NUJ unveils N1m award for best investigative journalist

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has introduced an annual award of N1m for the best investigative journalist of the year.

National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, said this Friday at a media conference as part of activities to mark this year’s Press Freedom Day.

He said the introduction of the investigative journalist of the year award is part of NUJ Press Freedom Awards policy, which celebrates the important principles of press freedom, defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

He said since press freedom is an indispensable pillar in the architecture of democracy anywhere in the world, no democracy can thrive without citizens’ adequate access to transparent and reliable information.

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“Many journalists in Nigeria have faced harassment, threat, physical injury, imprisonment, and even death in the course of discharging their legitimate duties. It is the courage and sacrifice of these journalists that we are celebrating by organising the 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards,” he said.

He said Torch Bearers of Press Freedom Awards will be given to journalists who have faced harassment, physical injury, imprisonment or death in their line of duty.

“Best Investigative Reporter of the Year Award will be given to the reporter who has done the best investigative reporting in the year under review. The story must have significant positive national and international impact and has led to systems improvement and engendered the citizens’ better quality of life,” he added.

“Press Freedom Platform Awards will be given to media houses that have supported press freedom. Corporate Friend of the Media Awards will be given to corporate organisations that have supported press freedom.

“Life Time Achievement Awards will be given to those who have shown resilience in supporting press freedom and/or have provided media platforms for journalists to practice their craft.

“Distinguished Friend of the Press Awards will be given to public and political office holders who have made outstanding contributions to the defence of press freedom/or have actively supported press freedom,” Isiguzo said.

He said that Good Governance Awards will be in 22 categories and that nomination of individuals and corporate bodies for the different categories of awards opens February 15 and ends on March 28.