Ubel Albert Ekanem, Baze University student wins inaugural Nigerian Identity Journalism Award
Ubel Albert Ekanem, a Mass Communication student at Baze University, has won the maiden Nigerian Identity Journalism Award at the 7th Campus Journalism Awards (CJA) in Abuja.
The award, introduced by Youths Digest in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), recognises young journalists promoting Nigeria’s core values of integrity, patriotism, unity, peace, and social responsibility.
Ekanem earned the honour with his article, “From Heritage to Hope: Nigeria’s Journey at 65, published in the Nigerian Tribune. The piece was selected from 39 finalists. The award was presented by NOA officials, represented by the Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion, Mrs Blessing Oyem.
The CJA, now in its seventh edition, attracted nearly 400 entries from over 80 institutions. Convener Gidado Yushau Shuaib praised young journalists for using their platforms to challenge power and promote value-driven storytelling.
The event also celebrated Usman Bashir Abubakar of the University of Maiduguri as Overall Campus Journalist of the Year.
Shuaib highlighted the expansion of the awards to initiatives such as the Campus Journalism Dialogue and #CJDChat, which engage thousands of students nationwide.
Sponsors and partners, including CISLAC, NNPC, Amnesty International, NOA, and TETFund, were acknowledged for supporting youth-driven journalism to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
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