Tobore Ovuorie, an investigative journalist, has emerged the best human rights reporter in West Africa.
At the 2019 West Africa Media Excellence Awards (WAMECA) held in Accra, Ghana, Saturday, Ovuorie was adjudged to have produced the best human rights story among all the 724 entries received from 15 African countries.
The feat did not come as easy as many would have thought.
The winning entry is a five-part multimedia investigative report published August 2018 by The Nation Newspaper. Titled, “How Nigeria ‘Kills’ Children Living With HIV,” the series revealed how such kids are denied their fundamental human rights to education and even association by schools, parents, fellow children and the society in general.
Ovuorie commenced the investigation January 2018 and spent eight months on the field for the series.
However, May 2018 over six tumours were discovered in her, leading to her being scheduled for immediate surgical operation same month.
Overwhelmed with joy, Ovuorie addressing the over 300 guests at the award dinner said she almost threw in the towel of completing the investigative series when the tumours were discovered in her and scheduled for immediate surgery.
“I almost threw in the towel. I almost didn’t complete the investigation which has gotten me this award. Not long after I commenced the story, my doctors discovered over six tumours in me. The medical recommendation was immediate surgery.
“I then wanted my siblings to contribute the part of the money I had spent on the investigation so far. The money was to be refunded to Code For Africa; the organization which gave me the grant for the story.”
Ovuorie however continued the investigation two weeks after being operated on after Ms. Vanessa Offiong, Mr. Chima Nwankwo, and Mr. Sorious Samura- her colleagues, encouraged her not to throw in the towel. She dedicated the award to them all, the Lord Almighty and all kids and persons living with HIV in the country.
Ovuorie’s work has been instrumental in breaking the silence that surrounds HIV in the education sector and demonstrates how stigma and discrimination still prevails for children living with HIV in Nigeria.
Before the feat at the West Africa Media Excellence Awards, Ovuorie June 2019 was presented with the United States President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Heroes Award by the U.S. Ambassador in Abuja.
The young journalist was also recognised with an award for her “extraordinary work and dedication in the field of journalism in HIV/AIDS in Nigeria” by UNAIDS and National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) December 12th, 2018.
According to the UN convention on the Rights of the Child recognized in 1989, children (under age 18) have specific rights, given their vulnerability and dependence and education is one of them.
Ovuorie, in her report, stood up for the basic human rights of the children in Nigeria. She alerted the government that despite the HIV/AIDS anti-discrimination law established in February 2015, children living with HIV are still discriminated and were deprived of basic human rights.
Ovuorie’s investigation emphasizes to attain SDG 4, every child should have their human rights which includes right to education. The report highlights those who are vulnerable and gives a voice to the voiceless.
“Discrimination should not be experienced even by one child let alone the rest living with HIV in Nigeria,” Ms. Ovuorie ended her speech while accepting her award during the dinner ceremony.
Other Nigerians who shone on the night include ‘Kunle Adebajo of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) who won the telecommunications category; Tunde Ajaja of Punch Newspaper, winner of the best Business and SMEs reporting and Mr. Cletus Ukpong of the Premium Times who won the investigative journalism category.
Also, Destiny Onyemihia scooped the Continental Journalism Awards on AU Charter, with ACDEG’s Wagdy Sawahel finishing first runner up.
In other categories, Ghana’s Nabil Ahmed Rufai of GHOneTV was awarded the best SDG reporter; Seriba Kone of Lepointsur also finished best on anti-corruption coverage; Sama Tounwendsida Hugues Richard of L’Observeteur Paalga was best in health reporting.
Ultimately, Sama Tounwendsida was pronounced as West Africa’s Journalist of the Year for his reporting on mental illness in Burkina Faso.
All 21 WAMECA finalists got Certificates of Merit while ultimate winners received plaques, certificates and cash prizes.
“All 21 finalists will also be inducted as fellows of the MFWA’s Journalism for Change Network and will be offered regular training opportunities both locally and internationally to enhance their capacity to influence positive change in society through journalism,” organizers said.
