Dignitaries at the unveiling of a book titled: “The Journalist, The Woman and Her Faith” authored by Mrs. Grace Yussuf, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. 

By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Abuja, May 10, 2023

Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity has commended Grace Yussuf, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) for her outstanding initiatives in journalism.
Adesina, who was represented by Patience Tilley Gyado, the Deputy Director, Information, State House, made the commendation at a book launch titled: “The Journalist, The Woman and Her Faith” in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, the book is the odyssey of a courageous woman, who came out victorious after navigating the world of journalism in Nigeria and beyond after 31 years.
Adesina also urged other young female journalists to emulate Yussuf.
Also, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, while commending the work, said it would serve as a repository of knowledge and invaluable reference material for the upcoming female journalists.
“Your dedication to duties, exploring the intersection of faith is quite commendable and heartwarming, as the insights and wisdom shared would assist to guide others within the profession in their own spiritual journeys,” he said.
The Managing Director, of NAN, Mr. Buki Ponle, while appreciating Yussuf for her good work, described her as a journalist with a difference in the profession.
Ponle, who was represented by Mr. Mufutau Ojo, the Director of Special Duties in the agency, pledged to keep promoting such laudable initiatives among members of staff.
He advised young female journalists to take a lead from Yussuf and put down their experiences in writing.
“Many have put in two to three decades in the profession. The new ones should learn from Grace Yussuf who has put in over three decades in the profession,” he added.
Earlier, Yussuf in her address explained that the book was to share her experiences in the profession to encourage younger female journalists finding it difficult to cope.
She said that the decision to write the book came out of her desire to document her experiences as a female journalist and a practicing Christian.
“I believe that it will not only be good reading for many but will also go a long way in encouraging younger female journalists, who may be finding it difficult to cope, especially if they had to hold on to their faith and values.
“It is my intention too, that this book will serve as a story of resilience, hard work, moral rectitude, a journey of faith and adherence to Christian virtues even in the practice of an utterly socially-relevant profession as journalism.
“I say this because there is this general belief that journalists are unserious and frivolous. This puts women in a precarious position as it makes them more vulnerable than their male counterparts,” she said.
Mr. Joe Bankole, a former Managing Editor in NAN, while reviewing the book, said Yussuf, having spent her life as a working journalist from 1992 to 2023, shared her 31 years of tutelage, frustrations, disappointments, sweet memories and all-round victory.
Bankole, who is also a Media Consultant, said “the combination of the above-listed situations made her a success in the course of this interesting journey, which is something to savour.
“Journalism is not a profession I deliberately went into, however, I found myself in it after a few years in the private sector and I grew to learn, embrace and love it. I can safely say it paid off.”
“That was a quote from the introduction to the book. That sums up her incursion into the profession and the conclusion of her experience,” Bankole explained.
He, therefore, recommended the book to all lovers of a disciplined life and one dedicated to the praise of God Almighty.
The Chairperson of the occasion, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, the Executive Director, Women Aid Collective (WACOL) said that Yussuf balanced her role as a wife, mother and journalist.
“I recall her contributions not only in the economic industry but also in female and gender in Nigeria. I enjoin all of us to support this wonderful woman, who has made herself outstanding.
“And as the topic suggests “The Journalist, The Woman and Her Faith” when I picked up her book, I saw a woman, who regardless of stereotype in the industry was able to balance the role of a mother and her vocation as a journalist,” she said.
Ezeilo, was represented by Mrs. Ijeoma Ezeude, the Head, Department of Legal Unit, WACOL.
Grace Yussuf is a committed Christian, widely travelled and happily married with children.