By KEMI KASUMU
ASHENEWS reporter, Fatima Zahra Muhammad, has emerged the overall winner of the Wakaso Award for Female Journalists.
Muhammad was shortlisted among four other finalists, on Thursday, June 8, 2023, for the award ceremony that held at the NAWOJ Secretariat, IBB Pen House, in Minna on Monday June 12.
According to the lead judge, Seline Moses Alkali, 16 entries were received out of which five were shortlisted for the Awards.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Alkali, who is also the General Manager of Ultimate FM Minna, commended all the participants for their doggedness as evident in the variety of submissions received.
“Nine of the 16 entries were adjudged successful. Fatima Zahra Muhammad’s entry was 16th on the list and she had 12 points, which was the highest. This competition was tough. Aside from that, there were no sentiments at all. Most of the names here, we didn’t even know them,” she said.
The winners
Fatima Zahara Muhammad – Overall winner; Maryam Abubakar – second place; Jemimah Dada – Third place; Salmah Abdullah I. – 4th place, and Hamida Abdullahi – 5th place.
Speaking earlier, the organizer of the event, who is a veteran journalist and Public Relations practitioner, Aisha Wakaso, said “the award celebrates the inspiring achievements of female journalists who work tirelessly to make their marks in a world where gender inequality is pervasive.
“The theme of this competition focused on the challenges journalists face and the strategies they deploy to overcome them.
“The entries were overwhelming for a competition, which is the first of its kind in Niger State. It is remarkable.
“We want young journalists to come out and showcase their skills. We live in a world where females are still underrepresented in the field of journalism, especially in high positions. Female journalists have to battle sexism, gender stereotypes and harassment, unequal pay, and their work is undervalued and underappreciated simply because of their gender,” she enthused.
The award winner, Muhammad described the recognition as a stepping stone in her quest to accomplish more in journalism.
“To me, this award proves what patience and determination can do it. I look forward to this award to be one of the many accomplishments that I expect,” she said.
