In an era where scientific clarity is more vital than ever, few journalists have navigated the complexities of the field with as much skill as Emeka Anuforo. With a career spanning over 16 years, Anuforo has evolved from a dedicated investigative reporter in Nigeria to a high-level communications strategist at the African Development Bank (AfDB).

How he started in Nigeria.
Anuforo’s journey began at the University of Nigeria, where he earned a BA in English and Literary Studies and an MA in Communication. He spent nearly 13 years as an investigative science journalist, primarily at The Guardian Newspaper Nigeria. During this time, he wasn't just reporting; he was building a community. Emeka was instrumental in founding the Nigeria Association of Science Journalists (NASJ), ensuring a professional platform for the beat in West Africa.

Taking his work to the world stage.
In 2011, his expertise earned him a prestigious SciDev.Net fellowship in London, funded by the IDRC. This career-defining period saw him embedded with global giants like The Guardian (UK), The Lancet, and Nature. His global footprint expanded further as he represented African media at World Conferences in Doha (2011) and Helsinki (2013).
His excellence is backed by several high-profile honors, including:

1. Print Science Journalist of the Year (2010) – Nigerian Academy of Science.
2. Science & Tech Reporter of the Year (2013) – Nigeria Union of Journalists.
3. Energy Reporter of the Year (2013) – Nigeria Union of Journalists.

His move into international development.
Today, Emeka applies his storytelling prowess to international development. After a stint with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), he now serves as a News Desk Officer at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan, managing media relations and documenting Africa’s economic narrative.

What we can learn from his career:

1. Pick a niche: Emeka became an expert in science and energy, which made him stand out from general reporters.
2. Don't work alone: Starting the NASJ proves that you can achieve more when you build a community.
3. Keep learning: Even after 10 years on the job, he was still taking courses to stay sharp.
4. Your skills can travel: A good writer can move from a local newspaper to a global bank if they know how to tell a story.

What do you think?

1. Do you think more Nigerian journalists should specialize in science, or is it too niche?
2. How much does a professional association like the NASJ actually help a reporter?
3. What’s the biggest challenge in moving from a newsroom to an organization like the AfDB?

Truscott Elizabeth Oluwafunmilola 
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