A HumAngle investigation, authored by Kúnlé Adébàjò, was announced runner-up of the Best Fact-check category in West Africa category at the inaugural Excellence in Journalism Awards, organised by the Center for Journalism, Innovation, and Development (CJID).
The award-winning investigation titled “The Facebook Network Using Prophecies and Disinformation to Swindle Nigerians,” was selected from 388 entries and 15 finalists across West Africa. It uncovered a fraudulent network operating on Facebook, posing as an affiliate of a hacktivist movement to exploit unsuspecting victims. By spreading disinformation, conspiracy theories, and manipulated content, the network gains trust, attracts followers, and ultimately defrauds them. Through detailed reporting and evidence-based analysis, Adébàjò’s work highlighted the dangers of online disinformation and its impact on Nigerian society.
The Excellence in Journalism Awards, launched in 2024, reflect CJID’s commitment to promoting impactful journalism that fosters accountability and development across Africa. The programme features other categories such as Best Health Reporting, Best Climate Change Reporting, Best Solutions Journalism Reporting, Best Community Reporting, Best Reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Best Reporting on Social Accountability.
Kúnlé Adébàjò accepted the award during CJID’s 10th-anniversary dinner and awards ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday. The event, part of the 2024 Media and Development Conference, brought together media professionals, innovators, and thought leaders to discuss the transformative role of journalism and technology in strengthening democracy and fostering progress in Africa.
“This award is yet another testimony to the important work we do at HumAngle and Adebajo’s efforts in covering mis and disinformation in Africa,” noted Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, HumAngle’s Managing Editor.
The investigation highlights HumAngle’s dedication to investigative journalism that addresses critical societal issues.
The investigation by Kúnlé Adébàjò of HumAngle was recognized as the runner-up in the Best Fact-check category at the first Excellence in Journalism Awards by CJID.
The investigation titled “The Facebook Network Using Prophecies and Disinformation to Swindle Nigerians” revealed a fraudulent network on Facebook exploiting users with disinformation and conspiracy theories. The awards aim to promote impactful journalism, and this recognition showcases HumAngle’s commitment to addressing critical societal issues through investigative work.
Kúnlé Adébàjò accepted the award at CJID’s 10th-anniversary ceremony in Abuja during the 2024 Media and Development Conference.
This event highlighted the vital role of journalism and technology in enhancing democracy in Africa. HumAngle’s Managing Editor, Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, underscored the importance of Adebajo’s work in tackling misinformation in Africa, demonstrating the publication’s dedication to significant societal challenges.