Nwadukwe Onyedikachukwu Okechukwu

My name is Onyedikachukwu Okechukwu Nwadukwe,The main objective or aim of going into media is to speak out for those who don’t have the privilege to express themselves, to fight for those whose rights has been trampled upon severally like mine and to give room for press freedom. Apart from my late parents’ wisdom and guidance, experience has always been my teacher because as long as I can remember my life has been filled with lots of complications and challenges that would have ended my life a couple of times. As a child I have always love putting peoples need over mine, you tell me a sad story I just believe it without a doubt because at that moment I just want people around me to be happy. I loved defending and protecting people even when most times gets me involved in a lot of trouble but I still do it.

As a young child defining my sexuality was an issue because I always knew my true sexuality but I wasn’t ready to accept it yet because of the kind of home and country I was raised in. I was in the closet for a really long time because I was afraid of rejection and criticism I will get from my family and the society, which made me to create a different identity so I can be accepted and fit into the society which lasted for a while until I couldn’t deal with the pressure anymore. I have been bullied and set up on many occasions just because I chose be myself.

It was after this experience I was motivated to start speaking for myself because no one will do it better than me, and the best way to achieve that was not by pursuing a career in law but in Broadcasting because that way I can connect with people who has gone through the same experience with me directly. I tried publishing my story but it was denied so many times because of the laws of the country, since I wasn’t given the opportunity to tell my story through writing I found another way of telling my story which was through Television that way I can share my story without any disruption. Though I was afraid of the consequences it might come with but at that moment I just wanted to let the world know what people pass through because they are different.

Over the past few years I developed my skills in writing and broadcasting. The knowledge and experience I have today in Journalism was gotten from my three years working experience in my state local newspaper organization “National Light” were I was groomed to become an exceptional and different journalist because I didn’t only learn their style of writing I also improved their writing style. Also I’m currently working with Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) were I am currently an assistant producer for a program called “The Medley Show” were we treat various topics and scenarios people feel are not treated properly and can do a lot of harm especially to the youths. With my platform I have been able to help people who had similar experience with me to tell their story and get justice. Broadcasting has given me more power and opportunity to help and change so many lives because no one deserves to be treated differently either by their sexuality, the way they look, dress or walk we are all unique and it should be respected that way.