The independent judging panel of the 2015 CNN/ MultiChoice African Journalist Awards has named five Nigerians among the nominees for this year’s awards.

The nominees from Nigeria are Femi Asu, Punch Newspaper, Adewale Olugbenga Emosu, tribuneonlineng.com, Ibanga Isine, Premium Times Newspaper, Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún, Blogger at ktravula.com and Arukaino Umukoro, Punch Newspaper.

Extending hearty congratulations to the Nigerian nominees in the 20th edition of the prestigious awards, John Ugbe, Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria urged Nigerian journalists to be objective in their reporting, stating that objectivity promotes excellence in journalism.

Ugbe who revealed that the competition received entries from 39 countries across the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa had 31 finalists from 15 countries, said: “MultiChoice is delighted to once again be associated with these prestigious awards that give respect to the work done by journalists across the African continent. We congratulate our finalists on their achievements and look forward to celebrating with the winners in Nairobi in October.”

He also explained that the finalists will enjoy an all-expense paid four day programme of workshops, media forums and networking in Nairobi, Kenya, culminating in a Gala Award Ceremony in October 2015. In addition, winners from previous years will join this year’s finalists for a special evening to celebrate 20 years of the awards.

“The quality and breadth of entries in this, its 20th, year is testament to the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards’ position as the most prestigious recognition for journalism across the continent,” said Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International.

“CNN is privileged to be involved in this important initiative to honor the outstanding work across multiple platforms, topics and journalistic disciplines. I salute the finalists for the great work that they have done and look forward to seeing their future achievements.”
The entries were published or broadcast in 2014 for the following awards: Culture Award; Ecobank Economics & Business Award; Mohamed Amin Photo Award; African Development Bank Environment Award; Press Freedom Award; MSD Health & Medical Award; Sport Reporting Award; News Impact Award; Francophone general news awards; Portuguese language general news awards; GE Energy & Infrastructure Award; Features Award; and Dow Technology & Innovation Award.

Is there money in journalism sef? Just asking.

#TeamNigeria