The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured Comrade Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Independent Newspaper and Secretary of NUJ FCT Council, with the prestigious Torchbearer of Press Freedom Award 2025. The award was presented during the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025, held on Saturday in Abuja.
Oyekunle was recognised for his resilience, bravery, and unwavering commitment to defending press freedom in Nigeria, particularly in the face of repeated threats, harassment, and arrests encountered while carrying out his professional duties.
The journalist was one of several recipients in the Torchbearer category — an honour reserved for Nigerian journalists who have demonstrated exceptional courage in adverse situations. The award underscores the importance of press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and acknowledges those who risk their safety to safeguard it.
Oyekunle’s work has not been without peril. On January 19, 2022, he narrowly escaped death when armed thugs attacked him and other human rights activists at the Federal High Court, Abuja, during the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The assailants, wielding machetes and knives, stormed the premises, targeting journalists and activists in attendance.
He faced another ordeal on August 1, 2024, when he was arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja by then FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh. In the incident, Oyekunle’s mobile phone was seized, and his Canon camera damaged.
Other recipients of the 2025 Torchbearer Award include Idibia Gabriel of Daily Times, Matthew Ochei of The Punch, Lucy Ezeliore of Pointer Newspaper, Ibrahim Isha and Ibrahim Ayuba Isah, both of TVC News.
Speaking at the event, NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya reaffirmed the union’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom in Nigeria. He noted that despite growing threats, Nigerian journalists remain undeterred in their mission to hold leaders accountable and promote democratic ideals.
“Press freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Across Nigeria, journalists face harassment, imprisonment, and even death for simply doing their jobs. Yet, they persist. Tonight, we honour those whose bravery shines a light in dark times,” Yahya stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Adaramodu, lauded the media’s role in sustaining democracy and urged practitioners to continue upholding ethical and professional standards.
In the Good Governance Award category, prominent figures and institutions were honoured, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sunny S.T. Echono, and NNPC Limited.
In his acceptance speech, Oyekunle expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, pledging to persist in defending press freedom and resisting any attempts to suppress media and civic spaces.
“Though the media and civic space is increasingly hostile and dangerous, we will not abdicate our responsibilities,” he vowed. “This award spurs me to further protect the noble ideals of our profession and the constitutional rights we represent.”
Oyekunle dedicated the award to members of the NUJ FCT Council, reaffirming solidarity with journalists nationwide facing persecution for upholding the truth.
