According to Hybrid News findings, Women in Journalism Africa is committed to amplifying the voices of female journalists and increasing coverage of under-reported gender, health and development issues affecting marginalised groups.
WiJAfrica equips women in African media with the knowledge, skills and support network they need to drive journalism that sheds a light on gender, health and development issues affecting women and other marginalised groups.
Hybridnewsng.com reports that WiJAfrica provides training and support in order to help them advance their careers and take up leadership roles in their newsrooms. With a network spanning 7 countries, (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal and South Africa), WiJAfrica offers members the opportunity to collaborate on cross-border journalism projects that will change the African narrative by providing more diverse and inclusive content.
Recall that last year 2022, Chiemelie Ezeobi was amongst Honorary Mentions with the likes of Nike Sotade, Jemi Ekukunbor Editor, Vanguard Allure, Konye Nwabogor Editor, Thisday Style Online, Sharon Ijasan, TVC, Onah Nwachukwu, Acting Editor, The Will Downtown, Adesola Ayo-Adenrele, Editor PUNCH Online/New Media.
According to wijafrica, apart from the top 25 list, a number of outstanding female journalists were nominated by industry veterans as worthy of mentions.
A statement signed by wijafrica, reads that “As we wait in eager anticipation of the announcement, we acknowledge the critical role that journalism plays in shaping our society and democracy. The power of the press to hold leaders accountable, uncover truth, and drive public opinion cannot be underestimated”
“The journalists on this list have shown exceptional skill and courage in their reporting, and their influence reaches far beyond their immediate sphere.
“We look forward to celebrating the exceptional achievements of these powerful women journalists in Nigeria on May 1st, 2023, and we encourage all media stakeholders to join us in recognizing and honouring their significant contributions to the Nigerian media landscape.
“We are pleased to announce that the Women in Journalism Africa (wijafrica) will be revealing the highly anticipated list of the 25 Most Powerful Women Journalists in Nigeria for 2023 on May 1st, 2023.
“The criteria for selection will be rigorous and stringent, focusing on various aspects such as the depth and breadth of coverage of the elections, journalistic integrity, innovation, and leadership qualities.
“The women who make the final list will be the crème de la crème of the Nigerian journalism industry, and their work will reflect their immense dedication, hard work, and passion for their profession.
“WiJAfrica is a respected gathering of leading women journalists across the African continent, and their annual list serves as a recognition and celebration of the exceptional achievements of women in the field of journalism.
“This year’s list is particularly significant as it will highlight the women who have made a substantial impact on coverage of the 2023 elections in Nigeria, both online and offline. Recognition will also be given to women in other fields of journalistic endeavour.”
Chiemelie Ezeobi is a multiple award-winning Nigerian investigative journalist and creative writer. Very few women journalists in Nigeria cover defence, security and conflict as Chiemelie Ezeobi.
Chiemelie Ezeobi is an alumna of the US State Department International Visitor Leadership Program on Counter insurgency, a member of the Jury of the Africa Security Watch Awards Initiative and a Fellow, Centre for Peace and Security Studies.
Ezeobi was a Crime and Defence Correspondent before her appointment as Group Features Editor at THISDAY Newspapers.
For 13 years, Chiemelie Ezeobi has investigated and written on the most significant security and insurgency issues affecting Nigeria and possesses strong influence within the security and defence community.
Chiemelie Ezeobi has, for two consecutive years, won the Security Watch Awards Best Nigerian Investigative Journalist and later, the Best African Investigative Journalist.