A female Journalist in Niger state, Aisha Wakaso has launched a writing competition for young female journalists and female student journalists in the state.
The primary objective of the competition according to Wakaso is to provide a platform for young female journalists and female journalism students in Niger State to exhibit their writing prowess, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.
“By focusing on this competition, we aim to foster talent, encourage gender equality in the field of journalism, and amplify the voices of young women in the state.
“I notice that female journalists in the state, especially the young ones are scared to come out of their shells and show their talents and the few ones I have met have disclosed that there is no platform to enable them to display their capabilities.”
She said that the award which is to commemorate her birthday would be an annual award competition.
“One of the unique aspects of this competition is that the winner would have an exclusive mentoring opportunity where she would be attached to a female journalist. It would allow her to learn more about practical reporting.”
Female Journalists eligible to participate in the Wakaso Award for Young Female Journalists should be residents of Niger State, be between 18 and 28 years old, and should either be a student journalist or an early career female journalist with 0-5 years of experience.
Wakaso said that the participants are required to submit an original, unpublished article on “Breaking Barriers: How have you faced a unique challenge or obstacle and how did you overcome it” not later than the 6th of June adding that the winners would be announced on the 10th and the award ceremony would be held on the 12th of June.
The first place winner will receive a cash prize of N50,000, publication of the winning article in an online newspaper and exclusive mentoring sessions with a renowned female journalist while the second place winner would get a cash prize of N30,000, publication of her article in an online newspaper, a journalism book and certificate of achievement
The third-place winner would get a cash prize of N20,000 and a certificate of achievement while the fourth and fifth-place winners would get N10,000 and N5,000 each adding that the fourth and fifth-place prizes are sponsored by individuals.
Eligible participants can apply via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNcModjc2Upi9WjWPEnxFmC1se_ogIQXCEx7WpDY2Y3an31Q/viewform
