Thirteen journalists from print, online, television, radio, photo, and
editorial cartoon categories have been shortlisted for the 2019 Wole
Soyinka Award for Investigative Journalism. Similarly, Vice President
Yemi Osinbajo, Amnesty International and veteran photojournalist, Sunmi
Smart-Cole, have been nominated to receive honorary awards at the 14th
edition of the initiative, which will hold at NECA House, Lagos, on
Monday, 9th December 2019 by 6pm.
The journalists who were shortlisted from one hundred and ninety-four
entries received include; Chinwe Agbeze of The Sun, Damilola Banjo of
Sahara Reporters; Samson Folarin of The Punch; Sharon Ijasan of TVC
News; Isine Ibanga of The Next Edition; Samuel-Wemimo Bukola of TVC
News; Oladimeji Ramon of Punch; Mary Abayomi-Fatile of Federal Radio
Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN); Ayodele Adeniran of Guardian; Saheed
Olugbon of The Punch; Albert Ohams of The Sun; Chikezie Omeje of
International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR); and Odutayo
Odusanya of The Punch.
Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s Vice President, will be presented the Integrity
specialty of the Anti-Corruption Defender Award for his invaluable work
of overhauling the Lagos State Judiciary, facilitating far-reaching
reforms in the administration of justice in the state, his work of
promoting integrity in the civil society and business in Nigeria and his
consistency as a strong voice for promoting integrity in the country.
On the other hand, Amnesty International, a global movement promoting
human rights in Nigeria and beyond, will be honoured with the Human
Rights Specialty of the Anti-Corruption Defender Award for its
remarkable voice against human rights violations and oppressive laws,
and its efforts to defend freedom of expression in Nigeria.
Veteran photojournalist, Sunmi Smart-Cole will also be honoured with the
Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence for his outstanding
contribution to journalism exhibited by his beautiful and evincing
pictures particularly during the military era in Nigeria and his
commitment to mentoring the next generation of photojournalists.
The award presentation event is held annually on December 9, the World
Anticorruption Day and eve of the Human Rights Day, to acknowledge best
practices in investigative journalism and call attention to its
significance for attaining good governance, accountability, and social
justice. It has produced 91 finalists, 9 investigative journalists of
the year and 20 honorary awards recipients so far.