THE Guardian Nigeria Abuja Bureau field reporter, Tina Abeku, has clinched third place at the maiden edition of the Reporter Slam Nigeria competition held in Lagos.

The live journalism storytelling event, which took place at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, brought together prominent media practitioners to share the personal experiences, pressures, and human stories behind their news bylines.

Abeku secured third position with a combined score of 61.80 per cent, following an evaluation that combined average jury assessments with online audience votes.

The competition, hosted under the broad theme “Journalism and the Nigerian Story,” aimed to strengthen public trust in the media by offering audiences a glimpse into the rigorous demands, field challenges, and emotional realities faced by journalists in the line of duty.

Adetutu Sobowale of The Punch emerged as the winner of the inaugural competition, while Melody Dauda of Albarka Radio, Bauchi, finished as the first runner-up.

Organisers noted that the innovative platform provides a unique space for media professionals to step out from behind their routine news reports and communicate directly with the public, fostering a deeper appreciation for the vital role journalism plays in society.