Nigeria’s Adesewa Olofinko has been selected among 20 media fellows to attend the 2nd cohort of the African Union (AU) Media Fellowship Programme (AUMF).
The AUMF, a prestigious initiative by the African Union Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), is dedicated to reshaping the African narrative and promoting developmental journalism through innovative storytelling.
Adesewa Olofinko, a creative storyteller and journalist holds certifications from the renowned RNTC Media Training Centre in the Netherlands, specialising in media campaigns for social change and digital strategies to combat disinformation and hate speech.
Ms. Olofinko is the founder and editor of Blackladywriter.com, a digital platform dedicated to highlighting social inequalities and redefining notions of feminism within the African diaspora. Her professional journey has included pivotal roles such as presenter and producer on television, radio, and producer and line producer at the EbonyLife Creative Academy in Lagos.
Those selected for the fellowship are Olofinko (Nigeria), Dámaso Nsue Eyang (Equatorial Guinea), David Casimir (Mauritius), Jacqueline Segahungu (Burundi), Jan Bornman (South Africa), Jibi Maring (South-Sudan), Joel Hevi (Togo), Keletso Thobega (Botswana), Maurice Thantan (Benin), Melissa Lemos (Mozambique), Meriyem Kokaina (Morocco), Moetasm Mohamed (Egypt), Mohamed Mohamud (Somalia), Nobantu Modise (Zambia), Prince Sankanu (Gambia), Ronald Musoke (Uganda), Tuyeimo Haidula (Namibia), Wakini Njogu (Kenya), William Kumwembe (Malawi), Yasmine Bouldjedri (Algeria).
Olofinko and others fellows will embark on a 12-month journey of exposure to a diverse range of networking sessions with esteemed AU organs and specialised agencies, as well as prominent African Union institutions.
The programme aligns with the AU’s commitment to using media as a tool to highlight the milestones of Agenda 2063.
Welcoming the fellows, African Union Director for Information and Communication, Ms. Leslie Richer, commended their unique skills and visionary ideas while emphasising the vibrancy and potential within Africa’s media landscape that is ready to be harnessed and elevated to global prominence.
Richer emphasised the importance of using this fellowship as a platform to promote Africa’s Agenda 2063 and tell a balanced story about Africa’s development and opportunities in the digital age.
The programme is implemented by the African Union Information and Communication Directorate, with the support of Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the media landscape.
Commenting on her selection, Olofinko said she remains committed to promoting change and understanding through her multifaceted approach to media.
She added that her selection as an AU Media fellow underscores her dedication to reshaping the narrative about Africa and her commitment to promoting developmental journalism using new and emerging technologies.
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