…As Chairman Congratulates Winners of Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Award
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has reaffirmed its deliberate and strategic commitment to promoting capacity building and professional development among its members as part of efforts to strengthen ethical and investigative journalism.
The Chairman of the Union, Comrade Nsibiet John, stated this during the 18th Teachers’ Awards and the 5th edition of the Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Awards held on Friday, November 7, at Watbridge Hotels, Uyo.
He emphasized that the Union would continue to prioritize training and mentorship initiatives aimed at enhancing investigative reporting skills and upholding ethical standards within the profession.
The Chairman extended his felicitations to the winners of Ray Ekpu Investigative Journalism Awards 5th Edition, where Comrade Ekemini Simon of THE MAIL Newspaper emerged overall winner; the first runner-up, Comrade Saviour Imukudo of Premium Times; and the second runner-up, Comrade Enwongoabasi Elisha of THE CREST Newspaper.
Comrade John commended the organizers for their consistent efforts in promoting excellence in journalism and education.
He lauded the Inoyo Toro Foundation for sustaining the Ray Ekpu Award initiative, noting that it has continued to inspire journalists to uphold the core values of professionalism, truth, and accountability.
“The NUJ in Akwa Ibom State is grateful to the organizers of this noble award, and we remain open to partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions that wish to support the Union in any way possible,” Comrade John stated.
Presenting the awards, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Nsikak Essien, disclosed that this year’s edition recorded 27 entries drawn from newspapers, radio stations, and online media platforms. He added that the reports covered diverse areas including health, education, governance, and community development, reflecting growing depth and competition among participants.
Mr. Essien noted that the entries demonstrated stronger investigative depth compared to previous editions, while highlighting the need for continuous training and professional workshops to strengthen journalists’ capacity to pursue evidence-based reporting.
The winning entries included:
First Prize: Gas Flaring: Niger Delta Communities Suffer as Oil Giants Fail to Pay Nearly N500 Billion in Penalties (Parts 1 & 2) by Ekemini Simon, THE MAIL Newspaper* (published December 10 & 17, 2024).
First Runner-Up: Inside Akwa Ibom Communities Where Ill-equipped Primary Health Centres Cripple Healthcare Services by Saviour Imukudo, Premium Times (published September 25, 2025).
Second Runner-Up:Two Years Later: Geo-Seismic Abandons Communities After Earth Blast, Fails to Fulfil Compensation Promise (Parts 1 & 2) by Enwongoabasi Elisha, THE CREST Newspaper (published September 9 & 15, 2025).
The ceremony also featured the 18th Teachers’ Awards, where outstanding educators across the state were celebrated and honoured by the Inoyo Toro Foundation for their dedication to nurturing future leaders.
