A student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Sherefeeden Ahmad, has emerged ‘Campus Journalist of the Year’ at the just concluded 2024 Campus Journalism Awards (CJA).
Ahmad who also bagged Best Sports Reporter award won after a fierce competition with campus journalist from public and private higher institutions across Nigeria.
The award ceremony and lecture, which is the sixth edition, themed, “Thriving in the 21st Century Media Landscape“ was held on Saturday at the Cosmopolitan University Auditorium, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja.
Winners of various categories of CJA recognised for their steller performance include: OAU Pen Club who won Pen Club of the year; Mohammed Feisal – Author of the year from Federal College Of Education Kontagora; Habeeb Olokooba – Photo Journalist of the year from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; and Maryam Lawal Daura – Gender Equality from Baze university.
Other winners are: Favour Bamijoko – Entertainment Reporter of the year from University of Ibadan; Rabi Ummi Umar – Syndicated Writer of the from Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; Umar Farouq Bala – Features Writer of the year from Nile University, Abuja; Hussain Kehinde Wahab – Editor of the year from Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.
Also, Oladele Hannah Boluwatife from University of Ilorin clinched Broadcaster of the year; Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho – News Reporter of the year from Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, Kwara State; and Abubakar Abdurashed of Federal University of Technology, Minna demonstrated exceptional investigative reporting skills, winning him Investigative Reporter of the year award.
Runners-up from each category as listed above are: News Digest Press from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Ifayinwa Susan Francis from Federal University of Port Harcourt; and Henry Adelagan from Redeemer’s University; Miriam Omede from Prince Abubakar Audu University Ayingba; and Eriomola John Ogbeneyovbino, University of Ibadan;
Other notable runnerups are Okunola Babatunde Joseph, University of Lagos; Sale Rusulana Sheu, Borno State University; Mutalib Jubril, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto; Tijanni Abdulkareem, University of Ibadan; Esther Oluwatimehin, Obafemi Awolowo University; Benjamin Joseph , Bayero University Kano; Usman Yakubu Usman, Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.
Ahmad reacting to his victory said, “the award is a morale booster for me to keeping writing good stories capable of holding people accountable which wil in turn help shape our national identity.”
In the same development, Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, during his keynote address titled, “Resilience and Innovation: Thieving in the 21st Century Media Landscape”, noted that resilience and adaption are necessary to survive in the 21st century media landscape.
His words “While resilience is crucial in journalism, it must be paired with adaptability. Resilience keeps you going through challenges, but adaptability ensures you remain relevant in an ever-changing world. This is especially true for journalism in Nigeria, a profession that has survived and thrived because of the resilience of its practitioners.”
Mr .Ishiekwene encouraged participants by saying, “Your resilience, adaptability, and dedication to the craft will define your success. Remember that you are not just reporting stories, you are shaping narratives, building communities, and driving progress.”
On his part, Awwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), who served as the chief host of the occasion lauded CJA initiative and canvased support for young journalist and by extension Nigerian youths.
“This initiative is incredibly important. It is essential to encourage young students, reminding them that all hope is not lost. Contrary to negative stereotypes, many young people are hardworking, focused, and committed to excellence. They are the future, and it is our duty to guide and support them,” he stated.
Also, convener of the CJA and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Youths Digest, Gidado Shuaib, during his remark reminisced on the journey so far while acknowledging all those who graced the award ceremony.
“It is an honour to be here today as we celebrate the incredible resilience and achievements of young journalists across Nigeria, it marks a significant step forward in acknowledging the exceptional talent and dedication within the field of campus journalism.
“This year’s entries demonstrated remarkable quality, making the selection process especially challenging. The standard of work reflects the hard work and creativity of all participants.
“I would like to thank all those who have supported this initiative over the years including the dedicated team who made today possible, because it has grown into one of the most impactful platforms for young journalists,” he concluded.
The 2024 and sixth edition of Campus Journalism Award (CJA) received a total of 373 entries from various public and private institutions across the country. Thirty six (36) finalists were drawn and 12 awardees were honoured including the Campus Journalist of the Year.
