Chinalurumogu Eze, popularly known as Nalu Kings, is an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and public speaker. She is also a professional voiceover artist, TV presenter, lifestyle vlogger, and event host.
Chinalurumogu has worked with The Nollywood Reporter and currently serves as an entertainment reporter for West Africa Weekly. In 2022, she achieved third place in the Inside Nollywood Film Journalism Fellowship and was named the Youths Digest Campus Journalist of the Year, becoming the first student from a Southeastern university to receive the honor.
She represented Nigeria in France at the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Additionally, she emerged as the winner in the storytelling category of the SpeakHer Speakathon public speaking competition.
As a passionate advocate for public speaking, she is the convener of the Speak Up platform. She also served as the Associate Executive Producer for TED Enugu 2024 and as the Community Engagement Strategist for The Pivot Africa conference.
Chinalurumogu has held several leadership roles, including Local Organization President of Junior Chamber International Nigeria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Vice President of the Union of Campus Journalists at the same university.
What specific moment or event sparked your passion for journalism?
It started in English class during secondary school. I was one of the few students who took the vowel and consonant lessons very seriously. I was fascinated by learning the correct pronunciation of words, and I made it a point to incorporate them into my speech. I was particular about pronouncing words correctly, and I thought, “I’d make a great TV presenter.” That’s when my interest in broadcast journalism began. As for print journalism, I’ve always loved talking about movies—whether it was writing reviews, interviewing filmmakers, or exploring the world of film, I was passionate about it. When I realized I could use my voice to boost filmmaking in Southeastern Nigeria, I fully embraced the field.
What inspired you to participate in campus journalism, and what specific project led to your award win?
I was a fresher at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and all I wanted was to start something that aligned with my career goals. I was determined not to leave university without establishing a foundation for my future. That desire to carve out my career path inspired me to venture into campus journalism. I submitted my story, “Where Are Igbo Epic Movies?” for an award in the Entertainment Reporting category. Although I didn’t win that specific category, I was shortlisted and invited to Abuja. Interestingly, my speech delivery earned me the Campus Journalist of the Year award.
In what ways has winning the award impacted your life, both personally and professionally?
Winning the award gave me the confidence to pursue other opportunities with unwavering passion. It instilled in me a kind of obsession with achieving more. Since being named the Youths Digest Campus Journalist of the Year in 2022, I’ve recorded several other accomplishments that I’m proud of.
What advice would you give to current journalism students who aspire to win a CJA award?
My mantra is simple: “Keep putting yourself out there.” This approach has worked wonders for me because I know that if people don’t see what I’m capable of—and if I don’t showcase my abilities—I’ll never get recognized. So, keep writing, keep publishing your work, keep up with that radio program, and continue refining your skills. If you stay consistent, the world will become your stage.
