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Call for Applications: WikkiTimes Launches Anas Aremeyaw Anas AI Fellowship

Target Keywords: Anas Aremeyaw Anas AI Fellowship, WikkiTimes, Investigative Journalism, AI in Journalism, Extractive Industries Reporting, Northern Nigeria, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Environmental Accountability.

Introduction

In a significant move to bolster accountability reporting in underserved regions, WikkiTimes, Northern Nigeria’s premier investigative journalism platform, has announced the launch of the Anas Aremeyaw Anas AI Accountability Fellowship (A3AIA). This specialized program is designed to empower journalists with advanced digital tools to investigate extractive industries, environmental degradation, and resource injustice.

As the extractive sector expands across Northern Nigeria, the need for rigorous, data-driven journalism has never been more urgent. This fellowship represents a convergence of legacy and technology—honoring the fearless reporting style of Ghanaian investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas while equipping reporters with 21st-century Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) capabilities.

Key Points

Background

The Challenge in Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria is rich in solid minerals and natural resources. However, the rapid expansion of mining and extractive activities has led to severe consequences for local communities. These include illegal mining, environmental destruction, resource theft, displacement, and a lack of regulatory oversight.

Despite the scale of these issues, investigative reporting on the extractive sector in this region remains limited. Local newsrooms often face capacity gaps, lacking access to advanced investigative tools and the technical skills required to analyze complex data. This information vacuum often leaves vulnerable communities without a voice.

WikkiTimes and the Legacy of Anas Aremeyaw Anas

WikkiTimes has established itself as a leading platform for investigative and responsibility journalism in the North. Through its media business model arm, the WikkiTimes Media Foundation, the organization is launching this fellowship to bridge the identified capacity gap.

The fellowship is named after Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a renowned Ghanaian journalist known for his unconventional methods of exposing corruption and crime. By naming the program after him, WikkiTimes aims to instill a culture of courage and resilience among young reporters.

Analysis

Why AI and Digital Tools Matter in Investigative Journalism

The A3AIA Fellowship is not just a training program; it is a technological intervention. The curriculum focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence and digital forensics into traditional reporting. This includes:

• Geospatial Analysis: Using satellite imagery to monitor environmental changes, such as deforestation or illegal mining sites, that are difficult to access physically.
• OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence): Gathering and analyzing publicly available data to uncover networks of corruption and illicit financial flows.
• Digital Verification: Using AI tools to verify user-generated content, detect deepfakes, and ensure the accuracy of evidence collected from the field.

By equipping reporters with these tools, WikkiTimes is moving beyond traditional reporting methods to produce evidence-based stories that can withstand legal scrutiny and drive policy change.

The Symbolism of the Fellowship Name

Haruna Mohammed Salisu, the Publisher of WikkiTimes, emphasized that the fellowship’s name is a deliberate choice to inspire. He noted that Anas Aremeyaw Anas represents more than just investigative prowess; he symbolizes an unwavering commitment to the story, regardless of personal risk.

Salisu cited a specific instance where Anas demonstrated this commitment. During a conference co-hosted by WikkiTimes and Northeastern University in Gombe, Anas missed his flight from Abuja. Rather than canceling, he traveled overnight through one of Nigeria’s most dangerous routes, arriving in Gombe at 3:00 AM to speak to participants at 10:00 AM the same morning. This dedication left a lasting impression on the emerging journalists present, including students from Federal University, Kashere, and Northeastern University.

Practical Advice

How the Fellowship is Structured

The program is designed to be intensive and practical, spanning a total of six months. It is divided into two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Intensive Training (3 Months)

During the first quarter, fellows will undergo rigorous training covering:

• AI-Assisted Journalism: Leveraging machine learning for data sorting and pattern recognition.
• Satellite Imagery Analysis: Technical skills to interpret remote sensing data.
• Virtual Verification: Protocols for fact-checking digital evidence.
• Extractive Sector Reporting: Understanding the legal and economic frameworks of mining and resource extraction.

Phase 2: Practicum and Mentorship (3 Months)

The second phase shifts from classroom learning to field application. Fellows will receive close editorial mentorship from WikkiTimes editors to produce at least one in-depth investigative report. This ensures that the skills learned are translated into tangible public-interest stories.

Eligibility and Application Process

The fellowship targets reporters working in local and regional newsrooms across the 19 states of Northern Nigeria. Priority is given to journalists operating in states heavily affected by extractive industries.

Steps to Apply:

1. Prepare a portfolio of your previous reporting, particularly on environmental or governance issues.
2. Draft a proposal outlining a potential investigative story idea related to extractive industries in your community.
3. Contact Hafsah Ibrahim at hafseemuhammad@wikkitimes.com for specific application guidelines and submission deadlines.

Benefits for Selected Fellows

Selected participants will receive comprehensive support to ensure they can focus fully on their investigations:

• Financial Support: A monthly stipend to cover basic expenses during the fellowship.
• Access to Technology: Subscriptions and access to premium digital investigative tools and software.
• Expert Mentorship: Direct guidance from seasoned editors at WikkiTimes.
• Certification: A certificate of completion personally signed by Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
• Publication: The opportunity to have the final investigative piece published on the WikkiTimes platform.

FAQ

Conclusion

The launch of the Anas Aremeyaw Anas AI Accountability Fellowship marks a pivotal moment for journalism in Northern Nigeria. By combining the investigative ethos of Anas with the power of modern technology, WikkiTimes is creating a new generation of reporters capable of holding power to account. For journalists in the region, this is a unique opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills, contribute to vital public discourse, and shine a light on the hidden costs of resource extraction. As the extractive sector continues to grow, the need for such rigorous, data-backed accountability reporting will only increase.