Journalist and Arise analyst Constance Ikokwu has described journalism as more than a profession, calling it a civic duty that shapes public understanding and accountability. Speaking at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University, Igbariam Campus, she emphasized that storytelling in media carries messages that influence societies and future generations.

Ikokwu highlighted the role of journalism in agenda-setting, noting that media coverage tells society what issues to focus on. She referenced the #EndSARS protests, showing how persistent reporting brought police brutality into national and global conversation.

She added that journalists bear a heavy responsibility, as stories reported today can shape perceptions of crises, leaders, and events for years to come. Silence or selective coverage can be as influential as news itself in directing public attention.

The media professional concluded that effective journalism balances storytelling and responsibility, ensuring society remains informed, injustices are exposed, and public debates are guided by facts and ethical reporting.