What does a regular day in Lagos look like when your job is to chase the truth, catch the breaking news and still find the strength to smile at strangers who assume journalism is just holding a microphone? If you ask most Lagosians, they will tell you the city is already a full-time job. But for Ayooluwa Ayobami, Lagos is both the workplace and the story.
In this episode of Lagos Hustle Diaries, we dive into the world of a young media professional who has spent close to a decade navigating the chaos of Nigeria’s biggest city through the lens of journalism. From his early days behind the mic at Grajos FM in Lagos and Lento Cast FM in Ogun, to anchoring shows at The Nation Online TV, to leading social media strategy at The Nation Newspaper, Ayooluwa has lived several versions of the Lagos grind. Today, as a Report Executive and Digital Content Executive at TVC News, he carries both the pressure and privilege of telling stories that shape public conversations.
Ayooluwa’s mornings begin before the sun remembers its duty. His commute often doubles as his first assignment. His camera roll is a mix of headlines, hurried screenshots and street moments that could easily become tomorrow’s story. And like many who love this city more than they complain about it, Ayooluwa has learned that surviving Lagos requires patience, instinct, a strong network and the ability to laugh at situations that are only funny when you escape them.
If you have ever wondered how journalists keep their balance in a city that never stays still, Ayooluwa’s journey offers a rare and honest peek behind the curtain.
1. Before we get into the Lagos hustle, let’s meet you properly. How would you introduce yourself to someone who has never worked in media, and what’s the one thing about your journey that even your colleagues might not know?
I am Ayooluwa Ayobami, a Digital Content Executive and Online News Reporter for TVC News. Previously, I served as Team Lead for Social Media at The Nation Newspaper, where I also worked as an online reporter. I have extensive experience across almost all sectors of the media industry, including radio, online TV, print, and digital platforms.
In addition to my journalism work, I am an SEO specialist, digital marketer, and project manager. Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to collaborate effectively with teams, and my journalistic skills have granted me access to various industries, government ministries, and private organizations.
I am a very vocal person who has leveraged the journalism space to achieve meaningful impact both for myself and my community.
2. You’ve spent nearly a decade across print, radio, TV, and digital. Do you remember the moment you realized, “Yes, media is where I belong”? Was it inside a newsroom, behind a mic, or on the streets chasing a story?
I’ve always been a vocal person growing up, so at first, I thought radio was my calling, even though I was always a bit hesitant about being on TV. It wasn’t until I ventured into print and the digital space that I truly discovered my strength. I realized I could reach the “masses” through the power of my words; my pen (I write very well too).
So yes, I knew media was my place behind a radio mic, but after exploring different platforms, I can confidently say that writing is my strongest suit for now.
Read: Lagos Hustle Diaries: Designing Calm in the Chaos with Ayomide
3. Lagos is fast, loud, sometimes unforgiving. How does a typical morning start for you as someone who has to catch stories before they get cold?
As someone who has to catch stories before they go cold, my mornings start early and are often a bit chaotic. I’m a Christian, but truthfully, my day usually begins with me scrolling through my phone to check what went wrong, or right, while I was asleep. On a typical day, I don’t get more than 4–5 hours of sleep.
Once I’m satisfied that there’s nothing urgent, or I’ve already covered any incidents, I take a moment to pray. Then it’s a rush: a quick shower, slipping into the clothes I prepared the night before, and dashing out by around 5:30 a.m. to catch my office bus. Realistically, my day kicks off around 4:30 a.m., and from that moment, it’s all about staying ahead of the news and making sure I’m where the stories are before they go cold.
4. Every media person has that one unforgettable commuting story: a traffic jam that became an interview, a bus ride that turned into content, or a breaking news call in the middle of chaos. What’s yours?
For me, one moment that stands out was during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
It was around 11 p.m. when I unexpectedly stumbled upon a bloody armed robbery scene. I had no idea it was happening, I was on my way home when I literally bumped into it, and immediately had to report from the spot. Was I scared? Absolutely. But looking back, I’m glad I did it. The adrenaline, the responsibility, and the rush of capturing the story firsthand made it unforgettable.
Would I do it again? Without a doubt. Moments like that are why I love this profession: they push you, challenge you, and remind you why being in the field matters.
5. As a reporter and digital content executive, how does Lagos influence the way you observe people, frame narratives, or chase stories? Does the city shape the journalist, or does the journalist shape the city?
I believe that journalists shape the city as much as the city shapes us. Through our stories, we show those outside Lagos what’s happening within it, and in many ways, we influence how people perceive the city, its energy, its chaos, its vibrancy.
Of course, Lagos impacts our lives: it’s fast, loud, and sometimes unforgiving, and it teaches you to move quickly, observe keenly, and adapt constantly. But at the same time, as journalists, we “call the shots” and steer the narrative. We decide which stories matter, how they’re told, and ultimately, we paddle the canoe, shaping the way the city is seen both by its residents and the wider world.
6. You’ve hosted shows, led social media teams, anchored news, and managed digital projects. Which role has challenged you the most, and which one feels like “home”?
For me, leading the social media team while simultaneously writing news stories has been the most challenging role. Balancing both required constant focus, creativity, and adaptability. My editor at the time, Mr. Sunday Oguntola, was a huge driving force behind my growth. He pushed me beyond limits I never imagined I could reach, trusting me to take on responsibilities that expanded my skills and confidence. I have immense respect for him, and I can honestly say I might not have come this far without his guidance and relentless encouragement.
7. Let’s talk about pressure. Deadlines, breaking news, unpredictable city movement… How do you stay grounded when Lagos tries to scatter your plans?
For me, timelines and deadlines are a major driving force. I have a deep respect for them, so no matter how tired I am or how chaotic Lagos gets, I do my best to meet them. There’s also a strong passion for the job, journalism is in my blood. I can’t imagine doing anything else; it’s become such an integral part of who I am. Even when the city throws challenges my way, that drive and love for the craft keep me grounded and focused.
Read: Lagos Hustle Diaries: Ameenah’s Eight Alarms
8. When you’re off the clock, what’s your Lagos escape? A favourite food spot? Quiet corner? Playlist? Or do you just switch off completely?
Honestly, there’s rarely a time when I’m truly “off the clock,” even when I’m on leave. I tend to stay aware of events and happenings around me. It’s hard to completely disconnect from the city and the news.
That said, when I’m really exhausted, music becomes my escape. I shut everything out, put on my headphones, and let the melodies take over. It’s my way of reflecting, recharging, and finding a quiet moment amidst the constant pulse of Lagos.
9. With so much experience across formats, what have you learned about how Lagos audiences consume news and stories? What makes them click, stay, or trust a platform?
From my experience, trust is the foundation. Audiences gravitate toward platforms and journalists they recognise and believe in. Beyond that, it really comes down to the headlines and the lead of the story. Those first lines a tore what grabs the Lagos audiences’ attention and keeps them engaged.
A strong headline sparks curiosity, while a compelling lead ensures they stay for the full story.
In a fast-paced city like Lagos, capturing attention quickly and delivering accurate, relatable content is key to building loyalty and credibility.
10. If you had one weekend free, no assignments, no traffic, no deadlines, how would you spend a perfect Lagos day?
For me, a perfect Lagos day would be all about unplugging and letting the city guide me.
I’d put on my headphones, tune into my favorite music, and just take a ride around Lagos, soaking in the sights, sounds, and energy without the pressure of assignments or stories.
No deadlines, no reporting, just me, the city, and a moment to enjoy its pulse at my own pace.
11. And finally, complete this sentence:
“Lagos is…”Lagos is LIFE.
1 comment
Kudos to the writer
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