The Voice of Nigeria, VON has won the second runners up price for the 19th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award on Investigative Reporting, WSAIR.
The chief producer in VON, Olufunke Fayemi emerged as the runner-up in the 2024 MEDIA AWARD Edition in the prestigious radio category.
The award, which recognises exceptional investigative journalism, was presented during the 19th WSAIR ceremony held at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Fayemi, a seasoned broadcaster, was honored for her outstanding contribution to investigative reporting. Her achievement comes at a time when the industry is increasingly emphasising the critical role of investigative journalism in holding power to account and promoting transparency.
This year’s WSAIR ceremony celebrated excellence in journalism across various media platforms, recognising journalists from around Nigeria for their courageous work in addressing pressing social issues.
The radio category, in which Fayemi competed, did not have a winner this year due to the judges’ decision that no entry fully met the criteria. Despite this, Fayemi’s recognition as a runner-up underscores her impressive contributions to the field.
The main winner of the 2024 WSAIR in the online category was the co-authored report by Nasiru and Ibrahim, titled “LIVING ON BORROWED TIME: How Nigeria’s unchecked e-waste is poisoning residents and the environment.” The report, which raised alarm about the environmental dangers posed by e-waste in Nigeria, stood out among a shortlist of 13 entries.
It was selected from an overwhelming 219 submissions, highlighting the growing importance of investigative journalism in addressing national issues. This report had also previously won the 2024 Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Excellence in Journalism Award.
In addition to Fayemi’s recognition, the 2024 WSAIR celebrated excellence in other categories. Aaron Atsahyel from Trust TV emerged as the winner in the TV category, while Olukayode Jaiyeola of PUNCH was awarded in the photo category. Lami Sadiq of Daily Trust won the print category, and Chukwuemeka Emenike of New Telegraph claimed victory in the cartoon category.
The event was a great testimony to the vital role of investigative journalism in Nigeria, particularly as the country grapples with issues such as environmental degradation and political accountability.
The Wole Soyinka Investigative Reporting Award remains one of the most prestigious accolades for journalists in the country, and this year’s winners have again demonstrated the courage and commitment necessary to tackle difficult and often dangerous subjects.
As Nigeria continues to confront numerous challenges, the work of investigative journalists like Olufunke Fayemi, and others honored at the 19th WSAIR, serves as Hope for truth and integrity, reminding the public and government alike of the power of the press in shaping a just society.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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