A story produced under the Prime Progress Religion for Change Fellowship has clinched the first runner-up position for the Best Solutions Journalism Award in West Africa.
The announcement was made during the 10th-anniversary dinner and awards ceremony of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), held in Abuja, Nigeria.
The award-winning story was written by Olayide Soaga, one of six journalists selected for the inaugural Religion for Change Fellowship. Supported by the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California, the fellowship empowers journalists in West Africa to tell inspiring stories about individuals and communities driven by their faith to effect social good.
Published in June, Soaga’s piece sheds light on the remarkable journey of a polio survivor in northern Nigeria who, inspired by a Biblical story, provides free mobility aids to disabled individuals across the region.
Reflecting on the recognition, Soaga shared her excitement:
“I just wanted to try my luck and see where it would lead. I wasn’t expecting to make the shortlist,” she said, beaming with pride.
Beyond the accolade, she expressed gratitude for the fellowship, which deepened her understanding of polio and the challenges survivors face. “The fellowship also gave me an idea to write a longform piece on the struggles of polio survivors who are left without help,” she revealed.
The CJID Journalism Award, launched in 2024, celebrates impactful reporting that tackles pressing issues across Africa. The award drew 388 entries from seven West African countries in its first year alone, with 15 finalists making the shortlist.
For Soaga, the recognition is more than a win—it’s a motivation. “This award has inspired me to work on more solutions journalism pieces,” she said
A story from the Prime Progress Religion for Change Fellowship has secured the first runner-up spot for the Best Solutions Journalism Award in West Africa. The announcement took place at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development's (CJID) 10th-anniversary event in Abuja, Nigeria. The award-winning piece by Olayide Soaga, a participant in the inaugural Religion for Change Fellowship, highlights the contribution of a polio survivor in northern Nigeria who, driven by a Biblical narrative, distributes free mobility aids to disabled people. Supported by the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California, the fellowship aims to empower journalists to share stories of faith-driven community impact in West Africa.
Soaga expressed surprise and pride at the recognition, which stemmed from her curiosity and deeper understanding of the challenges faced by polio survivors. Her reportage was published in June and is linked to the broader goal of the fellowship which is to shed light on transformative community actions. The CJID Journalism Award, founded in 2024, recognizes significant journalistic works addressing urgent matters in Africa, attracting 388 submissions from seven West African nations in its first year. Soaga views the award as motivation to pursue further projects in solutions journalism.
