The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has conferred the Torchbearer of Press Freedom Award 2025 on Comrade Jide Oyekunle, a journalist with Daily Independent and Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, in recognition of his resilience and bravery in the face of threats and intimidation.
Oyekunle emerged as one of the few journalists nominated for the prestigious award, reserved for media professionals who have endured harassment, threats, and arrests in the course of discharging their duties.
He received the honour during the Press Freedom and Good Governance Awards 2025 held on Saturday in Abuja. The award highlighted his unwavering commitment to defending press freedom, which has contributed to accountability and the promotion of democratic values in Nigeria.
Oyekunle’s journalistic journey has been marked by several life-threatening encounters. On January 19, 2022, he narrowly escaped death when armed thugs invaded the Federal High Court in Abuja during the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The attackers, wielding machetes and knives, descended on the court premises, assaulting Oyekunle and several human rights activists present in solidarity with Kanu.
In another ordeal, he was arrested and assaulted on August 1, 2024, during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja by the then-FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh. His phone was seized, and his camera was destroyed during the incident.
Other recipients of the Torchbearer Award included Idibia Gabriel (Daily Times), Matthew Ochei (The Punch), Lucy Ezeliore (The Pointer), Ibrahim Isha and Ibrahim Ayuba Isah (both of TVC News).
Speaking at the event, NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, said the awards were designed not only to celebrate democracy’s defenders but to honour journalists who have braved great odds to uphold truth and justice.
“Press freedom remains the cornerstone of democracy. It is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and allows the media to function without fear of persecution,” he said. “Despite threats and adversity, Nigerian journalists have continued to show resilience and commitment to professionalism.”
Representing the Senate President and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Adaramodu urged media practitioners to remain objective and uphold ethical standards, noting the crucial role the media plays in sustaining democracy.
Recipients of the Good Governance Award included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sunny S.T. Echono, NSCC Director-General Dr. Emem Omokaro, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Julius Berger, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In his response, Jide Oyekunle expressed deep appreciation for the honour and dedicated the award to members of the NUJ FCT Council.
“Though the media and civic space is becoming more hostile and suffocating, we will not abandon our responsibility, regardless of intimidation or arrests,” he said. “This award strengthens my resolve to continue defending press freedom and protecting our noble profession.”
