The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, have extended warm congratulations to Ann Godwin, the South-South Agriculture Bureau Chief of The Guardian Newspaper, for securing two prestigious national media awards.
A Double Triumph for Investigative Excellence
Ann Godwin was honoured as the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) Female Reporter of the Year and also received the Distinguished Media Organisation Merit Award (DMOMA) Media Personality of the Year. These accolades arrive shortly after she was presented with a commendation prize in the Print category at the historic 20th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting (WSAIR) on 21 December 2025. The Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Mr. Michael Deelen, presented the WSAIR commendation.
In a message posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, @WSoyinkaCentre, the WSCIJ stated that these twin awards affirm Godwin's unwavering dedication to telling crucial stories with both courage and integrity. The centre expressed its wishes for her to attain even greater heights in her journalism career.
NUJ Rivers Hails a Journalist of Impact
In a separate statement jointly signed by the Rivers State Council Chairman, Paul Bazia-Nsaneh, and Secretary, Dr. Ijeoma Tubosia, the NUJ described the honours as a clear testament to Godwin's exceptional achievements and her positive impact on Nigerian society.
"The awards are a wonderful acknowledgement of your hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence. They are truly well deserved," the union's statement read. It further praised Godwin for bringing courage, imagination, and professionalism to the field of journalism, noting that she will be remembered as a journalist who made hard choices to place public interest at the forefront.
A Track Record of Courageous and Community-Driven Reporting
Ann Godwin has built a formidable reputation for her data-driven, in-depth, and courageous investigative reports. Her work has consistently exposed corruption, strengthened accountability within public institutions, and prompted concrete government action. A recipient of several national and international grants, she has also collaborated with various international media organisations.
Her award-winning journey includes:
- Emerging as the first-prize winner of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Award under the ReportWomen Leadership Project in 2022.
- Receiving the reputable Nigeria Union of Journalists Award.
- Being honoured with the Advancing Women in Business Award for her outstanding contributions.
Critically, her community-based reporting has amplified underreported issues in the Niger Delta region. Her journalism has empowered marginalised and vulnerable groups, particularly women and farmers, and has supported litigation efforts. Some of these legal cases have resulted in landmark court judgments favouring affected communities.
"On behalf of the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, we congratulate you on these well-deserved awards and wish you continued success in your future endeavours," the NUJ concluded in its celebratory message.
