DAILY NIGERIAN reporter, Umar Audu, has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ Investigative Journalist of the Year Award.
Mr Audu emerged as the as the winner with his undercover report on substandard degree certificates award in Benin Republic.
The report exposed how the undercover journalist “finished” a four-year degree programme in less than two months from Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Cotonou, Benin Republic.
He obtained the certificate without application, registration, studying or writing exams.
Although the reporter never crossed any Nigerian borders, an immigration officer was able to get his passport stamped by both Nigerian and Beninois immigration agents to enable him to participate in the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.
The report led to several reforms by the Nigerian government, including the suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics.
The award comes with a cash prize of one million naira sponsored by the family of the late Senator Ayim Ude.
In his remark, the NUJ president, Chris Isiguzo, said the award was instituted to honor and reward a reporter who has done the best investigative reporting in the year under review.
According to him, the story must have a significant positive national and international impact, leading to system improvements and enhancing the citizens’ quality of life.
The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, commended the NUJ for organising the Press Freedom Awards for celebrating important principles of press freedom, defend the media and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The minister added that President Bola Tinubu would continue to accord special recognition to the media as partners in progress.
Reacting to the award, Mr Audu thanked the organisers and members of the jury for selecting his report.
He said the award will motivate him and other journalists to engage in the shrinking space of investigative journalism.
“It is essential to acknowledge the daunting challenges journalists face, in our country and globally, from threats to life, intimidation, censorship, and accusations of misinformation.
“However, our work becomes even more critical in the face of these daunting challenges.
“We need fearless and independent journalists who are willing to shine a light in the darkest corners of society. We must continue to defend press freedom, uphold ethical standards, and strive for accuracy and fairness in our reporting.
“This also renews my commitment to the principles of investigative journalism and pledge to continue serving the public interest,” he said.
Speaking on the award, the publisher of DAILY NIGERIAN, Jaafar Jaafar, said the NUJ award exhibits the newspaper’s hard work, dedication and commitment to investigative journalism.
He added that the reporter’s commitment, ability to unravel the truth and ethical conduct have brought numerous accolades to the newspaper.
“We are really happy and humbled by this prestigious award. It will inspire us to do more for the progress of our dear country,” Mr Jaafar said in a statement.
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines