Halima Umar Saleh

Board Chairperson, Mata Media Foundation

About Halima Umar Saleh

Halima Umar Saleh is a seasoned, experienced, and highly accomplished multimedia journalist with over 16 years of expertise covering global and regional news for both local and international media. She currently serves as a Senior Editor at TRT Afrika, where she contributes to shaping impactful and inclusive narratives across the African continent.
Throughout her distinguished career, Halima has worked with leading media organizations, including Voice of Nigeria (VON), and BBC News Hausa, where she served as Digital Lead. In these roles, she demonstrated excellence in storytelling, editorial leadership, and digital media innovation, earning recognition for her commitment to accurate, balanced, and compelling journalism.

Beyond her editorial work, Halima is actively engaged in advancing social impact and media accountability. She is a board member of the Centre for Media, Policy, and Accountability (CMPA), where she contributes to strengthening ethical standards and policy development within the media landscape. She also serves as a consultant with Iye Africa, an organization dedicated to creating a future where no mother or child dies from childbirth in Nigeria. In addition, she is a consultant to the Pink Arena Foundation, further reflecting her commitment to impactful community and development initiatives.

Deeply committed to strengthening the media ecosystem, Halima has trained journalists across northern Nigeria in collaboration with Voice of Nigeria (VON), Daily Trust Foundation, and other partners. She also mentors dozens of female journalists in the region, supporting their professional growth, confidence, and leadership in the industry.
Known for her integrity, vision, and collaborative leadership style, Halima Umar Saleh remains committed to building a future where women are empowered, their stories are heard, and their contributions are fully recognized.
Halima holds a master’s degree in mass communication from Liverpool John Moores University and a B.A. in mass communication from Bayero University, Kano.

Empower Women Journalists — Join Today

By joining Mata Media Foundation as a volunteer, you become part of a community committed to empowering women journalists and amplifying their voices. Volunteers play a crucial role in our training programs, advocacy campaigns, and media initiatives, helping women gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in journalism. Your time, skills, and passion can make a real difference — shaping stories, influencing media, and creating a future where women are fully represented in the media landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Mata Media Foundation? Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries about our programs, mission, and how you can get involved.

Mata Media Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women journalists, particularly in Northern Nigeria, through training, mentorship, and advocacy programs.

We offer a range of training programs including journalism boot camps, media skills development, mentorship schemes, and specialized workshops such as mental health journalism and AI in media.

You can join our volunteer network by applying through our website. We welcome individuals with skills in media, communication, training, and community engagement.

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Yes, participants who complete our training programs receive certificates recognizing their skills and participation.

Applications for our programs are usually announced on our website and social media platforms. Interested applicants can apply through the provided links.

Yes, we partner with local and international organizations to expand opportunities and provide more resources for women journalists.

You can support us by volunteering, partnering with us, or contributing to our initiatives to help expand opportunities for women journalists.

We primarily operate in Northern Nigeria, while also working to expand our impact to other regions.

No, some of our programs are designed for beginners, while others are tailored for experienced journalists looking to advance their skills.

Many of our programs are free or subsidized to ensure accessibility, while some advanced trainings or fellowships may have specific requirements.

Absolutely. We welcome partnerships with organizations that share our mission of empowering women in journalism and media.

We focus specifically on empowering women journalists, especially in Northern Nigeria, through targeted training, mentorship, and innovative programs tailored to their needs.

You can stay updated by following us on social media, subscribing to our newsletter, or regularly visiting our website for updates and announcements.