Usman Aliyu
VerifiedAwards
Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) Award
2025 - Best Feature Article
The FAAPA Award for Best Feature Article is one of the flagship honours presented by the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) to recognise excellence in feature writing by journalists working in African press agencies. The award celebrates compelling, well-researched, and impactful storytelling that goes beyond breaking news to provide depth, context, and human perspectives on issues affecting Africa and its people. The award recognises feature articles that demonstrate outstanding journalistic craftsmanship through originality, accuracy, balance, clarity, and strong narrative structure. Winning entries typically combine rigorous reporting with engaging storytelling, enabling readers to better understand complex social, economic, political, environmental, health, scientific, or cultural issues. Judges also assess the relevance of the topic, quality of research, diversity of sources, ethical reporting standards, and the article's potential to inform, educate, or inspire positive change. Unlike straight news reports, feature articles entered for this category are expected to provide context, explore underlying causes, highlight lived experiences, and present solution-oriented or investigative perspectives where appropriate. Successful entries often include compelling human-interest angles that connect broader public issues with the everyday experiences of individuals and communities across Africa. The FAAPA Best Feature Article Award also seeks to promote high standards of journalism among African news agencies by encouraging innovation, creativity, and professionalism in reporting. It reinforces the vital role of press agencies in producing authoritative, credible, and in-depth content that can be shared across multiple media platforms and audiences throughout the continent. By recognising exceptional feature writing, the award contributes to strengthening African journalism, fostering cross-border collaboration, and amplifying stories that reflect Africa's diverse realities, challenges, achievements, and opportunities. It highlights the importance of journalism that not only reports events but also explains their significance, gives voice to underrepresented communities, and contributes to informed public discourse. In a nutshell, the FAAPA Award for Best Feature Article honours journalists whose work exemplifies excellence in storytelling, public service, and editorial integrity while advancing the mission of African press agencies to produce quality journalism that serves the public interest.
NDLEA's Best Media Partner Award
2025 - Best Media Partner on Anti-Drug War Reporting
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command Award for Outstanding Media Partnership recognises journalists whose reporting has made significant contributions to Nigeria's fight against illicit drug abuse and trafficking. The award honours media professionals who demonstrate consistency, fairness, accuracy, and impact in reporting anti-drug issues, public awareness campaigns, drug law enforcement activities, and prevention initiatives. The award is presented to journalists whose work has strengthened public understanding of the dangers of illicit drugs while amplifying the efforts of the NDLEA in promoting a drug-free society. Recipients are recognised for producing credible and insightful stories that educate the public, encourage community participation, and support evidence-based discourse on drug control and prevention.
CCSI Storytellers Impact Award for of Excellence
2025 - Outstanding and Impactful Storytelling on Inclusive Financial System
The Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) Storytellers Impact Award for Excellence for Outstanding and Impactful Storytelling on Inclusive Financial Systems recognises journalists whose reporting has significantly advanced public understanding of financial inclusion and its role in promoting sustainable economic development. The award celebrates exceptional storytelling that highlights the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping access to affordable and inclusive financial services, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. Recipients are honoured for producing well-researched, accurate, and compelling stories that illuminate issues such as digital finance, financial literacy, microfinance, women's financial inclusion, rural banking, fintech innovation, savings and credit access, and policies that expand economic participation. The award places emphasis on journalism that not only informs but also drives public dialogue, influences policy discussions, and showcases practical solutions to barriers preventing individuals and communities from participating fully in the financial system. The recognition acknowledges excellence in translating complex financial and economic issues into accessible, human-centred narratives that demonstrate the real-life impact of inclusive finance on livelihoods, entrepreneurship, poverty reduction, and economic resilience. It also underscores the critical role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and evidence-based reporting within the financial sector. Through this award, CCSI celebrates journalists whose impactful storytelling contributes to building a more inclusive financial ecosystem, empowers citizens with knowledge, and supports national and global efforts to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable, and appropriate financial services.