Ayo Mairo-Ese is a renowned Nigerian broadcaster and media professional, currently an anchor at Arise News Channel in Lagos, Nigeria. She co-anchors The Morning Show, Africa’s premier breakfast program. A multiple award-winning journalist, Ayo is also a communications expert, event host, and public speaker.

With a degree in International Relations from Swansea University, UK, Ayo never envisioned a career in media. However, her natural flair for public speaking led her in that direction. Speaking with Just4WomenAfrica, she shared that her journey began when she started hosting events and realized she could turn her talent into a profession. This passion eventually led her to Cool TV in 2014, where she co-hosted the popular talk show The Blog. She later moved on to co-host the news and lifestyle show Hello Nigeria on WazobiaMax and has also worked with Nigeria Info FM for over a decade.

Navigating Radio and TV

When asked about the differences between working in radio and television, Ayo revealed that she finds radio more challenging. She explained that on TV, there are many visual elements to support the delivery, making it easier for errors to go unnoticed. However, on radio, every word, tone, and emotion is amplified because the audience can only hear you. “Your emotions directly affect the listeners, so you must always bring your full energy to work,” she said.

Challenges as a Woman in Media

As a woman in media, Ayo acknowledged the constant pressure to prove oneself beyond just being a “pretty face.” She emphasized the importance of presenting oneself as knowledgeable and capable of standing on equal footing with male colleagues. However, she noted that times are changing, with more women holding leadership positions in media and even owning media houses. “This shift has helped change the narrative and create more opportunities for women in the industry,” she said.

Being Recognized Among Nigeria’s Most Powerful Women in Journalism

In 2023, Ayo was listed among the 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism in Nigeria, ranking at #25. By 2024, she had risen to #16. She joked that “the reward for hard work is more work” but admitted that the recognition has motivated her to strive even harder in her career.

Press Freedom in Nigeria

According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, Nigeria has improved from 123rd place in 2023 to 112th globally. Ayo attributed this progress to journalists who have fought for media freedom, stating, “Press freedom in Nigeria has been hard-earned. Journalists before us paved the way, ensuring we have a voice today.” She also stressed that government attitudes toward the media play a crucial role in sustaining press freedom. She urged leaders to allow scrutiny, emphasizing that a media-friendly government encourages transparency and accountability.

Encouraging More Women in Media

Ayo is a strong advocate for inclusion in media and believes that role modeling is key to attracting more women into the field. She highlighted the power of networking, encouraging women to join female professional groups that offer mentorship and career opportunities. “Many of my referrals came through women’s groups I joined,” she shared, emphasizing that women supporting women can make the industry more accessible for newcomers.

Most Memorable Interviews

Reflecting on her career, Ayo recalled some of her most unforgettable interviews, including:

• Gani Adams, leader of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC)
• Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha

These interviews, she said, were both insightful and impactful.

Ayo Mairo-Ese continues to be a trailblazer in the Nigerian media space, inspiring the next generation of female journalists. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and hard work in shaping a successful media career.