Two prominent Nigerian journalists, Ms. Blessing Oladunjoye and Mr. Remmy Nweke, have emerged as the pioneer winners of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards. The initiative, established by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), recognizes outstanding journalistic excellence in utilizing and promoting the FOI Act of 2011 to advance public access to information.
According to an official statement released by the MRA, Oladunjoye, the Publisher of BONews Service, clinched the award in the first category for filing the highest number of information requests under the FOI Act between May 28, 2011, and December 31, 2025. Conversely, Nweke, the Group Executive Editor of ITREALMS Media Group, won the second category for his exceptional advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and extensive media coverage promoting the effective implementation of the Act.
Celebrating 15 Years of Transparency
The awards coincide with the 15th anniversary of the signing of the FOI Act into law. MRA Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, highly commended the laureates for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to public-interest journalism, noting that they have set a benchmark for accountability in Nigeria.
“The FOI Act is a most potent weapon in a journalist’s arsenal, but it will only be effective if we constantly wield it,” Mr. Ojo stated. “The Act provides media practitioners with an indispensable tool to perform their key constitutional duty of holding the Government accountable to the people. Let us use it relentlessly.”
Mr. Ojo acknowledged that while many investigative journalists across Nigeria routinely use the FOI Act to expose corruption, monitor public spending, and verify government claims, many did not submit entries. He urged media organizations nationwide to remain resilient in using the law despite ongoing challenges, including institutional secrecy, official non-compliance, and weak transparency systems.
Championing Public Accountability and Tech Reforms
The winners were specifically lauded for their rigorous investigative footprints. Ms. Oladunjoye filed at least 50 formal information requests to various public institutions and actively engaged in relentless litigation to compel defaulting government agencies to comply with the law. Mr. Ojo congratulated her on her courtroom victories and wished her success in pending legal battles.
Mr. Nweke was praised for producing 42 distinct media outputs dedicated to the FOI Act. His work included 24 institutional accountability stories and 11 high-stakes digital governance investigations, where he utilized the Act to probe critical sectors like spectrum licensing transparency and cybersecurity funding, alongside seven reform-driven commentaries.
Honouring a Legacy of Democratic Governance
The MRA instituted the awards to honour former President Goodluck Jonathan for his historic and courageous assent to the Freedom of Information Act on May 28, 2011, which laid the statutory foundation for transparency in Nigeria.
Reaffirming MRA’s commitment to defending media freedom and democratic accountability, Mr. Ojo reminded journalists that access to information remains the cornerstone of sustainable development. The winning journalists will be formally celebrated at an upcoming physical ceremony, where they will each receive a plaque, a certificate, and a cash prize.
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