Nigerian-American Reporter Wins Award for Coverage of Pressing Global Issues

By: Maite Fernandez | 09/13/2016

NEW YORK – September 13, 2016 – The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) has named Nigerian-American journalist Chika Oduah as the recipient of its inaugural “Young Reporter for a Sustainable Future Award.” The Award celebrates and encourages reporting from emerging journalists who demonstrate commitment to producing compelling stories that improve people’s daily lives and raise awareness of issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Award is part of ICFJ’s new partnership with the United Nations Foundation to help elevate and expand the conversation around a range of development issues. Last year, 193 Member States of the United Nations pledged to tackle poverty, health, climate change, inequality, and other global challenges as part of a comprehensive worldwide agenda known as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Oduah, who lives in Abuja, Nigeria, has reported for both Nigerian and international news outlets including CNN, Al Jazeera English, The Guardian, and Bella Naija. She stands out for her high-quality multimedia reporting on environmental abuses, poverty among disenfranchised ethnic groups, human trafficking, laws that victimize gays, and the high incidence of breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Oduah accepted the award during a luncheon hosted by the UN Foundation in partnership with ICFJ.

“Oduah’s reporting stands out not only for her determination to expose humanitarian abuses, but also for her ability to use new technology for deeper, more meaningful coverage,” said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. “She sets a great example for other journalists eager to tackle the world’s most important social concerns.” The Awards luncheon featured an armchair conversation with Barnathan and UN Foundation President and CEO Kathy Calvin on the media’s role in spotlighting global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals. Cristina Gallach, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information at the United Nations, provided an opening address.

“Action on the Sustainable Development Goals starts with engaged global citizens – and journalism plays a vital role in informing the public. This important partnership with the International Center for Journalists will help media professionals better inform communities in the United States and across the globe about the pressing issues of our time,” Calvin said.

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual donors. Learn more at: www.unfoundation.org.

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is at the forefront of the news revolution with programs that empower journalists and engage citizens with new technologies and best practices. ICFJ's networks of reporters and media entrepreneurs are transforming the field. We believe that better journalism leads to better lives.

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