Esther Olatimehin
(She/Her)
Covers:
Gender, Health, Education, Opinion, Lifestyle, Entertainment, Broadcasting
President, @official_ACJOAU | Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist | Leadership Advocate | Intern @ Great 94.5 FM
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a Journalist was as a student Journalist in 2021, reporting on a Matriculation ceremony at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, Nigeria.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No
How is social media changing news?
Social media has turned news into a conversation rather than a broadcast. It’s no longer just about what happened, but how people are reacting to it, challenging it, or adding to it in real time. Audiences don’t just consume stories, they reshape them. It holds journalists to greater scrutiny, spreads information faster than ever, and at the same time, blurs the lines between fact, opinion, and performance. It’s powerful, risky, and unavoidable.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, being a journalist means choosing curiosity over comfort and truth over silence. It’s about asking the questions others are too afraid to ask and telling the stories that often go unheard. A journalist doesn't just report facts—they listen with intent, see with empathy, and use their voice to amplify those who’ve been forgotten, misjudged, or ignored. It's both a responsibility and a quiet kind of courage to hold space for truth in a world often distracted by noise.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
**#YouKnowYourMumIsNigerian** was affectionate and hilarious at once: mothers nag 90% of waking hours but still rule the household. Very relatable.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Laptop and Mobile phone
Why did you become a journalist?
A desire to hold those in power accountable and promote transparency.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I didn’t work for my high school newspaper, but I was a member of the Press Club and also part of the debating unit. That was where my love for speaking and storytelling began standing in front of a crowd, shaping thoughts into words, and learning how to listen as much as I spoke. It wasn’t formal journalism yet, but it planted the seed.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities*: Be willing to take on different roles, cover various beats, and explore new media platforms.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm available 24/7. You can pitch me anytime
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Exclusive: OAU student who bagged 121 awards shares experience
https://acjoau.com.ng/exclusive-oau-student-who-bagged-121-awards-shares-experience/
This piece captured the journey of a student whose zeal for growth led to earning 121 certifications and honours, while balancing academics and community work. It speaks to what motivates me as a journalist: discovering resilience, ambition and quiet excellence in unexpected places.
What's your favorite drink?
Fruit juice.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Library
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Any publications on Premium times and The Nation.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.