Investigative journalist,, Rakiya A. Muhammad has clinched the top honour in Child-Friendly Reporting at the 34th Diamond Award for Media Excellence, underscoring a commitment to impactful journalism.
Her story, ‘Child Labour: Many Facets, Grim Realities’ for RM Times, triumphed over strong entries from the International Centre for Investigative Journalism (ICIR) and Sahara Reporters at a vibrant ceremony at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
Award organisers described the winning piece as “a moving examination of the reality of child labour in Sokoto State.”
Sponsored by UNICEF, the child-friendly reporting prize celebrates bold storytelling that shines a spotlight on the pressing challenges faced by Nigerian children.
UNICEF, a steadfast partner of DAME since 2005, also honours excellence in child-friendly media and child photography.
Vanguard Newspapers took home the child-friendly media prize, which recognises media houses for their unwavering commitment to consistently reporting and analysing issues affecting children.
Daily Sun’s Temitope Aina emerged as the winner of the child-friendly photography prize, which rewards photojournalists who, through their lens, capture significant moments in the lives of Nigerian children.
In a goodwill message on the occasion, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Dr Rownak Khan expressed heartfelt appreciation to DAME for introducing and sustaining the child-friendly award categories.
She commended journalists who highlight children’s issues for their commitment towards their well-being.
“Sometimes it’s not lucrative to report on children’s issues, but you are the trailblazers, you have shown children issues not just talking about the future, but how they are experiencing their lives in the present.”
She applauded the powerful impact of UNICEF’s partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
“You have been the voice of reason, you have been the voice of children because the children cannot actually express their sorrows, they cannot express how they are feeling,” she highlighted
She noted that, through this partnership over the last couple of years, they had brought the voice of the unheard children in Nigeria to the fore.
The UNICEF Deputy Country Rep emphasised the urgent need to ensure that every child in the country receives the rights they truly deserve.
“We have to give them opportunities,” she stressed “we have to give them all the rights that they deserve in this country. So, we are heavily, heavily relying on you.”
