For many, navigating a career path could be challenging and demanding, especially in a nation like ours that shows little or no concern for young adults who are new into the field. But it could be more demanding when there is no guardian or mentor for some people throughout the journey. A lot of young adults (without mentorship) become perplexed in the adventurous embarkation, as to what and what to opt for or choose as a career for themselves. It could even be more of a Herculean task for those who are stuck in the labyrinth of many potentials; they become undecided and lost, yet without mentorship or a guardian. As many people would have it, mentorship goes a long way in navigating life; more like a torch that guides one in the wilderness or in the dark, in order to get to one’s destination.
Aliyu Abdulkareem — Aleey Pepe, as fondly referred to, by his friends and colleagues takes a different turn from the foregoing. He is that person, who without a mentor, grew from the cradle to the hilltop, as he already knew what he wanted for himself right from outset. One could properly describe him as a go-getter, or better as a “goal getter” who knew his onions. Despite the fact that he has a lot of potential in his pocket, yet he managed them and tried to balance them up amidst all huddles.
Aliyu has been a journalist, website developer, and data scientist for a couple of years, with the aim of finding worthwhile and long-lasting IT solutions to arising problems in Search Engine Optimization and web development. With a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a master’s degree in Data Science, he has leveraged his technical expertise to enhance his work as an SEO Editor at Nigerian Tribune Newspaper. With this, Aliyu has carved a matchless niche for himself in journalism such as SEO, web development, and data science, among others. Amongst his colleagues, he is a reverenced scholar.
Additionally, his journey into web development and SEO began after his graduation from the university, when he took on various projects, including managing an existing website for Rulers’ World magazine. This marked the starting point of his career in web development and SEO, which has since flourished with projects in media houses, NGOs, and businesses such as Saayd Africa, Eighteen Eleven Media, Rulers’ World Magazine, D’psr International, Foodie, and Rush Online. He seemlessly navigate between being a social media manager and web manager.
He also ventured into journalism during his NYSC year in Ibadan, Oyo State, with an interim role of a Senior Reporter within 2021 and 2022 in Nigerian Tribune, due to his strong passion for journalism, as it correlates with his discipline in the university. However, he got more fulfilled when he was elevated as an SEO editor, allowing him to merge his passion for journalism with his expertise in SEO. As this role has been personal to him, he has contributed a huge quota to journalling and newspapers in a unique way, by using data-driven techniques to create stories and contents, as this allows for him to continually enhance his skills and the site’s performance. Proverbially put, he uses a stone to kill two birds.
While this journey has not been easy as pie, Aliyu success, in recent times, has been a product of adaptability, technical expertise, balancing, commitment, dedication, passion, and diligent work ethics. His role as an SEO editor for Nigeria Tribune captures one of these qualities that he possesses as he has often been seen maintaining a balance by setting aside personal time to achieve his official assignment in the media space.
His analytical approach, understanding of the SEO strategies, and intellectual ability to comprehend new concepts and find IT solutions to arising technical problems in the newsroom has been helpful for Tribune’s digital footprint in this digital age and, as well, serves as a proof to his qualities. Also, Aliyu’s solid foundation in data science has been absolutely influential and instrumental in his work, since he has had the role of an SEO editor.
Through the examination of traffic data, Aliyu has gained valuable insights that inform his decisions, ultimately boosting the Tribune website’s performance and user engagement. The application of data science has profoundly impacted his work too, providing a deeper understanding of his audience and guiding the development of targeted strategies that drive meaningful results.
Beyond being a media expert and web manager, academically, Aliyu is a scholar and a researcher, who barely settles for less. He also hopes to create innovative platforms that unlock human potential and drive business growth, with a special emphasis on empowering small businesses. His vision is to cultivate an ecosystem where individuals can realize their aspirations and businesses have access to the resources and opportunities they need to flourish. Through these endeavors, Aliyu aims to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development across various industries, ensuring that both individuals and businesses are equipped with the necessary tools to achieve lasting success.
