I applied for Radio Now Boot Camp three weeks ago after a friend sent the flier to me, knowing my keen interest in the media industry and how I lost my job in May due to the covid-19 pandemic. 

So, I applied with the hope of being selected as one of the boot campers. I did not even know much about the radio station because I am not really a radio girl, I’ve always loved the media, but precisely the tv. 

The call I received on Friday that preceded the resumption of the Radio Now Boot Camp woke me up from my sleep that afternoon, with the soothing female voice asking if I would be available for the two weeks training. I replied with a yes. She quickly told me to expect an email from the company that powered the boot camp – Redx. 

Hmm! Redx!

This media agency – Redx is another story o, but let me drop a tip of the iceberg about this amazing media school or media house. Redx is also Red Media Africa, the organiser of the famous The Future Awards Africa, founder of YNaija and other great platforms.

It would interest you to know that the founders of this media outfit are the famous Debola Williams and Chude Jideonwo who interviewed Busola Dakolo on the rape scandal with Abuja and Lagos based pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA. Enough of this o, let’s move into the meat of this matter – Radio Now Boot Camp. 

We had numerous facilitators who came around to teach, inspire, motivate, share, mentor and constructively criticise our skills, abilities and works. The two weeks were intensive and in-depth. I forgot to add that it was a free professional training. 

Some of the facilitators were veterans in the media space, entertainment, law and business. Each session with them left me with no other than new and added knowledge about radio journalism, personal development and discoveries. A

The assignments and various group tasks – Debate and Radio Now Challenge were consuming, mental upgrade and stretching. 

I might not be able to touch on all the sessions we had; but would definitely write on some so that an aspiring radio or tv journalist would read and learn. 

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Kadaria Ahmed

Opening the boot camp was the CEO and founder of Radio Now 95.3FM, Kadaria Ahmed. Kadaria Ahmed is a seasoned journalist with vast experience with BBC radio, Next and other great platforms. She is well respected in the media space and governance; due to her diligence, confidence, fairness, objectivity, innovation, respect and excellence. 

Having spent over thirty years in media, she decided to invest in young minds who are ready to take on the baton of greatness and redeemable image of true journalism in Nigeria.

Kadaria Ahmed spoke about the vision of her radio station which is beyond the news and ensuring a balanced and fair reporting. She also spoke about the importance of credibility as an individual and a medium. With the state of the art studio, located in the heart of Lagos island, Lagosians and people in the diaspora are ready for a new station with all objectivity and inspiration.

Lessons I learnt

Another lesson I learnt during the Radio Now Boot Camp is teamwork. The training was filled with young brilliant, intelligent, exposed, nurtured, beautiful and strong-willed people, yet willing to work as a team to achieve a common goal. Yes, there were high competitions but we did not allow this anxiety to get over our self-esteem. We valued one another and accorded respect. 

One more lesson I picked is punctuality and discipline. Our project coordinator, Seyi Olaniyan ensured discipline became a lifestyle for many especially in the aspect of punctuality and remaining loyal to the course. I love this so much. In the media industry, you can’t grow fast if you lack discipline. 

To be cont’d tomorrow on the topics and major points from the facilitators.

Thank you. Keep learning and impacting.