Salisu Ibrahim, who leads the Hausa Desk at Legit.ng, has achieved a significant continental recognition by being chosen for the International News Media Association's inaugural Africa Emerging Leaders Scholarship.
He stands among only 17 rising media professionals selected from across Africa for this prestigious program, which was officially announced on November 9, 2025.
What the INMA Africa Emerging Leaders Programme Entails
The INMA Africa Emerging Leaders programme specifically targets African media professionals under 40 years old who demonstrate exceptional potential. Applicants from 16 different countries competed for the limited spots in this inaugural cohort.
According to INMA's executive director and CEO, Earl J. Wilkinson, this group of professionals is actively fueling innovation within the news media industry during a period of rapid transformation. Wilkinson emphasized that the future appears limitless for these emerging leaders across the African continent.
The comprehensive scholarship package includes a full year of INMA membership, complimentary access to three global master classes, extensive networking opportunities, professional recognition, and an official certificate. This initiative forms part of INMA's broader Elevate Africa Initiative, which focuses on advancing journalistic excellence through targeted training, mentorship, and leadership development.
Salisu Ibrahim's Impact on Hausa-Language Journalism
As Head of the Hausa Desk at Legit.ng, Salisu has played a crucial role in expanding the platform's reach among Hausa-speaking audiences throughout Nigeria and beyond. Under his strategic leadership, the desk has introduced innovative storytelling formats while simultaneously improving accuracy in indigenous-language reporting.
His work ensures that millions of Nigerians who primarily consume news in Hausa feel properly represented and engaged with current affairs. This recognition directly aligns with Legit.ng's broader vision to become Africa's most innovative, inclusive, and people-focused digital newsroom.
Rahaman Abiola, Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng, described Salisu's achievement as validation of the company's significant investment in developing its talent. He noted that Salisu's growth trajectory mirrors the organization's fundamental belief that nurturing journalists remains essential for shaping the media industry's future.
Broader Implications for Indigenous Media in Africa
Salisu's inclusion in this prestigious inaugural cohort highlights the growing importance and recognition of indigenous-language journalism across Africa. At a time when many media organizations tend to overlook vernacular reporting, Legit.ng has strategically positioned its Hausa Desk as a core editorial pillar.
Doreen Mbaya, INMA Africa regional manager, emphasized the program's significance, stating that providing such opportunities proves crucial for journalism's survival on the continent. She noted that these emerging leaders exemplify the forward path for news organizations throughout Africa.
Salisu joins fellow media professionals selected from numerous African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Liberia, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Ghana, South Africa, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Zambia. For Legit.ng, his recognition underscores the organization's ongoing dedication to elevating newsroom standards while empowering its teams to grow into global leadership positions.
This achievement represents another important step in Legit.ng's continuous journey toward building a forward-thinking, digitally-driven, and people-centered media organization, with Salisu standing as a strong representative of that evolving vision.
