By Olabisi Sulaiman & Mariam Alabi
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has announced seven finalists for its 2025 Journalist of the Year Award ahead of its annual African Conference on Development Journalism (ACDJ) scheduled for 3 – 4 December, in Kaduna, Nigeria.
The organisation says both the conference and the award aim to strengthen media practice and deepen development-focused reporting across the continent.
A press statement issued by AMDF and signed by its Executive Director, Sekyen Dadik, stated that the finalists were drawn from more than 25 submissions received across radio, television, print and online categories.
AMDF noted that no entries were submitted for the photo category this year, and a number of submissions did not meet eligibility requirements.
Journalists Adedokun Theophilus (Nigeria) and Mohammed Hugu (Ghana) were shortlisted for the Print category; Muhammad Ibrahim (Nigeria), Hamzat Abaga (Nigeria), and Nanji Nandang (Nigeria) for the Online category; Destiny Onyemihia (Nigeria) for the Radio category; and Nasiru Saidu (Nigeria) for the Television category. Winners and runners-up will be announced at the conference.
Conference focuses on inclusive development reporting
Themed “Media and inclusive development: A call to action for Africa’s future,” AMDF stated that the African Conference on Development Journalism, now in its ninth edition, will reflect on the growing need for journalists to provide in-depth reporting, strengthen public understanding of development issues and hold leaders accountable to drive development on the continent.
According to the Foundation, speakers expected at the conference include the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki; Managing Director, Agriproject International Limited, Yila Umaru; and the Executive Director of AMDF, Sekyen Dadik, amongst others.
The conference brings together journalists, media executives and development practitioners to examine journalism’s evolving responsibility in advancing transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across Africa. Registration details are available on the conference website.
AMDF honours excellence in development reporting
Commenting on the shortlisted works, Mrs Dadik said “The exceptional work of this year’s finalists reflects the courage, creativity and commitment that define Africa’s journalism community.”
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“Through their reporting, they amplify underrepresented voices, challenge systems of power, and drive conversations that shape a better future for our continent. Their dedication reminds us that journalism remains a cornerstone of progress and accountability.”
As part of the conference, the Journalist of the Year Award, she said, will spotlight reporting that addresses Africa’s development challenges while reinforcing good governance and citizen engagement.
AMDF says it hopes the recognition will inspire more journalists to pursue solutions-driven storytelling that strengthens democracy and supports meaningful social transformation.
About AMDF
The Foundation was founded as a nonprofit organisation dedicated to advancing development journalism.
It provides training, champions press freedom, and celebrates excellence in reporting to ensure the media remains a force for justice, accountability and sustainable growth across Africa.
