Aloysius Attah of the Sun Newspaper has won the 2025 Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna Ethical Journalism Award.
Attah won the prestigious award with his story titled, “Inside Anambra Troubled Communities”, showcasing the remnants of two communities badly affected by insecurity.
Ukpa Ewa became the first woman to emerge the first runner-up in the award now in its fifth edition.
Ewa’s winning story on “Why Anambra May Not Produce Female Governor Soon” published on Core Truth Online, highlighted issues impeding women from occupying the most exalted seat in the state despite their population and academic attainment.
The first female professor in Sub-Sahara Africa, Chinyere Stella Okunna endowed the Ethical Journalism Award to sustainably promote high ethical standards in the media.
Okunna has raised the prize money from N50,000 initially to N100,000 and 150,000 in the fifth edition.
She has also made cash prizes available for the first and second runner-ups.
The benefactor who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University Awka, and a leading voice in journalism education in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, award N50,000 to the first runner-up.
Ethics, Journalism cornerstone
Speaking on her motivation, Prof. Okunna said ethics remain the cornerstone of journalism. “If you are not practicing ethically, you should not be in the profession,” she stressed.
She said the award is her way of encouraging journalists to uphold professional standards at all times.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Assessment Committee and Fellow of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Chuka Nnabuife, in his jury report, noted gaps in investigative rigor and language use in most entries.
He however commended promising submissions that demonstrated sound editorial judgment, urging journalists to strengthen investigative reporting, improve editorial skills and recommit to ethical standards.
In his remarks, the winner, Aloysius Attah, commended Prof. Okunna for providing such a platform to encourage journalists in Anambra to do more.
He also appreciated the jury panel for their sense of judgement and professionalism.
Awards were presented by the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka and Ichie Demian Ogene.
The NUJ Press Week also honoured Arch. Okey Ezeobi, Managing Director of Bureau of Public Procurement, as the NUJ Man of the Year 2025.
