WOLE SOYINKA AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Judges
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A judges’ board, comprising men and women of integrity and excellence in their different fields – Journalism, Business, Government, Education and Law – is responsible for strict scrutiny and assessment of submitted entries for the annual Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting.
Since the inception of the award in 2005 till date, the following persons have served on the judges’ board:
Ms. Ibim Semenitari, Editor-in-Chief/CEO, Shophar Nigeria Ltd; former CEO, Business Eye Magazine, Lagos and Rivers State Commissioner for Information; served between 2005 and 2008.
Mr. Sunmi Smart-Cole, multiple award-winning photographer, author, exhibitor, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Photonews magazine. He served on the judges’ board in 2005..
Prof. Lai Osho, Professor of Mass Communication at the Lagos State University; served between 2008 and 2019.
Mr. Lanre Idowu, CEO, Media Review and Diamond Publications, Lagos; Veteran Journalist; served in 2005 – 2008.
Mr. Odia Ofeimun, Playwright, Newspaper columnist, Poet and social critic; served on the board between 2005 and 2009.
Ms. Ayo Obe – a lawyer, columnist and human rights activist; she served in 2005 and between 2009 and 2019
Dr. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Professor of Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos; served on the board between 2008 and 2019.
Mr. Richard Akinnola is a civil society activist, veteran journalist and author. Currently columnist with The Nation Newspaper. He served on the board in 2005.
Dr. Reuben Abati, former Editorial Board Chair of the Guardian Newspaper, Nigeria and currently Special Adviser to the President on Communication Issues; served on the board in 2005 and 2009
Ms. Stella Din, Formerly with Channels Television and now CEO of The Stella Din Reports; served on the board between 2005 and 2009.
Ms. Kadaria Ahmed, an Associate Director, Africa Practice R & B, a media outfit in Lagos, Nigeria and erstwhile Editor-in-chief with NEXT Newspaper; served on the board from 2009 to 2011.
Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye the CEO of Barnes and Molby, a marketing communications outfit in Lagos; and a former editor with The News magazine, served on the board between 2009 and 2011.
Mr. Gbile Oshadipe the Director of Picture Perfect, a Photo outfit and a lecturer at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism where he teaches Photography. He served on the board from 2005 to 2019
Ms. Paulyne Ugbodaga, veteran journalist, earstwhile Director of News and Current Affairs at AIT; served on the board in 2005,
Mr. Steve Osuji, former press secretary to the Imo State governor and current columnist with The Nation Newspapers; was on the judges’ board in 2005.
Mr. Gbolahan Olalemi the Technical Director with Radio and TV Continental. Served on the board between 2009 and 2011.
Mr. Boye Ola – head of the Photo department at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism. He served on the board from 2005 to 2019.
Mr. Abiodun Olowu – Journalism and Radio Production lecturer at the FRCN Training School, Lagos. He served on the board in 2010 and 2011.
Mr. Tunde Akanni – Journalism teacher at the School of Communications, Lagos State University. He served on the board in 2005 till 2008
Mr. Martins Oloja – Abuja Bureau Chief of The Guardian Newspaper. He served on the board in 2005 till 2008.
Professor Umaru Pate is a Professor of Media and Society in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Maiduguri. He served on the board between 2015 to 2019
Dr. Theophilus Abbah – Programme Director at Daily Trust Foundation. He served on the board between 2015 to 2019.
Dr. Rotimi Olatunji, Senior Lecturer, School of Communication, Lagos State University, Surulere; served in 2008.