Olanrewaju Oyedeji, a data journalist at Nigeria’s leading data-driven media organisation, Dataphyte, has emerged a finalist in two categories at the 2022 PwC Media Excellence Award held virtually on Thursday.
The yearly award organised by PWC has four categories; Business/Economy, Tax/Fiscal Policy, SME and Finance/Capital Markets reporting.
His story exposing corruption in the award of Notebook contracts in Oyo state got him named as a finalist in the Business/Economy reporting category, while his story on Nigeria’s dwindling Tax revenue earned being named a finalist in the Tax/Fiscal Policy reporting.
According to Taiwo Oyedele of PWC, 221 entries were received for the award with the Business and Economy category recording the highest at 98 entries.
While commenting on the quality of entry, Oyedele noted that it takes a lot of effort for what journalists in Nigeria do, especially given the reporting circumstances in the Nigerian environment. He also expressed delight at the keen competition the categories were subjected to, due to the quality of entries.
Andrew Nevin, the PWC Chief Economist also praised the quality of works received, according to him, the works have improved over the years and it is a testament further to the impact of the PWC awards.
Ace broadcaster and media personality, Cyril Stober, while praising the entries noted that it is a great development that the PWC has chosen to continually appreciate Nigerian journalists especially ensuring further development of Business reporting in the country.
Commenting on the development, Dataphyte’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Joshua Olufemi, commended PWC for organising the annual awards ceremony aimed at celebrating business reporting in the country.
“It’s another exciting news for the Dataphyte team and much accolades to Lanre for his relentless commitment to accountability journalism mixed with socioeconomic and business data. We look forward to more recognitions and commendations of his work and above all, we look forward to ensuring a thriving media landscape in Nigeria. Kudos to the PWC for doing this annually to celebrate and motivate good business reporting in the country.” Joshua noted.
Other finalists at the award include journalists from Premium Times, Punch, Humangle, BusinessDay, The ICIR, TheCable, The Nation and Nigerian Tribune.