Making the shortlist of 12 out of 200 entries from 55 countries is indeed a great achievement for three Nigerian journalists recently named by the Thomson Foundation for its 2020 edition of the Young Journalist Award.
Kabir Adejumo and Taiwo Adebayo of Premium Times and Ibrahim Adeyemi freelance journalist stand the chance of being named among the shortlist of three to be announced this month and probably the eventual winner in November.
No Nigerian has been the overall winner of the award now in the eighth year dedicated to finding and inspiring ambitious journalists from across the globe.
The award is open to journalists aged 30 and under, from countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of less than $20,000, to send in their best stories.
According to the organisers, Judges of the award look for stories that are revelatory, prompt public debate and have led to, or have the potential to lead to, positive change in society.
MCDN spoke with the Adeyemi, Adejuwon and Adebayo on their reactions and the stories that got them the selection among the top-rated young journalists for the prestigious award.
Ibrahim Adeyemi : “ Will be glad a Nigerian journalist breaks the jinx of clinching the top trophy
First of all, I am quite excited to have been shortlisted for Thomson Foundation 2020 Young Journalist Award alongside some other great minds in Nigeria media industry. I am grateful to God Almighty and I give special thanks to my mentors, especially Mr. Fisayo Soyombo.
For the selection of finalists for the award, I am quite optimistic and believe that at least a Nigerian will be on the list. I’ll be more glad if a Nigerian journalist breaks the jinx of clinching the top trophy for the award.
The story that was mentioned on my part — among others — for the award shortlist is a story that took me more time and energy to execute. My major challenge was getting a trusted person to get me the sources I would interview. There were lots of disappointments. But by the grace of God and guidance from my Editor, Mr. Fisayo, I finally got the right sources.
Another problem I encountered was getting access to IDP camps. The officials at many of Borno camps had a lot of things to hide. I had to use an undercover means.
But I’m thankful that the story is done already.
I expect that the government takes progressive moves to come to aids of the victims whose stories were told in the month-long investigation. These people need serious and urgent help.
Kabir Adejumo : It’s a challenge to practice more ethical journalism
I see the selection as an appreciation of my passion and zeal for good journalism practice in Nigeria. I am happy to make the shortlist but I see it more as a challenge to practice more of ethical journalism for the development of Nigeria and Africa at large.
Grateful to the Almighty, thanks to Thomson Foundation for the honour and PREMIUM TIMES for giving me a platform.
For me, I will be glad to see a Nigerian to bring the award home.
The story basically was about my sea journey to Benin Republic exposing how corrupt security operatives help citizens to breach COVID-19 lockdown and border closure exposing millions of Nigerians to risk. All I did was to risk my health and life for the benefit of the masses and that triggered many other reports.
I had several challenges in getting the story done. First was on the sea when one of the boat engine had to stop functioning. I recalled not telling my parents at home about the treacherous journey.
After I was able to outsmart custom officials, I encountered another problem – I didn’t understand French and those I saw around didn’t understand English as well. I had to sleep in a night club – better still a brother.
But in all, my greatest challenge occurred while returning when an officer caught me with a recording gadget. I had thought I won’t make it home but I survived that. A week after I left isolation I was having symptoms of Coronavirus and that negated another plan I had to find my way into isolation centres to be sure of how COVID-19 patients are being attended and reveal all that may be interesting to know. I later realised my illness was just typhoid.
The impact I expected was for authorities to take a more progressive approach towards securing our sea borders not just during COVID-19 but always. I was trying to hold power to account and I think we achieved that.
Taiwo Adebayo : What I wrote about
My lead story is a months-long investigation by that included visits to over a dozen cattle farms across Oyo State, to obtain evidence of how child labour routinely boosts the production and perhaps profits of FrieslandCampina in breach of Nigeria’s laws on child rights and basic education and several international protocols.