The Publisher of OYOMIND News, Gbenga Oyetola Johnson, has been shortlisted alongside 14 other journalists and media professionals for an international journalism competition organised by New Day Education in collaboration with RUDN University, Russia.

The 15 finalists are expected to travel to Russia in October 2026 as part of the programme, which is expected to provide opportunities for professional development, international exposure and engagement with media practitioners from different backgrounds.

Oyetola’s selection places him among the Nigerian media professionals chosen for the competition and marks a milestone for OYOMIND News, an Ibadan-based online news platform.

As publisher, he oversees the platform’s editorial direction and its coverage of news and current affairs, contributing to its efforts to deliver timely information to its audience.

The involvement of RUDN University, a Russian higher education institution, adds an academic dimension to the programme. The collaboration is expected to expose the finalists to aspects of Russia’s educational and professional environment while creating opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

The competition is also expected to bring together journalists and media professionals from different countries, offering participants opportunities to share experiences and broaden their professional networks.

Oyetola’s inclusion in the shortlist is a notable development for OYOMIND News and the media community in Oyo State, as the publisher prepares to participate in the international programme.

The 15 shortlisted finalists are Raisha Jannat Rifat of Bangladesh, Mercy Olagunju, Abibat Ashiru, Ifeoluwa Ogunkola, Abu Sufian, Thi Hoai Le Phan, Khadijah Abdulazeez, Afeez Bashir, Munyal Manunyi Salami, Najeebat Oyerinde Oyewumi, Mathilda Frank, Ali Omeiza Abdullahi, Oluwasola Adebayo, Gbenga Oyetola Johnson and Abu Nowfel Shazed.

The organisers are expected to provide further details about the competition’s activities and the programme scheduled for the finalists during their planned visit to Russia.