In December 2023, INMA and Google News Initiative (GNI) awarded their fourth annual Elevate Scholarship to 50 news media professionals from 31 countries. This series features these impressive media professionals who are shaping our industry.

As senior producer at Vision FM Sokoto in Nigeria, Ukashatu Ibrahim Wakili is seeing hard work and years of dedication pay off. His journey at the popular radio station began in 2017 as an industrial trainee, which gave him foundational experience in reporting and production — and set the stage for his future success.

After working as a freelance reporter and then junior producer, he was named senior producer in April 2021, and today he manages and produces the engaging Taskar Vision news programme, which reaches audiences across seven stations of Vision Media Services.

“I take pride in managing and producing Taskar Vision,” he said. “I’ve also introduced an innovative approach to our ICT education programme Duniyar Sadarwa, significantly boosting ICT awareness.”   

Ukashatu’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In February 2022, he was recognised as Vision FM 92.5 Sokoto’s Most Resourceful and Staffer of the Month — an honour he was recognised with again in June 2023. 

Today, Ukashatu continues to use his knowledge and skills to drive positive change, not only within his community but also beyond. He is involved in various aspects of the news media business, from content production and programme management to subscriptions, advertising, and data collection. His work directly influences the quality of content, its appeal to subscribers and advertisers, and the overall success of the newsroom.

Now, as an Elevate Scholarship recipient, he looks forward to further developing his skill sets: “I aim to contribute more effectively to the business aspects of news media, particularly in the areas of subscriptions, product development, data analysis, and advertising.”

Ukashatu also looks forward to learning more about business management and acquiring management skills specific to newsrooms: “This would enable me to make informed decisions that align with the newsroom's financial goals and long-term sustainability.”

By acquiring these additional skills, Ukashatu said he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist who not only excels in content creation but also contributes significantly to the success and sustainability of the news media business.

“These skills will allow me to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry, seize opportunities, and address challenges effectively.”

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