The Guardian Newspaper’s investigative journalist, Ann Godwin, on Monday emerged as one of the celebrated journalists at the prestigious Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAR) award.

Godwin emerged as the runner-up in the print category of the 19th edition of the WSAR, held at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

Her winning story, titled ‘At UPTH’s ICU, Horror, Nightmare as Caregivers Exploit Sick and Dying Patients’, published in The Guardian on June 2, 2024, revealed the horrific experiences patients endure in the hospital’s ICU ward.

It exposed shady dealings by medical workers and the challenges with oxygen supply for patients.

In response, the report drew 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, capable of covering 100 beds, ensure that gas is delivered directly to patients from the manifold.

The report also attracted the benevolence of Grammy award winner Burna Boy, who paid medical bills for some indigent patients.

It further compelled the hospital management to sanction erring staff, serving as a deterrent to others contemplating such illicit acts.

This year, 291 entries were submitted for the awards, with only 15 finalists emerging. Godwin was the runner-up in the print category.

Other winners included Jemilat Nasiru and Mansur Ibrahim from The Cable, who won the online category; Olufunke Fayemi of Voice of Nigeria, who was the runner-up in the radio category (though there was no winner due to judges deeming no work met the requirements). Aaron Atsahyel of Trust TV won the TV category; Olukayode Jaiyeola of Punch won the photo category; Lami Sadiq of Daily Trust won the print category; and Chukwuemeka Emenike of New Telegraph won the cartoon category, among others.

Godwin, the Head of the South-South Bureau of The Guardian Newspaper, had previously won first prize in the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism-Female Leadership Programme award in 2022. Her work has brought significant positive impacts, leading to systemic improvements and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, emphasized that a vibrant civic space is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy.

She noted that despite the numerous challenges faced by investigative reporters, many journalists remain steadfast in their commitment to holding governments and citizens accountable. By covering corruption, abuse of power, and social justice issues, these journalists empower the public to demand transparency and good governance.

Alaka stressed that the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has honored exceptional investigative journalists for the past 19 years to recognize their invaluable contributions.

She pointed out that the quality of investigative reporting has been declining and urged media organizations and editors to address this. She also condemned the indiscriminate harassment and arrest of journalists fulfilling their civic duties.

Alaka expressed gratitude to the Netherlands Embassy for supporting the civic space and sponsoring the award for the past five years.

The Netherlands representative underscored the importance of paying attention to artificial intelligence and called for increased support for investigative journalists to produce more robust work.

Reacting, Godwin thanked the WSCIJ and the judges for maintaining high standards in the selection and award processes, which have made the award highly reputable.

She expressed delight that her work was deemed worthy of such a prestigious award, emphasizing that her passion for journalism is driven by the social responsibility theory, which encourages individuals to improve the quality of life for others.

Godwin said the award would encourage her and other journalists to remain courageous and professional in their civic duties, continuing to make significant impacts in society.

“Journalists should not be deterred from embarking on impactful works that bring about desired changes in society, regardless of the daunting challenges we face in the country,” she said.

“In today’s Nigeria, where the economy is in an anaemic state, institutions are weak, infrastructure is collapsing, and growth is stunted, we need courageous journalists to uphold ethical standards, shine a light on dark areas, and use unbiased and professional reporting to change the narrative and rebuild the country.”

Godwin, who is also a media coach, said the award has inspired her to strive for excellence in all her work for the good of the profession and society.

She is a fellow of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) Report Women Programme and a first-prize recipient of the prestigious WSCIJ Female Leadership Reporter’s Programme award for the 2021 set, awarded in June 2022.

She has also received a Special Recognition Award from the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) chapter and an Award of Excellence from Advancing Women in Business (ADWIB) for her contributions to journalism and the impact of her reports on women in the South-South region and the nation at large.