By Aminat Orisatoye
Olatimehin Esther’s journey in campus journalism has always been about purpose, and as the new president of the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University, she is focused on creating space for every member to grow. In this interview with Observers Mag, she shares her story and the plans for ACJOAU.
Could you share a brief insight into your background?
I’d say my journey started back in my 100-level days on campus because I never planned to just go through school, and due to this, I took time to observe and understand how things work, especially in journalism. I was curious, always watching how stories were told, how events were reported, and how the media shaped conversations around us. That curiosity gradually grew into involvement.Over time, I started putting myself out there volunteering, hosting, anchoring, learning, and most importantly, growing. I’ve had the chance to serve in various leadership roles, work on programmes that blend media with impact, and build experience in front of the mic and behind the scenes. It’s not been a perfect ride, but it’s been intentional.
Right now, I’m still very much in that space, storytelling, creating, and leading while making sure that whatever I do reflects purpose and excellence.
As a campus journalist, what significant achievement stands out to you?
One moment that still stays with me was being awarded First Runner-Up in the Broadcasting Category at the Campus Journalism Awards in Abuja last year. Honestly, I applied without much expectation. I felt like one of those “just do it” moments while applying. But getting shortlisted, and eventually recognised, made me pause and really reflect. I never realised how much weight my work actually carried until then.It reminded me that sometimes, while you’re just doing what you love, people are watching, listening, and being impacted. That experience shifted my mindset, and it made me start owning my voice with more confidence.
How has your experience so far in journalism influenced your view both professionally and personally?
Personally, it humbled me. I started to see life through different lenses, through other people’s struggles, joys, and realities. I learnt empathy. I learnt patience. It has taught me how to pay attention to people, moments, and the emotions that lie beneath the surface. It’s made me more intentional with my words, because I’ve seen firsthand how what we say or fail to say can raise opinions, start conversations, or even promote change.Professionally, it’s given me a voice and a platform. It’s helped me become more confident in my ability to start conversations, ask the right questions, and think.
How do you feel stepping into this new role?
Thank you so much. You know, stepping into this new role as the president of ACJ-OAU feels both humbling and exciting. It’s a big responsibility, no doubt, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to serve, grow, and build something with others who share the same passion for journalism.I won't pretend to have all the answers, but I’m coming in with an open heart, a vision, and a respect for those who’ve led before me. I know the weight of this role. So I feel challenged in the best way possible. More than anything, I feel ready. Ready to listen, ready to work, and ready to leave ACJ-OAU better than I met it.
I didn’t stay back to hold a title. I stayed because I knew the work wasn’t finished.
What motivated you to contest for ACJ president after serving as the former VP?
What kept me going wasn’t the position; it was the purpose. After serving as vice president, I had every reason to step aside and just rest. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t done. I had seen the gaps, the potentials, and the many dreams we’d started building that still needed solid ground. I couldn’t just watch from the sidelines when I knew I still had something valuable to offer.It wasn’t ambition that pushed me; it was conviction. I wanted to continue, not just to lead, but to serve on another level. To protect the culture that has been built, give others room to grow, and keep the fire of campus journalism burning.
So no, I didn’t stay back to hold a title. I stayed because I knew the work wasn’t finished.
What are your plans for this tenure, and is there anything in place for members who want to go into broadcast journalism?
Absolutely, I’m glad you asked. This tenure, my focus is on building something solid enough. I want ACJ-OAU to not only be active, I want it to be intentional. That means better training, more visibility for our members, and creating platforms that allow everyone to thrive.And yes, there’s definitely a place for broadcast journalism. I’ve walked that path myself, so I understand what it feels like to want to pick a microphone over a pen. We’re working on setting up proper broadcast units, radio-style segments, visual storytelling, broadcast opportunities, and media production spaces so members interested in broadcast can grow just as much as those who write.
I plan to focus on three things: structure, visibility, and belonging. We’re working on a structure that allows members to plug in easily, no matter the beats. Everyone should find a space they can own and grow in.
What are the current challenges the association is facing, and how do you intend to address them?
One of the current challenges the association is facing is disconnection. There are some members who feel like they’re part of ACJ-OAU by name, but not by involvement. There's also the issue of inconsistency. We have brilliant minds, but without a follow-up, ideas end up hanging in the air. Then there's inclusivity. Many people still don’t feel like there’s space for them, especially those outside the writing circle or those new to journalism.To address these, I plan to focus on three things: structure, visibility, and belonging. We’re working on a structure that allows members to plug in easily, no matter the beats. Everyone should find a space they can own and grow in. We’re also going to be more deliberate about celebrating our members’ work, creating platforms for them to be seen both within and outside campus.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations beyond campus journalism?
I dream of working in mainstream media, yes, but more than that, I see myself in spaces that challenge me to do better. I want to have an impact. I want to mentor, to build, and to use my voice and my journey to encourage people who feel like they don’t belong because I’ve been there too.I’m not chasing fame. No, that's not my thing. I just want to keep doing what I love, make people feel something through it, and never lose the heart that took me there in the first place.