The African Media Development Foundation Awards celebrated the achievements of The PUNCH newspaper’s journalists, Solomon Odeniyi and Olukayode Jaiyeola. Odeniyi secured the titles of Print Journalist of the Year and Overall Journalist of the Year, while Jaiyeola clinched victory in the photojournalist category during the event held on December 7 in Kaduna.
Chima Azubuike, another talent from The PUNCH, earned the first runner-up position in the print category with his compelling report titled, “Gombe oil-rich community where public amenities remain elusive.” Odeniyi’s award-winning entry, titled “For PWDs in Nigeria, the road to justice remains tortuous, costly,” was recognized as the best in the print category.
Odeniyi’s two-part report delved into the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their pursuit of justice. After acquiring basic sign language skills, he visited police stations nationwide, simulating hearing and speech impairment to document the neglect, frustration, and discrimination experienced by PWDs. The judges, led by Joseph Edegbo, Managing Editor of Africa Prime News, commended Odeniyi for his impactful report, citing his professionalism in establishing a compelling case of neglect against PWDs in the country.
The AMDF, dedicated to recognizing excellence in journalism, officially acknowledged Odeniyi as the winner of the print category and the overall best journalist of the year.
Sources:- THE PUNCH