LOIS ABBA SAMBO
Abuja
Summary
I am a seasoned Communications Strategist with over 5 years of experience in managing internal and external communications, as well as public relations initiatives. Strengths include development of strategic communications plans, crisis management strategies, and brand messaging. Demonstrated impact through successful implementation of communication programs that enhanced organizational image and engagement levels. Proven track record in leading impactful campaigns and fostering stakeholder engagement, leveraging strong editorial oversight, and project management skills to enhance public visibility and narrative control.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
Nigeria Institute of Public Relations
Work History
Media and Communication Officer
Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI)
Abuja
11.2023 - Current
- Supported implementation of CCSI’s communications strategy, translating annual plans into actionable media activities.
- Coordinated content creation and story gathering with program teams to develop clear narratives.
- Contributed to outreach initiatives by packaging insights and lessons learned into engaging media products.
- Maintained and updated CCSI’s website and social media platforms for accuracy and alignment with strategic priorities.
- Collaborated on joint communications initiatives with partners to execute co-branded campaigns and shared storytelling.
Communication and Campaigns Lead
Jos Green Centre
Jos
01.2019 - Current
- Led the development and execution of communications and campaign strategies for Jos Green Centre, shaping how the organization told its story around climate action, sustainability, and community-led solutions.
- Designed and managed advocacy and awareness campaigns, working from idea to rollout.
- Oversaw content creation across digital and traditional platforms, including writing, editing, and supervising visual storytelling that highlighted projects, community voices, and environmental impact.
- Coordinated media engagement and partnerships, building relationships with journalists, civil society actors, and allied organizations to extend the reach of campaigns and strengthen public visibility.
- Worked closely with program and field teams to translate technical environmental work into clear, accessible messages, making sure community realities and local context stayed at the centre of the narrative.
- Monitored campaign performance and public engagement, using insights to refine messaging, adjust tactics, and strengthen future advocacy efforts.
Head of Health Desk/Health Journalist
Abuja Broadcasting Corporation
Abuja
01.2020 - 10.2023
- Served as Health Journalist and Head of the Health Desk, leading editorial coverage of public health, clinical governance, and health policy issues for Abuja Broadcasting Corporation.
- Planned and supervised health desk programming, assigning stories, guiding reporters, and ensuring consistent, accurate, and ethical health reporting.
- Reported and produced in-depth health stories, translating complex medical and scientific information into clear, audience-friendly content for radio and television audiences.
- Engaged regularly with health experts, policymakers, and institutions, building credible sources and facilitating informed public conversations on priority health issues.
- Provided editorial oversight and quality control for all health-related content, fact-checking scripts and reports to ensure accuracy, balance, and compliance with broadcast standards.
- Mentored junior reporters and interns on health reporting, interview techniques, and responsible storytelling.
- Covered major health campaigns, press briefings, and emergency health situations, ensuring timely and sensitive reporting that supported public awareness and informed decision-making.
Broadcast Journalist & Presenter
ECWA Television Africa
Jos
09.2017 - 12.2019
- Facilitated dialogue between civil society leaders and the public through political roundtables.
- Hosted morning talk shows, engaging audiences with timely discussions.
- Produced and presented feature stories highlighting underreported issues to boost public interest.
- Presented live broadcasts and special events coverage, maintaining audience engagement.
- Led entertainment shows to deliver dynamic content across varied formats.
Television News Presenter
Taraba Television Corporation
10.2015 - 10.2016
- Anchored prime-time news and covered breaking news on elections and emergencies.
- Conducted live interviews with experts and witnesses, drawing out valuable insights.
- Provided real-time updates through on-the-ground reporting during critical events.
- Delivered comprehensive coverage of policy announcements and significant developments.
Education
Masters - Journalism
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria01.2020
B.Sc. - Mass Communication
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria01.2015
Skills
- Strategic communication and campaign design
- Media strategy
- Editorial oversight
- Content creation
- Photography and videography
- Public policy writing and editing
- Public speaking
- Strategic media relations
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project management
- Crisis and reputation risk communication
- Brand positioning and narrative control
- Press relations
- Audience analysis
Certification
- Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
- Project Management Certification, Project Management Institute
- Diploma, Institute of Entrepreneurship
Awards
- Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award- TV category, 2024
- Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Media Award-TV Category, 2025
Fellowships And Training
- Fellow, Media EIS, 2024
- Fellow, Health Watch Prevent Epidemics Journalism Fellowship, 2023
- Fellow, Gatefield Pro-health Journalism Fellowship, 2022
- Climate Justice Reporting – Education as a Vaccine, 2023
- Fellow, Nigerian Prize for Leadership, 2021
- Executive Protocol & Etiquette, Consima Protocol & Finishing School, 2021
- Advocacy & Campaign Building – Tearfund, 2019
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Accomplishments
Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, Prevent Epidemics Journalism Award- TV category 2024
Affiliations
Fellow, Media EIS (2024)
Timeline
Media and Communication Officer
Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI)
11.2023 - Current
Head of Health Desk/Health Journalist
Abuja Broadcasting Corporation
01.2020 - 10.2023
Communication and Campaigns Lead
Jos Green Centre
01.2019 - Current
Broadcast Journalist & Presenter
ECWA Television Africa
09.2017 - 12.2019
Television News Presenter
Taraba Television Corporation
10.2015 - 10.2016
Masters - Journalism
Ahmadu Bello University
B.Sc. - Mass Communication
Ahmadu Bello University