By Esther Olaoluwa |
The Managing Editor of Nigeria Grassroot News, Yinka Olaito, has won the Inclusion and Diversity Award at the BudgIT Active Citizens Awards (ACA) 2026 in recognition of his contributions to promoting inclusive journalism, advancing diversity and amplifying the voices of underserved communities across Nigeria.
The award, presented by BudgIT and CivicHive, honours individuals and organisations whose work has strengthened civic participation, transparency, accountability and democratic governance in the country.
Olaito was recognised for his commitment to people-centred journalism and his efforts to ensure that stories from grassroots communities, women, persons with disabilities, young people and other marginalised groups receive greater visibility in the media.
Through his editorial leadership at Nigeria Grassroot News, he has championed development-focused reporting and advocated equitable representation of underrepresented voices, using journalism as a platform to promote social inclusion and public accountability.
Recognition for Inclusive Journalism
According to the organisers, the Inclusion and Diversity Award celebrates individuals whose work has contributed significantly to building a more inclusive society through advocacy, media and civic engagement.
Olaito’s recognition reflects his sustained efforts to produce journalism that highlights issues affecting vulnerable and underserved populations while encouraging public discourse around equity, inclusion and development.
His work has consistently focused on bringing grassroots issues into national conversations and ensuring that communities often overlooked in mainstream reporting are given a voice.
Other Winners Recognised
The 2026 Active Citizens Awards also celebrated individuals and organisations making significant contributions to governance, advocacy, public service and social development.
Keturah Sahmmah won the Oby Ezekwesili Award for Women’s Advocacy, ahead of Amrah Aliyu, Oladiwura Oladepo and Fauziya Abubakar Kure.
Oluyemi Orija received the Community Service Award, while Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola, Aisha Hamman and Folakemi Adesina were recognised as runners-up.
Jake Epelle emerged winner of the Disability Rights and Empowerment Award, with Tobiloba Ajay, CODISA Foundation and Olajide Funso also recognised in the category.
Journalist Chinagorom Ugwu won the Solutions Journalism Award, while Sodeeq Atanda, Omolola
Afolabi and Abiodun Jamiu finished in second, third and fourth positions respectively.
Olusegun Elemo received the Civic Activism (Policy Reform and Governance) Award, while Ufuomaoghene Nnamdi-Udeh, Habib Sheidu and Oluyemi Orija were recognised in the same category.
Anthony Adejuwon won the Climate Change Activism Award ahead of Olumide Idowu, Alexander Akhigbe and Yahuza Hambali Katuka.
Nonye Soludo received the Health Activism Award, while Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, Sidney Sampson and Enhancing Communities Action for Peace and Better Health Initiative were also honoured.
Other recipients included Omoregie Osakpolor, who won the Art for Activism Award; Sterling Bank, which received the Corporate Award for Civic Investments; and veteran activist Dipo Fasina, who was honoured with the Hall of Fame Award for Civic Activism.
Investigative journalist and Founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Fisayo Soyombo, was named Active Citizen of the Year.
Celebrating Active Citizenship
According to the organisers, the Active Citizens Awards recognise Nigerians and institutions whose work promotes accountability, innovation, citizen engagement and democratic governance.
They noted that the annual awards seek to encourage active citizenship while celebrating individuals and organisations making measurable contributions to national development.
For Olaito, the Inclusion and Diversity Award marks another milestone in a journalism career dedicated to giving voice to underserved communities and promoting social inclusion, public accountability and positive change through the media.
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