WSCIJ Honours First Female Mass Communications Professor Okunna with Lifetime Award 

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has honoured the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, Professor Chinyere Okunna, with the prestigious Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence at the 19th Wole Soyinka Investigative Reporting Award (WSAIR) in Lagos State.

The award, which celebrates exceptional contributions to investigative journalism, was presented during the grand ceremony held at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

The Lifetime Award is a fitting tribute to Professor Okunna’s trailblazing career in the media and academic sectors, where she has inspired countless students and journalists. Her achievement marks a significant milestone in the history of Nigerian journalism, especially for women in the field.

In addition to Professor Okunna’s accolade, the late Beko Ransome-Kuti, a prominent Nigerian human rights activist, was posthumously awarded the Human Rights Defender Award, recognizing his relentless efforts in advocating for social justice and human rights in Nigeria.

Earlier in the ceremony, the Chair of the 2024 WSAIR judging panel, Stella Din-Jacob, revealed that 191 entries had been submitted for the awards.

She however expressed concern over the low representation of female journalists, with only 45 women (representing 24.9%) compared to 118 men (74.5%).

Din-Jacob urged media organizations to focus on training journalists to enhance best practices and lamented the gradual decline of investigative reporting in the country.

 

Outstanding journalists

The award ceremony also recognized outstanding journalists in various categories.

In the print category, Lami Sadiq of Daily Trust won with her groundbreaking story, “Inside Abuja’s Kidney ‘Market’ Where the Rich Prey on the Poor.” Sadiq’s investigative work exposed the grim reality of illegal kidney trade in Nigeria, earning her accolades. Remarkably, she also emerged as the runner-up in the television category with the same story.

In the television category, Aaron Atsahyel of Trust TV took home the top honor for his documentary “Stolen Innocence: Nabeeha’s Tragic Abduction.” Atsahyel’s work brought attention to the harrowing story of child abduction in Nigeria, showcasing his commitment to unveiling critical social issues.

The runner-up in the print category was Ann Godwin of The Guardian, while Segun Odunayo of Punch secured third place. In the radio category, no winner was declared, but Olufunke Fayemi of Voice of Nigeria (VON) was recognized as the runner-up for her exceptional work in investigative journalism.

In the online category, Mansir Ibrahim and Jemilat Nasiru emerged as the overall winners for their report “Living on Borrowed Time (1): How Nigeria’s Unchecked E-Waste Is Poisoning Residents and the Environment.” The report highlighted the environmental dangers of e-waste in Nigeria, making it a timely and important contribution to environmental journalism. Daniel Ojukwu of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) claimed the runner-up position, while Umar Audu of Daily Nigerian placed third.

The photo category also saw strong contenders. Olukayode Jaiyeola of Punch was declared the overall winner, while Elliot Ovadje, also of Punch, claimed second place, followed by third-place winner, Ovadje’s colleague at Punch.

However, after the presentation of awards in the various categories, no one was announced as the overall winner due to the inability to meet the required points for the honor. This decision reflects the stringent standards of the Wole Soyinka Investigative Reporting Award, ensuring that only the highest quality of investigative journalism is celebrated.

The 19th WSAIR ceremony once again demonstrated the vital role of investigative journalism in Nigeria, particularly in exposing corruption, social injustice, and human rights violations. This year’s winners, including Lami Sadiq, Aaron Atsahyel, and others, showcased the courage and commitment required to tackle critical issues in society.

As Nigeria continues to face numerous challenges, the work of these journalists serves as a foundation of truth and integrity.

The Wole Soyinka Investigative Reporting Award remains one of the most esteemed honors for journalists in the country, reaffirming the power of the press in fostering accountability, transparency, and a just society.

 

 

 

 

 

Emmanuel Ukoh