CHIKEZIE Omeje, Senior Investigative Reporter at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) on Monday emerged as runner-up (Online Category) of the 2019 annual Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR).
He emerged among 13 journalists shortlisted from 194 applications received by the centre for the year.
The event which 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 right by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Isine Ibanga of the Next Edition News won in the group, followed by Omeje and Damilola Banjo of Sahara Reporters respectively. Ibanga was also announced as the 2019 Investigative Reporter.
Investigative reports – unauthorised charcoal production by 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 were among the list.
Olugbenga heads the Investigations Desk at The ICIR. Do you have a scoop? Shoot him an email at oadanikin@icirnigeria.org. Twitter Handle: @OluAdanikin