The Guardian investigative journalist, Godwin, wins NUJ special recognition award

The Guardian Newspaper’s investigative journalist, Ann Godwin, has won the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Special Recognition Award.

According to the NUJ, the award is given to journalists who consistently, throughout their careers, have brought great honour and pride to the NUJ and the journalism profession, in addition to contributing to the greater good of society.

Godwin, the Head, South-South Bureau of The Guardian Newspaper, who in 2022 emerged as the first prize winner of the prestigious Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism-Female Leadership Programme award, has made significant positive impacts that have led to system improvements and enhanced the citizens’ quality of life.

Her recent work, titled ‘At UPTH’s ICU, Horror, Nightmare as Caregivers Exploit Sick and Dying Patients’, revealed the horrible experiences patients endure at the hospital’s ICU ward and exposed the challenges with oxygen supply to patients.

The report attracted the Federal Government’s attention a few weeks later, leading to the completion of four oxygen manifold piping facilities in various locations within the hospital. These facilities now cover 100 beds, delivering gas directly to patients from the manifold.

In his remarks, the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who was also bestowed the “Champion of Peace Award” by the Union, commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its unbiased reporting amidst political tensions in the state.

Governor Fubara, represented by the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, noted that the honour was “special,” urging journalists in the state to continue their good work while acknowledging the critical role they play in the state’s development.

“Journalists are the sensitive nerves of the state, and we appreciate your efforts in reporting the truth without bias,” Governor Fubara said.

In his remarks, the National NUJ President, Ikechukwu Isiguzo, described the recent event hosted by the union as a “sober reflection” due to the five-year hiatus since the last gathering.

In his address, the NUJ President expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his support in ensuring the success of the event. He assured the governor of the union’s continued commitment to upholding the principles of journalism.

“The event served as a reminder of our responsibility to the profession and the state,” the NUJ President said. “We appreciate the governor’s support and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Reacting, Godwin thanked the NUJ for the award and for acknowledging the impacts of her work. She also expressed delight that the NUJ committee and executives found her work and impact worthy of the prestigious award.

Godwin said she pursues her work out of passion and is propelled by the social responsibility theory, which encourages individuals to discharge their civic duties with the aim of improving the quality of life for the people.

She added that the award would encourage her and other journalists to remain courageous and bold in discharging their civic duties with high professionalism and dexterity, continuing to make significant impacts in society and improving people’s quality of life.

“Journalists should not be deterred from embarking on outstanding works that will bring the desired impact in society, irrespective of the daunting challenges we face in the country.”

“In present-day Nigeria, where the economy is in an anaemic state, institutions are weak, infrastructure is collapsing, and growth is stunted, we need courageous journalists who will firmly uphold ethical standards, shed light in dark areas, and through unbiased and professional reporting, change the narrative and rebuild the country.”

Godwin, a media coach, said the recognition has inspired her to strive for excellence in all her work for the good of the profession and society at large.

Godwin has also received an Award of Excellence from Advancing Women in Business (ADWIB) for her contribution to the growth of journalism practice and the impact of her reports on women in the South-South region and the nation at large.

Some veteran like Ignatius Chukwu ,Regional Editor of BusinessDay, Ibim Semenitari, former Commissioner for Information and Communications , Ogbonna Nwuke, former Commissioner for Information and Communications among others also recieved lifetime Achievement award, while other journalists received awards in various categories