Mohammed Lawal
Nigeria

Mohammed Lawal has seven years of experience in journalism and advocacy. A TEDx speaker and one of Opportunity Hub’s 100 most influential people of the year, Mohammed has earned several accolades for his well-researched articles and investigative reports: campus journalist of the year (Nigeria, 2020), best West African fellow in the Kwame Karikari Fact-Checking and Research Fellowship (2021), and an African Public Relations Award (APRA Tanzania) (2022). He is head of investigations and fact-checking at PRNigeria and a project manager in the Grassroots Investigative Reporting Project at the Daily Nigerian. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Mohammed plans to pioneer a new field in journalism for developing countries that involves blending investigative journalism with an advocacy perspective to address pressing challenges in communities across Africa. He also plans to build a network of young journalists and campaigners by providing them with resources and mentorship on strategic communications for advocacy and the use of media and messaging to help promote causes in education, healthcare, and the environment. Mohammed believes that positive change in these areas will positively affect women and girls by generating social and political will and resources for vulnerable communities.