certificate in Computer Skills from the Mid-Manhattan Adult Learning Centre in New York, adding to her technical proficiency. She also completed the Health Literacy Leadership Programme at the West African Institute of Public Health in December 2023 and received First Aid at Workplace and CPR training from the Red Cross Society in partnership with the ICRC in 2022 and gained knowledge in leadership and emotional intelligence skills. “Each qualification reflects my dedication to both professional excellence and community service and how I relate with people,” says Ejifoma, reinforcing her role as a journalist who is as resourceful as she is compassionate. She is currently pursuing an online certification in Modern Journalism.

Indeed, Ejifoma isn’t resting on her laurels. Her reports continue to center on community needs, such as advocating for improved and quality healthcare access in underserved areas and highlighting the voices of marginalized groups. By focusing on real-world solutions and amplifying the perspectives of everyday people, Ejifoma’s work not only informs but also empowers communities to demand better services and social change. This approach demonstrates her commitment to driving progress and exceeding the traditional limits of journalism through a blend of advocacy and storytelling.