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By Vera Wisdom Bassey
In a vibrant blend of storytelling and performance, journalists from across Africa gathered in Lagos for a groundbreaking event that redefined how journalism is celebrated. Held at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, the Reporters Slam Nigeria 2025 marked a historic moment, the first of its kind in the country, and only the second on African soil after its continental debut in South Africa the year before.
At the heart of the evening stood six courageous storytellers from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, South Africa, and Uganda. Each stepped onto the stage not merely to recount their professional experiences, but to perform them, to share their journeys in a format that combined journalism with entertainment, drama, and authenticity.
The night’s ultimate honour went to Yaddah Wanjiku Nduati, a Ugandan journalist whose emotional, deeply personal account of her path into journalism struck a chord with everyone present. Yaddah’s story painted a vivid picture of resilience: a young woman burdened by financial hardship but driven by an unrelenting passion to tell stories. Her dream almost derailed, she spoke of how a stranger’s kindness, the intervention of a Good Samaritan, changed everything. That act of support became a turning point, allowing her to pursue her calling. Her compelling delivery, raw emotion, and sincerity earned her the audience’s votes and the title of Slampion 2025.
Her performance was not only a personal victory, but a symbol of what the Reporters Slam is all about: the power of human stories told with heart, urgency, and creativity.
Representing the German Consulate at the event was Mr. Jochen Schindelarz, Vice Consul and media liaison, who underscored the importance of free press and independent journalism. In his remarks, he noted the Consulate’s commitment to supporting such platforms, not financially, but morally.
“We believe in the freedom of the press, and we’re here to give moral support to journalists who bring their stories to life in new, powerful ways,” Schindelarz said. “We want journalists to report freely on what we do and who we are. We’re particularly proud when our citizens participate in meaningful initiatives like this.”
