Renowned multimedia storyteller and filmmaker Juliana Olayinka is making waves in Nigeria’s media landscape, blending authenticity, boldness, and a unique perspective to challenge conventional narratives. In a recent feature in The Nation Newspaper, Olayinka reflected on her remarkable journey in 2024, during which she traveled across the globe, documenting stories that matter while championing women’s empowerment in storytelling.
Describing 2024 as a year of breakthroughs, Olayinka noted her transition from conventional journalism to a more dynamic form of storytelling, shaped by evolving digital media trends. “Legacy media is dead,” she remarked, pointing to the democratization of storytelling through platforms like social media, which now empower individuals with smartphones to shape narratives.
Olayinka, however, acknowledged the challenges of misinformation and fake news that come with this shift, urging creators to uphold truth and integrity. “The truth no longer belongs to a select few—it belongs to the people,” she said.
As a woman in media, Olayinka highlighted her journey to break stereotypes, recalling the quiet bias she has faced throughout her career. “I can’t count the number of times people assumed I was ‘with the team’ rather than leading it,” she shared in her Nation feature. “But the heels are part of my story—they remind me of femininity and authority.”
Olayinka’s groundbreaking projects, including her documentary on President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office, underscore her commitment to reframing Nigeria’s narratives. The film delved into themes of leadership, resilience, and national identity, told from a Nigerian perspective—a deliberate departure from the often-detached lens of international media.
Her media company, J.O. Comms, builds on this vision, focusing on telling authentic stories of underdogs and pioneers. Among her notable works is “Leading With Energy”, a documentary chronicling the journey of Wale Tinubu, CEO of OANDO, and the company’s impact on Nigeria’s energy sector. The project captures the essence of perseverance and the challenges of building a legacy in Nigeria’s volatile economy.
“These stories aren’t just about the men I feature,” Olayinka emphasized. “They’re about the silent revolution happening before our eyes, as women carve spaces in traditionally male-dominated areas.”
The feature in The Nation Newspaper celebrates Olayinka’s determination to push boundaries and stand firm in spaces where women are often overlooked. It underscores her ability to balance grace and authority while telling bold and credible stories.
Looking ahead to 2025, Olayinka predicts that the media landscape will continue evolving, with the lines between journalism and digital influence becoming increasingly blurred. However, she remains committed to telling bold, credible stories and using her lens to amplify underrepresented voices.
Through her work, Olayinka is not just capturing stories; she’s shaping a narrative of power, authenticity, and representation in Nigeria and beyond.
