L-R: Registrar/CEO, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr. Abimbola Tiamiyu; President, Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), Mr. Ikechukwu Udobi; President/Chairman in Council, CIIN, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori; Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE), Mrs. Nkechi Naeche-Esezobor; Rector, College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), Dr. Chizoba Ehiogu, and president, Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), Olatunbosun Mayowa, during the 2025 IICC Media Retreat for members of NAIPE held on Saturday, November 22, at CIFM campus in Ogun State.
By LOVETH AZODO, Lagos
Journalists covering the insurance sector have been advised to prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing as they navigate the pressures of today’s fast-paced news environment.
The call was made by Dr. Tunde Jesusina, Director of Medical Science at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, during a training session organised by the Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC) at the College of Insurance and Financial Management in Ogun State.
Speaking on the theme “Beyond the Byline: Managing Burnout in Nigerian Journalism,” Jesusina warned that burnout goes far beyond ordinary stress and can escalate into serious illness if not addressed early.
He explained that burnout develops across three dimensions: emotional, physical and mental exhaustion; increased detachment or cynicism toward work; and a decline in professional efficiency.
Jesusina described the “Nigerian factor” as a perfect breeding ground for burnout, citing persistent economic pressures, low pay, rising living costs, relentless deadlines, information overload from the 24/7 news cycle, and security concerns that often expose journalists to physical risks.
He also noted that inadequate newsroom resources and limited organisational support further heighten vulnerability.
Highlighting early warning signs, he listed chronic fatigue, frequent illness, sleep disruption, irritability, anxiety and feelings of helplessness as key physical and emotional indicators.
Behavioural symptoms, he said, may include withdrawal, procrastination, difficulty concentrating, detachment from work and reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
For long-term resilience, Jesusina advised journalists to prioritise adequate sleep, regular physical activity, hobbies outside work, spiritual grounding through mindfulness or prayer, and professional counselling when needed.
“Rebuilding the foundation requires intentional rest and a return to activities that restore your identity beyond the newsroom,” he said.
He also encouraged peer support within media organisations, emphasising that journalists are “stronger together.”
This includes debriefing after difficult assignments, mentorship, open communication about workloads and advocating for healthier working conditions.
Jesusina further urged media houses to fulfil their duty of care by offering fair pay, trauma training, realistic workloads and non-stigmatized mental health support.
He added that the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) should continue championing mental health awareness, negotiating improved conditions and providing accessible resources for members.
The training forms part of IICC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professional development within the insurance reporting community.
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