By Sanee Yarima
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has unveiled the finalists for its 2025 Journalist of the Year Award, celebrating excellence in development-oriented journalism across Africa.
This is contained in a press release signed by Sekyen Dadik, Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) and issued to newsmen.
Selected from over 25 entries submitted from across the continent, the finalists distinguished themselves through their depth of reporting, originality, and commitment to spotlighting critical issues shaping Africa’s development narrative.
He noted that entries were received from the radio, television, print, and online categories, though no submissions were received in the photo category this year. “Unfortunately, many entries did not meet the award’s eligibility criteria.”
Below are the 2025 AMDF Journalist of the Year Award Finalists (in alphabetical order):
• Adedokun Theophilus Oluwapelumi – Print (Nigeria)
• Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim – Online (Nigeria)
• Hamzat Ibrahim Abaga– Online (Nigeria)
• Mohammed Hugu – Print (Ghana)
• Nanji Nandang – Online (Nigeria)
• Destiny Onyemihia– Radio (Nigeria)
• Nasiru Saidu– Television (Nigeria)
The ED, further revealed that the winners and runners-up will be announced during the Africa Conference on Development Journalism, scheduled for December 3–4, 2025, in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The conference will convene journalists, media leaders, and development stakeholders to explore the evolving role of journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across the continent.
According to Sekyen Dadik, the exceptional work of this year’s finalists reflects the courage, creativity, and commitment that define Africa’s journalism community.
“Through their reporting, they amplify underrepresented voices, challenge systems of power, and drive conversations that shape a better future for our continent. Their dedication reminds us that journalism remains a cornerstone of progress and accountability.”
Dadik explained that the AMDF Journalist of the Year Award honours excellence in reporting that addresses Africa’s development challenges while promoting transparency, good governance, and citizen engagement.
“By celebrating these achievements, AMDF aims to inspire more journalists to pursue impactful, solutions-driven storytelling that strengthens democracy and social transformation.”
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) is a non-profit organisation committed to advancing development journalism across Africa.
Through training, press freedom advocacy, and recognition initiatives, AMDF supports journalists in producing impactful stories that foster social justice, accountability, and sustainable development.
