The president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, is among five distinguished journalists who will receive the Gavel International/Ernest Sesei Ikoli Distinguished Achievement Award at the organisation’s Annual Lecture and Awards ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, in Lagos.
Other recipients are the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Mr Musikilu Mojeed; Publisher of Port Harcourt-based National Point newspaper, Madam Ibiba Don Pedro; Managing Director of New Telegraph, Mr Ayodele Aminu; and the late Publisher of The Eagle Online, Mr Dotun Oladipo, who will be honoured posthumously.
The publisher of Gavel International, Mr Mustapha Ogunsakin, said Anaba’s recognition was informed by his longstanding engagement with civil rights organisations, dating back to his days as a judicial reporter, and his consistent commitment to the advancement and defence of citizens’ rights.
According to Ogunsakin, Anaba has remained steadfast in advocating a society where the rights of citizens are protected against violations by government authorities and influential individuals.
He added that Anaba’s professional convictions and commitment to public interest journalism had earned him recognition within the media industry, culminating in his emergence as president of the NGE.
Mojeed is being recognised for his contributions to ethical and responsible journalism, as well as his efforts to promote professional standards and nurture a new generation of journalists equipped with contemporary technological skills and practices.
His nomination letter stated: “Throughout your distinguished career, you have consistently demonstrated the qualities that define journalism at its finest—professional excellence, courage, integrity, intellectual depth, investigative rigour and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. Your record as a journalist, editor and media leader has earned you widespread respect within the profession and beyond.”
Aminu, Managing Director of New Telegraph, is being honoured for his contributions to the development of business journalism in Nigeria and his leadership in the media industry.
His nomination letter noted that his work as a business editor and media executive had helped strengthen understanding among corporate organisations, policymakers, the business community, the media and the wider society.
It added that his professional contributions had enriched public discourse on economic and corporate affairs, while promoting greater appreciation of the relationship between credible information, enterprise, development and national progress.
Don Pedro, a renowned environmental journalist and media activist, is being recognised for her sustained advocacy against environmental degradation and injustice in the Niger Delta.
For more than two decades, she has documented the environmental and human consequences of crude oil exploration and production in the region, particularly the impact on oil-producing communities, their livelihoods and natural environment.
Her reporting for The Guardian newspaper brought national and international attention to issues bordering on environmental pollution, land rights and the plight of communities in the Niger Delta.
Her professional accomplishments include the Reuters-IUCN Media Award 2000 for English-speaking Africa for excellence in environmental reporting, the 2001 Lorenzo Natali Prize for West African journalism and recognition as CNN African Journalist of the Year in 2003. She was also a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) between 2001 and 2002.
She is the author of several books, including Oil in the Water: Crude Power and Militancy in the Niger Delta, Out of a Bleak Landscape, Scavengers and Real Avengers of the Niger Delta and Contested Grounds.
She is also the publisher of National Point newspaper.
Oladipo, who will receive the award posthumously, is being honoured for his pioneering contributions to the development of online journalism in Nigeria.
Long before digital publishing became a major force in the country’s media industry, he championed responsible and credible online journalism, encouraging professional standards and supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector.
He was also among the journalists who established the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, a professional association committed to promoting ethical standards, credibility and accountability in online publishing.
Oladipo was nominated for the award during his lifetime as one of five distinguished media practitioners. Following his death, the Editorial Board of Gavel International resolved, after due deliberation, to retain his nomination and honour him posthumously in recognition of his professional accomplishments and enduring contributions to the Nigerian media landscape.
The organisation said his work and commitment to the growth of digital publishing had helped strengthen the role of online media in Nigeria’s public information environment.
The award, it added, was also intended to affirm that outstanding professional contributions deserved recognition beyond the lifetime of their achievers and should be preserved as inspiration for future generations.
The five journalists will join six distinguished legal practitioners and other prominent personalities on the list of award recipients.
The legal practitioners are former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN; former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Mr Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Mr George Etomi; Mr Kayode Filani; and Mr Iniruo Wills.
Other recipients include Dr Olugbenga Ademola Bankole, a philanthropist, and the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, Mr James Bagie Bio.
The award is named in honour of Chief Ernest Sesei Ikoli, a pioneering journalist, nationalist and statesman, who was the first Managing Director of the Daily Times.
It celebrates distinguished legal and media practitioners, as well as other individuals whose professional careers exemplify excellence, integrity, courage and commitment to public service.
The award presentation will form part of the Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled to hold at the OPTS Hall, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nurudeen Olowopopo Road, Central Business District, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
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