Linda Ikeji is number 17 in the roll call for top women journalists by the Women in Journalism Africa (wijafrica).
The global organisation seeks to recognise and honour women who have remained relentless in the business of Journalism. The list sees Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Arise TV MD as Most Powerful Woman Journalist in Nigeria..
Linda Ikeji describes herself as a self made journalist considering she never trained in the profession but rather learnt on the job.
According to her, as early as age 9, she knew she wanted to report stories about people and happenings around her. She may not have had the right word at that age to describe her passion but she was bent on living it.
Unfortunately, after secondary school, she applied to study Mass Communication, the closest course to Journalism at the University of Lagos. Unfortunately she did not get admitted for the course but was give admission to read English Language.
After graduation, Linda Ikeji tried her hands on several professions including publishing a motivational magazine, modelling and running a modelling company but they all failed.
Linda dabbled into blogging, saw the goldmine in it and packed up every other dream. She is described as relentless and unapologetic in her publications.
Mainstream media practitioners question her style of news gathering which appears to circumvent the painstaking research of the core profession. She doubles down by refusing to describe herself as a journalist even if she has an amazing news gathering machinery across all aspects of society.
Her foray into the industry and the enormous wealth she has made out of it never cease to stun the veteran mainstream media practitioners. Her style has indeed changed media practice in Nigeria, even for those who want to stick to the very ethics of the profession.
While acknowledging her Number 17 position in her Instagram page today, Linda Ikeji recounts that:
“As a 9-year-old, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn’t know what it was called but I definitely knew I wanted to be in front of the camera, asking people questions, giving people information about what was going on etc.
“I would later learn it was called journalism. And to be a journalist, I had to go study Mass Communication in the University.
“I applied for the course but didn’t get it. Ended up reading English !
“Many years later, I discovered blogging and saw it as a way to finally live out my childhood dreams. By far, one of the best things that’s ever happened to me !
“Even though I’m not a journalist, I am grateful to Women In Journalism Africa for recognising me in their Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism. Thank You !
“Truly living your dream is what life is about !