The Presiding Bishop of Holy Spirit Mission (Happy Family), Charles Ighele, has called on journalists to take advantage of digital platforms, develop personal influence and plan ahead for life after their careers.

He gave the advice during the 2026 annual training and retreat of the Christian Faith Reporters Association in Lagos.

The event focused on the theme, “The Future of Faith Reporting in Nigeria: Threats, Opportunities and Relevance.”

Ighele, who also serves as Chairman of CFRA’s Board of Trustees, said social media now plays a significant role in journalism, presenting both risks and opportunities.

He urged journalists to position themselves strategically to remain relevant and understand workplace policies guiding personal platforms, such as podcasts.

The Bishop noted that professional relevance was no longer tied solely to newsroom positions, urging journalists to build their personal brands while maintaining ethical standards.

He also advised them to begin retirement planning early and create alternative sources of income to ensure financial stability later in life, noting that earning power often declines with age.

In his keynote address, the Commissioning Editor at The Conversation Africa, Wale Fatade, stressed the importance of discipline, integrity, and early retirement planning.

He said journalists should prepare for retirement from their first day of employment to ensure long-term financial security.

Fatade encouraged journalists to develop strong reading habits, expand their professional skills, and build meaningful networks.

He also recommended learning indigenous languages, such as Yoruba and Igbo, as well as studying subjects like history, statistics, and mathematics to strengthen reporting capacity and meet the increasing demand for local-language journalism.

Fatade urged journalists to uphold integrity and avoid sensationalism, noting that credibility remains essential for building lasting professional reputations.

He also shared his personal retirement plan, which includes establishing a Yoruba community radio station in Osun State.

Media consultant and Programme Manager at the International Press Centre, Sanmi Falobi, advised participants to adopt clear goal-setting strategies and take deliberate steps toward career development.

He encouraged journalists to identify their strengths and weaknesses and explore multiple income streams in response to changes in the media industry.

Earlier, CFRA President Adeola Ogunlade described the retreat as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment.

He emphasised the importance of truthful and balanced reporting, warning journalists against compromising facts for popularity or sentimen