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

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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.

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Massive Gridlock: FG reopens Independence Bridge in Lagos

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The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, had earlier stated that the closure was for planned maintenance and rehabilitation.

She expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and appealed for public understanding.

The Federal Ministry of Works has clarified that necessary repairs on the bridge would be carried out at a later date.

The new instruction to reopen the bridge is ostensibly as a result of the gridlock caused by the closure which resulted in outcry by commuters since its closure on Tuesday, April 1.

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JUST IN: President Tinubu to Embark on Working Visit to Paris

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit.

This information was stated in a press release today, April 2, 2025 by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.

Onanuga said during the President’s visit, he will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.

“He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary”.

“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year”.

“Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion”.

“While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities. He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight, the statement reads.

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Algiers-Abuja direct flights begin April 6

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, set to begin on April 6, 2025.

This is said to strengthen the diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the new route, which is the result of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries, will be operated by the national carrier, Air Algérie, using a Boeing 737 aircraft.

This new service is expected to boost connectivity, encourage tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and Algeria.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025.

“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.

“It is pertinent to state that it is the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries, which culminated in this successful venture,” the statement read in part.

The inaugural flight is expected to carry the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers, Nigerian community leaders, and representatives from the Algerian government.

The Federal Government has extended congratulations to Air Algérie and offered its full support to ensure the success of the new service.

With affordable fares and Algeria’s proximity to Europe, the flight also offers Nigerians a convenient gateway to Europe, enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.

The statement added, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service.

“We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria, while opening new opportunities for mutual growth.

“The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”

The ministry encouraged citizens and businesses to take advantage of this new connectivity to explore opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

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