Journalists in Akwa Ibom State and beyond are set to converge in Uyo for a one-day workshop on investigative journalism organised by the Committee for the Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The workshop, scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026, will take place at the NUJ Auditorium, Information Drive, Uyo, beginning at 10 a.m.

Organisers say the training is designed to strengthen investigative reporting skills among journalists, enhance ethical standards, and deepen the culture of accountability journalism in Nigeria.

The keynote lecture will be delivered by Dayo Aiyetan, Executive Director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Abuja. Aiyetan, a respected investigative journalist and media development expert, is expected to share insights on contemporary investigative techniques, data-driven reporting, and navigating legal and safety challenges in the field.

Supporting the keynote address will be Ibanga Isine, an investigative reporting veteran based in Uyo. Isine will provide practical perspectives drawn from years of field experience, focusing on story development, sourcing, and sustaining impactful investigations at the local level.

Chairman of the Committee for the Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism, Nsikak Essien, FNGE, described the workshop as part of ongoing efforts to promote excellence and integrity in journalism. He noted that investigative reporting remains a critical pillar of democratic governance and public accountability.

Also lending his voice to the initiative, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ, Nsibiet John, urged journalists in the state to take advantage of the opportunity to sharpen their skills and reinforce professional standards.

The Ray Ekpu Prize for Investigative Journalism was instituted to encourage rigorous, fact-based reporting and to honour outstanding contributions to investigative journalism in Nigeria.

Participants are expected to engage in interactive sessions, discussions, and practical exchanges to equip them with tools to uncover hidden truths and report with courage and responsibility.

The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing a new generation of investigative journalists capable of holding institutions accountable and advancing public interest reporting in the country.

Former Media Officer of the Nigerian national men’s football team,  Oluwatoyin Ibitoye, has formally received the 2025 Family United by Sport (FUBS) Personality of the Year award at a ceremony held on Monday at the Hotsports Studios in Lagos.

The event, hosted by sports entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of HotSports Limited, Taye Ige, drew members of Nigeria’s foremost sports online platform, as well as friends, family and colleagues of the former Super Eagles Media Officer.

Transparent Electoral Process

Chairman of the FUBS Personality of the Year Electoral Committee, Kweku Tandoh, explained the transparent voting process that produced Ibitoye as the winner.

According to him, FUBS has over 300 members worldwide, including three former sports ministers, three Directors General of the sports ministry, presidents of sporting federations, sports editors, managers and other high-level stakeholders in the sports sector.

“It was a very close contest, and Toyin ticked all the criteria listed for a member to emerge as the FUBS Personality of the Year,” Tandoh said, while also commending former Nigeria Football Federation vice-president Seyi Akinwunmi and his team for establishing the electoral framework that guided the process.

Host’s Tribute

In his remarks, Ige said he agreed to host the ceremony at short notice because of the personalities involved, particularly the Chief Administrator of FUBS, Godwin Enakhena, and Ibitoye.

“I can’t say no to Godwin; we have come a very long way together. As for Toyin, I am older, but he is somebody that I can stand up and offer my seat to,” Ige said.

Earlier, Enakhena thanked FUBS members for their support and urged journalists to approach their work with fairness and diligence. He advised media practitioners to assess administrators individually rather than broadly branding all Nigerian sports administrators as corrupt.

Ibitoye’s Reaction

Ibitoye, who attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Tola, expressed surprise at emerging as the winner, especially given the calibre of fellow nominees — one of whom he had personally nominated.

The former aide to the sports minister used the occasion to advocate for open-minded engagement within the sports community.

“The man you are planning to deal with because he has an opposing view on a minor issue may turn out to be your main supporter in a much bigger issue tomorrow,” he said, while thanking God and stakeholders who contributed to his professional journey.

Special Recognition and Rewards

Special appreciation was extended to notable sports stakeholders, including Harry Iwuala, Pius Ayinor, Waidi Akanni, Charles Anazodo, Onye Nwachukwu and Ntiense Williams for their continued support of the initiative.

Beyond the commemorative plaque, Ibitoye received a ₦250,000 cash prize and a return flight ticket to Abuja courtesy of Value Jet Airlines.

He becomes the seventh recipient of the prestigious award. Previous winners include the late Dapo Sotuminu (2018), Shehu Dikko (2019), Abba Yola (2020), Chris Emeruwa (2021), Daniel Igali (2022) and Liameed Gafar (2023). The award was rested in 2024 in honour of Sotuminu, who passed away just as the election process began.

With his emergence in 2025, Ibitoye joins an esteemed list of sports personalities recognised for their impact and service within Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.

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The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Haluyat Motunrayo Omidiran, has approved the appointment of seasoned sports journalist Samuel Ahmadu as Special Assistant on Media.

The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the Commission’s communication architecture, enhance public engagement, and ensure effective dissemination of information regarding the FCC’s mandate, policies and activities.

In his new role, Ahmadu will provide media and communications support to the Executive Chairman and the Commission.

His responsibilities include coordinating press relations, overseeing digital communication platforms, managing media coverage of official engagements, developing strategic communication initiatives, and ensuring accurate and timely engagement with stakeholders and the general public.

Ahmadu brings nearly two decades of experience in journalism, public relations and strategic communications across national and international platforms.

He is a former African correspondent of Goal.com and currently serves as Editor of SavidNews Newspaper and the Nigeria Football Newspaper, where he has overseen editorial operations and coverage of major sporting and public interest events.

He also serves as Media Director of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and was previously a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Women’s Football Development Committee. Since 2019, Ahmadu has worked as a media consultant to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), contributing to media strategy and tournament communications at the continental level.

In addition, he currently serves as Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory Chapter.

Reacting to his appointment, Ahmadu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me,” he said. “I am committed to deploying my professional experience to support effective, transparent and proactive communication that will strengthen public trust and promote the mandate of the Federal Character Commission.”

The FCC plays a key role in promoting equity and fairness in public service appointments and resource distribution across Nigeria’s diverse regions, and the new appointment is expected to reinforce its public communication strategy.

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