Press Freedom and Good Governance: NUJ Unveils 2025 Awards to Honor Journalism and Leadership
By Raymond Enoch
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has announced the upcoming Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards, a prestigious event set to take place on May 5, 2025, at the Africa Hall, Barcelona Hotel, Abuja. This significant occasion, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, aims to honor courageous journalism and exemplary governance in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NUJ National Secretariat, Abuja, the President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, emphasized the vital role of an independent press in strengthening democracy. According to him, press freedom serves as a watchdog that ensures transparency, accountability, and access to accurate information.
“A thriving democracy is built upon the foundation of press freedom, which allows citizens to hold their leaders accountable,” Yahya stated.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian journalists, including harassment, threats, and even loss of life, while carrying out their duty to inform the public. The Press Freedom Awards will recognize journalists who have demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience in the pursuit of t
Beyond celebrating press freedom, the NUJ is also committed to fostering good governance. The Good Governance Awards will highlight public and private sector leaders who have set a benchmark for accountability, transparency, and exemplary leadership in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and governance transparency.
Yahya stressed the interdependence of press freedom and good governance, noting that when journalists can report freely, governance improves, and the dividends of democracy reach the people more effectively.
“Press freedom is a catalyst for good governance, and good governance, in turn, ensures that the dividends of democracy reach the citizens in real, tangible ways.
To ensure inclusivity, the NUJ has opened nominations for the awards, inviting journalists, civil society groups, and the public to submit names of deserving individuals and organizations. Categories include:
Torch Bearers of Press Freedom Award
Anyim Ude Prize for Best Investigative Reporter
Defender of Press Freedom Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Various good governance awards for outstanding leadership in different sectors
Nominations can be submitted via pressfreedomandgoodgovernanceawards@nuj.ng from February 5 to March 28, 2025.
The Awards Night and Dinner, which will be broadcast live on national television and radio, will feature a keynote address on “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom”, bringing together political leaders, media professionals, policymakers, industry experts, and diplomats.
Yahya also highlighted the opportunity for corporate sponsorship, with partnership categories ranging from Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, offering benefits such as branding, special seating, and naming rights for award categories.
As part of the NUJ’s ongoing commitment to ethical journalism, Yahya called on governments, institutions, and stakeholders to prioritize the safety of journalists, ensuring they can work without fear of persecution.
With Nigeria’s press freedom and governance standards under constant scrutiny, the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards stand as a powerful reminder of the need to uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability.
