Laolu Afolabi was the recipient of the maiden Federal Inland Revenue Service Tax Reporter of the Year award at the NMMA. He tells FAITH AJAYI about the journey behind the accolade and what it means for his career
How long have you practised journalism?
I am a trained engineer who found my way into journalism by accident but stayed by conviction. I hold a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke; a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, and a M.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan.
I started at the Nigerian Tribune as a computer operator in 2005 and joined the newsroom in 2008. I moved to PUNCH in April 2024. Over 17 years in journalism, I have largely worked as a sub-editor, including nine years as Chief Sub-Editor.
Which story won you the award?
I won the maiden FIRS-sponsored Tax Reporter of the Year award. The winning story was “How Tinubu’s Contentious Tax Bills Widen North–South Dichotomy, Suppressed Fears.” The report explored Nigeria’s tax reforms beyond the technicalities, examining political, regional, and social implications, and how the proposals were perceived along long-standing national fault lines.
Take us into that moment when your name was called.
Arriving at the event, I had modest expectations. My entry had only two nominations while others had three, and my competitor in the category was a serial NMMA winner. I applauded my colleagues as they went up one after the other, never imagining my turn would come so soon.
When my name was announced, disbelief gave way to quiet fulfilment. After finishing second in a previous nomination, I finally clinched my first NMMA award. Amid handshakes, congratulations, and photos, the full weight of the moment sank in.
Walk us through the making of the winning story from idea to final copy.
The idea emerged as the proposed tax bills sparked strong reactions across regions. The South seemed largely accepting, while the North raised concerns. While much public discourse focused on technical details, I noticed deeper conversations shaped by history, trust, and regional sensitivities.
I studied the bills closely, then tracked reactions from policymakers, economists, civil society actors, and regional voices. Writing the report required balancing hard fiscal facts with political and social context, ensuring the story neither exaggerated divisions nor ignored them. My goal was clarity—explaining reforms in plain terms while situating them in Nigeria’s long-standing conversations about equity and fiscal justice.
What were the biggest obstacles, and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge was navigating a charged political environment. Many positions were shaped more by suspicion and regional sentiment than the actual provisions, making it difficult to separate fact from fear. Some policymakers were reluctant to speak on record.
Balancing regional sensitivities without reinforcing stereotypes required restraint and careful framing. I relied on verifiable data, historical context, and voices from across regions to ensure facts, rather than emotion, drove the narrative.
What did writing that piece reveal about your growth as a journalist?
It reinforced the importance of patience and depth. The story pushed me to go beyond surface-level reporting and engage with policy, history, and national sentiment simultaneously. Strong journalism isn’t just breaking news; it’s producing work that helps readers understand complex issues fairly and responsibly.
How did mentorship and newsroom support help during this process?
The Deputy Editor, The PUNCH, Tana Aiyejina; News Editor, Oladimeji Ramon; and Business Editor, Okechukwu Nnodim, provided critical guidance. They helped me identify the story’s significance, guided narrative choices, and encouraged me to submit it for the Tax Reporter category.
How has this recognition shifted your confidence and career trajectory?
The award is a personal affirmation that consistency, patience and belief in one’s craft pay off. Having finished as a runner-up before, winning now is a powerful reassurance that my work is seen and valued. Being the first to win that category makes it even more historic. It motivates me to aim higher and maintain PUNCH’s high standards.
What advice would you give aspiring journalists aiming for this category?
Understand complex fiscal issues, communicate them clearly, and remain rigorous, fair, and disciplined. Study, develop courage, and don’t follow prevailing sentiments blindly. Work independently, and let your craft speak for itself.
Was there a defining moment during reporting that made you realise this story was special?
The deputy editor Aiyejina’s optimism about the story’s award potential was pivotal. He supervised its production, guided the narrative, selected the right images, and advised on the category to maximise recognition.
How has PUNCH shaped your success?
PUNCH has been instrumental in my growth. Its culture of rigorous fact-checking, high editorial standards, and newsroom mentorship pushed me to take on challenging stories and expand my perspective. The leadership, from the MD/Editor-in-Chief, Adeyeye Joseph, to editors and desk heads, nurtures curiosity, professionalism, and excellence, preparing journalists for moments like this.
