The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism has honoured 15 journalists, Chinyere Okunna, and Beko Ransome-Kuti at the 19th Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting.
The event, held on December 9, 2024, in Lagos, celebrated the outstanding work of journalists and honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to investigative journalism.
Aaron Atsahyel won the television category for his documentary, “Stolen Innocence; Nabeeha’s Tragic Abduction” aired on Trust TV. Lami Sadiq came runner-up in the category for her documentary “Kidney for sale: Abuja’s organ trade black market”, and Adedoja Salam-Adeniyi was commended for her story “Aminat Alege: A 12-year-old’s ordeal with police brutality”. The radio category had no winner.
Meanwhile, Olufunke Fayemi emerged runner-up for her report, “Girls in Okobaba: 6 years after”, broadcast on Voice of Nigeria. Isaac Olufemi Ojo was commended for his story, “Understaffed and overworked: The dire state of Oyo State’s Primary Healthcare System” on Splash105.5FM. In the print category, Lami Sadiq, carted the winning prize for her story “Inside Abuja’s kidney ‘market’ where the rich prey on the poor,” published in Daily Trust. Ann Godwin emerged runner-up in the category for her story “At UPTH’s ICU, horror, nightmare as caregivers exploit sick and dying patients”, published in The Guardian. Segun Odunayo received commendation for his story “Forest War: Amotekun’s many battles with herdsmen, bandits” in The Punch.
The winning prize for the Online category went to Jemilat Nasiru and Ibrahim Mansur, for their joint story “living on borrowed time: How Nigeria’s unchecked e-waste is poisoning residents, environment” in TheCable. Daniel Ojukwu came runner-up in the category for his undercover report “With N45,000, I got valid police character certificate for Kirikiri Prison inmate” in FIJ. Umar Audu was commended for his undercover report “How DAILY NIGERIAN reporter bagged Cotonou varsity degree in 6 weeks, participated in NYSC scheme”, published in Daily Nigerian.
Olukayode Jaiyeola won the photo category with his photo “Ghetto in Paradise: Abuja Pupils Learn in Sheds, Endure Dump’s Odor”, published in The Punch. Elliot Ovadje, also of The Punch, emerged runner-up and was commended for his photos, “Danger and dreams” and “Shattered foundations” respectively. Chukwuemeka Emenike clinched on the winning prize and the commendation for the editorial cartoon category, with his stories “Empty Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)” and “Tighten your belts”, both published in New Telegraph. Victor Asowata emerged runner-up for his cartoon “Donation extravaganza”.
According to Stella Din-Jacob, chair, 2024 award judges’ board, the WSCIJ received 219 entries from 153 reporters, out of 45, representing 20.5% were by female journalists. She identified the need for the number of entries by female journalists to increase, and enjoined female journalists to put out more investigations about them on every issue. In the face of ethical issues like AI manipulation, fake news and yellow journalism, Din-Jacob affirmed the need to “encourage journalists as they push the frontiers of investigative reporting. The quality of story must continue to improve.
WSCIJ presented the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence to Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, in recognition of her unwavering dedication to advancing the Nigerian media landscape, her remarkable achievements, including being Nigeria’s first female professor of Mass Communication and her steadfast commitment to championing women’s development in media and society. Okunna dedicated the award to journalism professionals and her students past, present and future.
The Human Rights Defender Award was conferred posthumously to Beko Ransome-Kuti, physician and activist, who dedicated his life to defending civil liberties, advocating for the oppressed, and challenging injustices with remarkable courage. His daughter, Morenike Ransome-Kuti received the award on behalf of the family.
A special part of the 19th award presentation event was the presentation of long service awards to members of WSCIJ board of trustees – Ropo Sekoni, Board chair; Jiti Ogunye, Board Secretary; and Idowu Obasa, member. They have served on the board for 15
