HumAngle, Africa’s leading conflict, humanitarian, and development media organisation,  has concluded the fourth cohort of its Accountability Fellowship Programme, culminating in a virtual graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The event, hosted by Angela Umoru-David, Director of the HumAngle Foundation, was attended by Ahmad Salkida, HumAngle’s Founder and CEO, and Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, the Managing Editor of HumAngle Media.

The six-month fellowship, which commenced in May following a physical onboarding at HumAngle’s headquarters in Abuja, was supported by the MacArthur Foundation. It brought together nine fellows from Nigeria’s northeastern ‘BAY states’—Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe—equipping them to produce written and multimedia content to cover issues around accountability, access to education, and sexual and gender-based violence, among other topical issues. They also carried out advocacy campaigns to champion their cause. 

During the ceremony, the Director of the HumAngle Foundation reflected on the impact made by the fellows during the programme. She noted that the fellows reached over a thousand people in 18 communities through advocacy to foster dialogue, create awareness, and initiate actions. Additionally, the fellows collectively published 20 stories, with others currently under editorial review.  

“You have amplified marginalised voices and have done your best to try and influence local policies,” Angela told the fellows. 

Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, in her keynote speech, congratulated the fellows and highlighted how their works spotlighted humanitarian issues. She stressed that the fellowship shows how particular HumAngle is in nurturing talent and building capacity for storytelling on developmental and humanitarian issues.

“The stories you have produced during this fellowship have been diverse and authentic,” Hauwa said.  “This authenticity is why you’re from particular communities of the BAY states; we believe very strongly that stories should be told by the people most impacted by it.” 

In his remark, Salkida congratulated the fellows while emphasising his pride in their work. “From now on, you are a HumAngle ambassador, and we will always be around to help with anything that will further your career,” he said. 

The CEO also announced Rukaiya Ahmed Alibe from Borno as the best fellow of the cohort. While acknowledging the exceptional quality of all the fellows’ work, he praised Rukaiya’s remarkable contributions. She was awarded a cash prize of ₦300,000 and offered a freelance contract with HumAngle.

Reflecting on her journey, Rukaiya described the fellowship as “rewarding and challenging”. “Despite the challenges, I’ve learned so much, especially the power of storytelling. As a journalist, I had never written a feature story before; however, this fellowship gave me the tools and confidence to do so,” she said. “HumAngle has also given me the chance to provide answers to the critical issues affecting my communities.”

Rukaiya said the recognition came as a “shock” and an “exciting” milestone. “It is truly an honour. I will continue championing impactful journalism that will drive positive change.”

Speaking on behalf of the fellows, Abba Yusuf Kyari appreciated the HumAngle team’s unwavering support throughout the fellowship program. “The fellowship has equipped us with a broader knowledge and experience in our fields,” he stated. 

The Accountability Fellowship Programme run with support by the MacArthur Foundation, now in its fourth iteration, continues to demonstrate HumAngle’s commitment to fostering impactful journalism and advocacy in marginalised communities.