Brave Independent’s Newspaper Jide Oyekunle Honored with NUJ Torchbearer Award for Press Freedom. By Raymond Enoch.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) has honoured Comrade Jide Oyekunle a journalist with Independent Newspaper and Secretary of NUJ FCT Council with the Torchbearer of Press Freedom Award 2025.

Oyekunle emerged as one of the winners nominated for the Torchbearer award category as Nigerian journalist who has faced several threats, harassment and arrest in the course of carrying out his work.

He was bagged with the prestigious award
during the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025  held on Saturday in Abuja. The Awards was in recognition of his doggedness, courage and audacity in defending and protecting press freedom that has led to systems improvement and engendered the citizen’s better quality of life.

It would be recalled that Oyekunle escaped death by whisker when he was first attacked by sponsored armed thugs on January 19,2022 while covering the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra  ( IPOB) at the premises of the federal high court Abuja.

The hoodlums suddenly invaded the court premises with dangerous weapons such as machetes and knives as they attacked Oyekunle alongside other human rights activists who were in the court in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu.

He was also attacked and arrested  on August 1st 2024 during #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja by the Former FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh who also seized his mobile phone.

He was dragged like a common criminal and had his Canon Camera damaged in the process.

Other recipients in the category of award  include; Idibia Gabriel a journalist with Daily Times Newspaper,  Matthew Ochei a reporter with The Punch newspaper, Lucy Ezeliore , Deputy Feature Editor Pointer newspaper , Ibrahim Isha of TVC News and Ibrahim Ayuba Isah of TVC News.

Speaking at the event the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya said the essence of the event was not only to celebrate the pillars of democracy but to honour the brave souls who have upheld these ideals despite immense challenges.

“ Press freedom remains the cornerstone of democracy, allowing citizens to hold leaders  accountable and ensuring transparency and accountability in public affairs. It is not a privilege but a fundamental rights that enables the media to perform its duties without fear of persecution.

“ Across Nigeria, journalists face harassment, imprisonment , and even death for simple doing their jobs, Despite these threats, our profession has shown remarkable resilience.

“ Tonight we honour courageous journalists who have demonstrated exceptional bravery in the face of adversity, risking their lives to pursue truth and justice”
He said despite the attack journalists would continue to uphold principles of ethical journalism and promotion of high standards of professionalism in Nigeria.

On his part the Senate President who is also the special guest of honour Godswill Akpabio who was represented by Senator Adaramodu charged media practitioners to be objective and uphold the ethical and professional conduct.

He said the media has played a significant role in the entrenchment and enthronement of democracy and their watchdog role in any democratic society cannot be overemphasised.

The recipients for the Good Governance Award category are ; Senator Godswill Akpabio, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Arc. Sunny S.T. Echocho, Director General National Senior Citizens Center, Dr. Emem Omokaro.
Others are ; National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ), Julius Berger and  Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited  ( NNPCL ).

Oyekunle in his response expressed his appreciation for the remarkable, significant and outstanding honour just as he vowed to continue to defend and protect press freedom and anything capable of undermining or frustrating media  and civic space.

“ Though the media and civic space is becoming more hostile, toxic, dangerous and suffocating on a daily basis, we will not abdicate our responsibility irrespective of the harassment, intimidation and arrest by the security agents.

“ We will continue to protect and uphold the fundamental objectives of the directive principles of the state policy as stipulated in Chapter 2 of the Constitution.

“ This award will spur me to continue to defend and protect press freedom and anything capable of undermining or frustrating our noble profession.

I hereby dedicate this award to all members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council. ” Oyekunle added.