The Guardian correspondent, Tina Todo, has clinched the top honour at the 5th edition of the Beatrice Bassey Ita Best Investigative Journalist Award, held in Calabar, Cross River State.

Todo’s investigative piece, “How Multiple Haulage Taxes Hike Cost of Food Production in Cross River,” earned her the prestigious recognition.

Eyo Charles of Daily Trust took second place, while Richard Ndoma of Leadership newspaper emerged third. The trio was celebrated for their outstanding contributions to investigative journalism in Nigeria.

Todo was rewarded with N1 million and a brand-new laptop.

In her acceptance speech, Todo expressed gratitude to God, dedicating the award to her colleagues and young reporters aspiring to make an impact.

“This award means so much because it is named after the late Beatrice Bassey Ita, a trailblazer in journalism whose legacy continues to inspire us.

“Investigative journalism is not always easy; it takes courage, patience, and sacrifice. But it is vital for holding power accountable and giving voice to the voiceless,” she said.

Todo also thanked her mentors, editors, family, and friends, describing the recognition as motivation to “dig deeper, ask tougher questions, and ensure the public has access to facts that matter.”

Presenting the award, former lawmaker and media advocate Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, who instituted the prize in honour of her late mother, said the initiative was created to inspire journalists to uphold integrity, accountability, and service to society.

She urged practitioners to remain watchdogs of democracy and amplify the voices of the vulnerable.

The last edition of the award was held in 2011, when The Guardian’s Anietie Akpan, now retired, won.

Established to honour the legacy of the late Beatrice Bassey Ita, the award seeks to promote excellence in investigative journalism and encourage practitioners whose work drives social change and strengthens public trust in the media.
Photo: Senator Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, representing Southern Senatorial District, Cross River State, presenting the award prize to the Star Winner, Tina Todo.