NUJ Honours Jide Oyekunle with Torchbearer of Press Freedom Award 2025
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has awarded Comrade Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper and Secretary of NUJ FCT Council, the prestigious Torchbearer of Press Freedom Award 2025. The recognition was presented during the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025 held in Abuja.
Recognition for Courageous Journalism
Oyekunle was honored for his resilience, bravery, and commitment to press freedom in Nigeria, despite facing repeated threats, harassment, and arrests while performing his duties. The award highlights the critical role of journalists in upholding democracy.
Perils Faced in the Line of Duty
Oyekunle’s career has been marked by danger. On January 19, 2022, he narrowly escaped death when armed thugs attacked journalists and activists at the Federal High Court, Abuja, during the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He was also arrested on August 1, 2024, during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja, where his mobile phone was seized and his Canon camera damaged by authorities.
Other Award Recipients
Other journalists honored in the Torchbearer category included:
- Idibia Gabriel (Daily Times)
- Matthew Ochei (The Punch)
- Lucy Ezeliore (Pointer Newspaper)
- Ibrahim Isha and Ibrahim Ayuba Isah (TVC News)
NUJ’s Commitment to Press Freedom
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, emphasized the union’s dedication to protecting journalists, stating:
“Press freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Across Nigeria, journalists face harassment, imprisonment, and even death for simply doing their jobs. Yet, they persist.”
Government and Institutional Recognition
In the Good Governance Award category, notable recipients included:
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani
- Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris
- TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sunny S.T. Echono
- NNPC Limited
Oyekunle’s Pledge to Continue the Fight
In his acceptance speech, Oyekunle vowed to persist in defending press freedom despite increasing risks:
“Though the media and civic space is increasingly hostile and dangerous, we will not abdicate our responsibilities. This award spurs me to further protect the noble ideals of our profession.”
He dedicated the award to NUJ FCT Council members and journalists nationwide facing persecution for upholding truth.
Full credit to the original publisher: Toscad News