Two Nigerian journalists, 23 others nominated for CNN award

By Olalekan Adetayo

Two Nigerian journalists, Ayodeji Adeyemi of TELL magazine and a Contributing Editor for Glide Magazine, Tolu Ogunlesi, as well as 23 others were on Tuesday named finalists of the 2009 CNN Multichoice African journalist award.





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A statement by the organisers quoted the Chair of the independent judging panel, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, as saying that the finalists emerged for the 836 journalists who sent entries from 38 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese-speaking Africa.

Winners of the competition are expected to be announced at an award ceremony and Gala evening at The International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa on Saturday, July 18.

Ishiekwene said, "2009 saw a steady, remarkable improvement in the overall quality of the entries.

"A number of journalists who entered the competition over the last few years took the opportunity to improve their skills, enter again and raise the bar on their previous entries.

"Many first time entrants also delivered inspiring work that raised the overall quality. The competition was particularly strong in the Health, Sport, Tourism, Environment, TV 60, Radio and Print General News categories.

"Across the continent - including countries like Rwanda, Ethiopia, Angola and Egypt - we saw entries from young journalists who are determined to make a difference. That is really gratifying."

The statement named Nicaise Kibel'bel Oka, of Les Coulisses in the Democratic Republic of Congo as the recipient of this year's Free Press Africa Award.

He is awarded the prize for his work in the DRC, and also in recognition of all the journalists in the country who have put their lives at risk in telling the story.

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