Adebayo Aare

I am Adebayo A. Aare.

I am a multimedia journalist, Media innovation and development professional, Project manager, with years of experience managing million dollars donor-funded projects in media development, research and sustainability.

I am a zealous storyteller, media strategist, and project leader dedicated to using compelling narratives to inform, transform societies and drive impact. With a rich background in philosophy, journalism, media advocacy, and program management, my career has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to investigative reporting, press freedom, gender framing in media and empowering the next generation of journalists.

At the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development(CJID), I lead critical projects focused on protecting media rights, supporting whistleblowers, and ensuring journalists can operate without fear of repression. Currently, I manage an innovative civic technology tool that tracks and documents press freedom violations across West Africa, whilst managing million dollar donor-funded initiatives that build the capacity of journalists and media professionals to be able to report in-depth investigative stories independently. I also coordinate a coalition that champions free and independent journalism and whistleblowing ethos. I am at the forefront of efforts to strengthen democracy in West Africa through a functional, safe and independent media landscape.

Beyond advocacy, I bring years of hands-on experience in news production, investigative journalism, storytelling, copy editing and public/corporate communications. Whether anchoring current affairs programs, crafting deeply researched reports, or leading newsroom teams, I understand the power of media to shape public discourse, set agenda, hold power to account and influence positive change. My work has spanned radio, TV, print and digital platforms, including my time at Agidigbo FM where I served as the pioneer head of reportorial desk, MAP News Nigeria, and other media organizations where I developed original, data-driven, and socially impactful news reports and radio content.

I thrive at the intersection of media innovation and civic engagement. With expertise in fact-checking, research, media framing analysis, and content development, I am always exploring new ways to elevate journalism standards and drive meaningful storytelling that resonates with all.

Ultimately, I believe in a world where the rights of everyone are respected and people are allowed to function to their full capacity without any form of external hindrance.