The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has named Justina Asishana as its Journalist of the Year following her report on the security situation in the Shiroro local government area of Niger state in Nigeria
She was announced as the winner after the 5th Africa Conference on Development Journalism held virtually on Tuesday 7th December 2021.
The report that won the award is titled, We are paying ransoms with loans — Niger State residents
Asishana is the Niger state Correspondent of The Nation Newspaper.
Joseph Olaoluwa of The Punch Newspapers emerged as the first runner-up, while Gwamkat Gwamzhi of Radio Nigeria’s Highland FM, Jos in Plateau State was the second runner-up.
The three finalists were judged for their professional skills, in-depth report and the impact of writing issue-based development stories.
The Managing Editor of Africa Prime News, Mr Joseph Edegbo who led the panel of Judges for the 2021 AMDF Journalist of the Year Award announced the winners.
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An Honorary Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence was presented to distinguish media veteran, Malam Ishaka Aliyu who is the Principal Partner of Shaka Media Limited Abuja for his immeasurable contribution to the promotion of development journalism in Nigeria.
AMDF also presented the 2021 Courage in Journalism award to Sikiru Obarayese of Daily Post, who have demonstrated courage by going the extra mile against all odds to source stories.
The 5th Africa Conference on Development Journalism with the theme, ‘Journalism and Development: Changing Media, Changing Audience’ was held online via Zoom for the second time in a row.
The 2021 edition featured two paper presentations, a panel discussion, and the annual media awards ceremonies.
The AMDF introduced the annual Journalism Conference in 2016 as an avenue for the exchange of ideas in addressing current and emerging issues facing Development Journalism and creating a community of learning that will support the growth of Development Journalism in Africa.
