An Akwa Ibom son has emerged the 2019 Investigative Reporter in the annual Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR).
Mr. Isine Ibanga, the managing editor with NEXT EDITION newspaper, Lagos, emerged a star winner in Investigative Journalism based on his publication entitled How Bribe-taking Security Operatives, gangs Force Nigerians to pay dearly for food (Part 1& 11) published on April 20 and May 1, 2019, in the NEXT EDITION.
The event held at NECA Main Hall, A2 Hakeem Balogun Street, Ikeja Lagos had in attendance investigative reporters, news editors and other top dignitaries.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, was billed among the awardees until late postponement of his award due to alleged abuse of human rights by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
A total of 200 entries were received for the award while 13 were shortlisted that saw Ibanga winning the prestigious prize.
The Akwa Ibom-born son, a one-time editor with PREMIUM TIMES newspaper and a holder a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts and a Master of Arts Degree in Mass Communication, respectively, from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, also won in the (Online Category).
Speaking with Straightnews publisher on Monday night, Ibanga thanked the organisers of the award, saying the story that won the award has compelled the Nigeria Police Force to issue code on how to mount roadblocks in the country.
He, therefore, dedicated it to God Almighty for the gift of life, his wife for “lending me to the world as a journalist” and to his daughter for “being denied the fatherly role” in the cause of his profession to making the world a better place.
Chikezie Omeje, Senior Investigative Reporter at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) on Monday emerged as runner-up (Online Category) and Damilola Banjo of Sahara Reporters respectively.
He emerged among 13 journalists shortlisted from 194 applications received by the centre for the year.
Investigative reports – unauthorised charcoal production by the Chinese firm and how millions of Naira released for HIV campaigns, counselling and testing services were siphoned were the entries submitted by Omeje.
The entries uncovered issues relating to corruption, impunity, abuse of office as well as degradation of the nation’s environment by Chinese investors.
Other finalists were Mary Abayomi – Fatile of Radio Nigeria in the Radio Category; Saheed Olugbon, Odutayo and Ayodele Adeniran in the Photo Category and for Television Category, Sharon Ijasan of TVC News and Bukola Samuel-Wemimo for commendation were among the list.
