From graduating as the Best Graduating Mass Communication Student (2011 set) at Adekunle Ajasin University and earning a distinction (6.7/7.0) in Communication and Language Arts at the University of Ibadan to leading the Education Desk at Owena Press Limited – publisher of The Hope Newspaper, Saheed Bidemi Ibrahim is an award-winning development journalist with over seven years of experience. He leverages the media to champion human and social development and shed light on underreported issues.
As a youth and social development advocate, Saheed founded the Centre for Storytelling and Development Initiative, which empowers young Africans and promotes positive African narratives. The initiative has directly empowered over 380 young Nigerians in journalism, communication, leadership, and personal development.
Saheed is a Fact-Checking Fellow with @DUBAWA and a member of G15 at @CEMESO, contributing to the fight against misinformation and disinformation to promote an accurate and transparent information ecosystem.
An experienced researcher, Saheed's interests include journalism, health communication, media effects, digital communication, and development communication. He holds national and international fellowships and awards, including the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Grant, NEXTGEN SRHR Fellowship, Kwame Karikari Fact-Checking Fellowship, Mandela Washington Fellowship, and the Communicating Evidence for SRHR Policy and Advocacy Action (C4SPAA) Fellowship.
Saheed has received numerous accolades, including:
- 2023: Dr. Biyi Adegoroye Investigative Reporter of the Year and Amb. Dayo Adeoye Education Reporter of the Year
- 2022: Sir Dr. Felix Ale Professional Merit Award for Journalist of the Year and Ondo State NUJ Professional Award for Investigative Journalist of the Year
- 2021: Ondo State NUJ Professional Award for Grassroots Reporter of the Year
Given his leadership and community service experience working in national and international organisations, Saheed has been engaged in state and national assignments, contributing to developing the Nigerian Youth Development Index, National Youth Policy, and National Drug Policy.
