News
Nigeria’s Esteemed Investigative Journalist, Ejiro Umukoro, Honoured with USAGM ChangeMaker Award 2023

Delta State’s finest investigative journalist, and epitome of journalism prowess in Nigeria, Ejiro Umukoro, has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to media and journalism with the pretigious ChangeMakers Award presented by the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
The Award was presented by Inna Dubinsky, the Development and Training Manager at USAGM’s office of business development of the agency. Umukoro was lauded for her exceptional initiatives, unwavering committment to nurturing young journalists, and her relentless pursuit of delivering credible and unbiased news through LightRay! Media, an organisation she leads as the Executive Director.

This award, Dubinsky says, “is in appreciation for your impactful Initiatives and contributions to building capacity of the media in Nigeria and other countries, sharing your expertise and training new cadre of young journalists, and your dedication to providing truthful, objective and balanced news and information at LightRay Media”, Dubinsky emphasied.
Popularly referred to as “Lady E”, Ejiro Umukoro’s impact transcends borders and industries. Her influence extends throughout Nigeria’s media, entertainment, communications, and career development sectors. She is credited for discovering and nurturing talents like Timi Dakolo, Leri (one of Burna Boy’s producer), renowed Mark Angel Comedy, Angel D’ Laff (PH Comedy Club) among others.

Journalists, writers, and broadcasters within the Nigerian media landscape have also benefited from her training programmes, mentoring, and now recently launched fellowship.

Umukoro’s investigative works have triggered tangible change. Notably, her in-depth report on the rising trend of Female Cultism in Delta State prompted the Ministry of Education to declare a state of emergency. Her expose on the ‘Ritual Does Not Give Us Money’ by yahoo plus boys led to the incarceration of offenders and preventive measures being taken at Saint Patrick’s School, among other interventions.
Her efforts during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to shed light on gender-based violence contributed significantly to raising awareness and catalyzing legislative action, including the passage of crucial acts in Delta State aimed at curbing such atrocities.
Furthermore, her pioneering initiative of establishing the first investigative-driven radio station in Delta State as the Pioneer General Maanger, and her role as the Covener of LightRay Women in Media Leadership Initiative have reshaped the media landscape, advocating for greater female representation and leadership roles in newsrooms.
All of these impactful investigations led her to publish her creative investigative book titled, Distortion, a highly read recommended book within the media spaces and currently being considered as a book to be read by secondary school students in Nigeria by the education ministry. Book two of Distortion will be launched next year, 2024.
Ejiro Umukoro’s accolades and recognitions, including the British Council International Young Communications Entrepreneurs Award and the Report Women Leadership Award from the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, are a testament to her unwavering dedication and influence in the field of journalism.
Ejiro Umukoro’s journey to journalistic excellence has been marked by various prestigious fellowships, grants, and international speaking engagements. Her work has been featured on global platforms, positioning her as a sought-after expert on issues spanning continents.
ABOUT EJIRO UMUKORO:
Ejiro Umukoro’s is the first and only Nigerian to win the British Council International Young Communications Entrepreneurs Award, the first and only Delta to receive the Report Women Leadership Award of Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, nominated for the ICFJ Award, and Code for Africa’s Wanadata South-South Champion.
Due to the impact on her investigative work into the rising trend of Female Cultism in Secondary Schools in Delta State, she inspired parents and school principals to take action which led to the declaration of a state of emergency by the Ministry of Education to fight the menace. Her investigative report also got the Saint Patrick’s School to raise the entire perimeter of its fence to prevent further abuse of its premises as a hideout.
Her other investigation into the ‘Ritual does not give us money’ by yahoo plus boys exposed their modus operandi, with the perpetrators now currently in jail.
Her Pulitzer Centre (USA) recognised work on gender based violence during the height of COVID-19 contributed in no small way in the amplification of the issues, which added the required push along with other CSOs, NGOs, for the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP ACT) in Delta State and the promotion of the Child’s Right Laws.
She is also notable for setting up the first ever investigative-driven radio station in Delta State and across the Niger Delta as its pioneer general manager.
As the Convener of LightRay Women in Media Leadership Initiative, through the support of over two hundred and seventy professional women and men in the media industry across Nigeria, Malawi, Congo, Afghanistan, South Africa, Kenya, etc, she began a policy drive that was adopted by the National Office of the Radio Managers of Nigeria (Private) to stimulate the intentional and deliberate decision within newsroom and across the hierarchy of media cooperate governance to give more women journalists leadership responsibilities to close the leadership gap.
During the course of her career, she has mentored directly and indirectly over three thousand mentees.
Crime
Plateau: Military Operation Neutralizes Bandits

Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have neutralized several bandits during joint operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A statement issued on Friday by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that the clearance operation which took place on Thursday, July 3, led to the killing of scores of bandits.
The statement reads: “In continuation of ongoing efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have sustained aggressive kinetic operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, yielding commendable outcomes.
“On 3 July, 2025, troops carried out a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border.
“During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests.
“Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and, though no further contact was established, have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts.
“These successful actions reaffirm the resolve of security forces to dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.”
Crime
JUST IN: Kidnapped Bayelsa Judge, Umukoro, regains freedom

After 13 days in captivity, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a Bayelsa State High Court Judge, who was kidnapped by gunmen, has been released.
The judge was abducted on June 21, 2025, around 7pm by gunmen dressed in combat fatigue in front of a popular eatery at the Ekeki suburb of Yenagoa.
It was gathered that Justice Omukoro was released on Thursday evening and is still with security operatives.
News
Masobe Books to Publish Groundbreaking Essay Collection by Dr. Dakuku Peterside on Nigeria

Masobe Books, a leading publisher of Nigerian literature, today announced the upcoming release of a highly anticipated essay collection by Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a prominent figure in Nigerian public life.
The collection, which is titled: Beneath the Surface: Essays on Nigeria’s Chequered Journey, a powerful new work by renowned columnist and public policy expert, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
Dr. Peterside, known for his contributions to policy, economics, and thought leadership, has compiled a series of essays exploring a range of critical issues facing the nation.
The collection is expected to delve into topics such as governance, economic development, social justice, national unity, security challenges, the future of democracy, and the role of youth.
“We are incredibly excited to be publishing Dr. Peterside’s work,” said [Name and Title of a Masobe Books representative, ideally the publisher].
“His deep understanding of Nigeria, combined with his clear and articulate writing style, makes this collection essential reading for anyone interested in the country’s present and future.”
Masobe Books anticipates that the collection will appeal to a broad audience, including policymakers, academics, students, and the general public.
Slated for publication in October 2025 under the publisher’s Makere imprint, the book promises to spark critical conversations about Nigeria’s past, present, and future.
Further details, including the title of the collection and planned promotional events, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dr. Dakuku Peterside has a distinguished career, having served as a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), a former member of the House of Representatives.
He is widely respected for his expertise and contributions to national discourse.
The essay collection offers a panoramic exploration of Nigeria’s complex landscape—its economy, governance, youth energy, leadership challenges, and international standing.
Described as a “360-degree perspective” on the country’s evolving narrative, the book digs deep into the nation’s layered experiences and contradictions.
The book has already received high praise from thought leaders. Renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, hailed it as “a manual that every conscientious person in authority should read.”
Bishop Matthew Kukah called it “a window for future exploration of the options for a new Nigeria,” while Prof. Kyari Mohammed declared it “a must read for policy makers, academics and the general reader.”
Masobe Books has announced plans for formal launch events in Lagos and Abuja to accompany the book’s international and local release.
This marks Dr. Peterside’s third major publication, following Strategic Turnaround and Leading in a Storm.
For inquiries and updates, the public is encouraged to contact Theresa Ominiabohs at Masobe Books or visit www.masobebooks.com.
The publisher can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter via @masobebooksng.
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