Female journalists emerged as the biggest winners at the Pen Press Media and Leadership Conference 2.0, held on July 4, 2026, at the Energy Research Centre Auditorium of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), securing top honours in both the annual awards and the newly inaugurated Press Board leadership.
The conference, which began at about 11:00 a.m., featured award presentations and the inauguration of the 2026/2027 Pen Press executive council. The highlight of the event was the remarkable representation of female reporters, who dominated both the award categories and executive positions.
During the awards presentation, female journalists won four of the eight categories presented by the outgoing leadership. The honours included News Reporter of the Year, Rookie Journalist of the Year, Essayist of the Year, and JOA Female Journalist of the Year.
Their success extended beyond the awards as they also secured the majority of positions in the newly inaugurated executive. Most notably, a female journalist was appointed Editor-in-Chief, bringing an end to the office’s long-standing male dominance.
Of the 15 executive positions, including editorial offices, female journalists occupied nine, including Editor-in-Chief, Principal Editor, Managing Editor, and General Secretary, while male journalists filled the remaining six positions.
Speaking after the inauguration, the immediate past Editor-in-Chief, Isiaq Qudus, said the selection process for both the awards and executive appointments was based strictly on merit.
“There was no bias in the selection of officials who will pilot the affairs of Pen Press UDUS for the next year. Our decisions were based on merit and the resources available. We chose those we considered most capable for the responsibilities. I believe in equity and justice for everyone,” he said.
The newly appointed Editor-in-Chief for the 2026/2027 academic session, Umar Maryam Ayomide, expressed confidence in her ability to lead the organisation despite the demanding nature of the office.
She noted that leadership was not new to her and said she was prepared to discharge her responsibilities effectively.
Commenting on the composition of the new executive, Ayomide said competence and teamwork, rather than gender, would determine the success of the administration.
She also encouraged aspiring female journalists to remain committed to their goals and not be discouraged by societal stereotypes surrounding leadership.
“Society may perceive leadership as a masculine role, but that should never stop women from preparing themselves for opportunities. Nothing is beyond your reach. If you tell yourself you cannot do it because you are a woman, you may never make history. Be yourself, remain committed, and the world will adjust,” she said.
Credit: Rufai Abdulbasit Adeyinka
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.