Omamus Thomas
Soyinka who spoke at the 8th edition of Professor Wole Soyinka Prize for Investigative Reporting in Lagos said officials of these agencies have formed the habit of standing aloof, either chewing gum or akara, chatting away or looking at their watches while Nigerians are entangled in the traffic.
Soyinka charged photojournalists to do him a favour by shooting photographs of indolent officials drafted to areas deemed to be major headache to traffic, wile-away time instead of putting in just a little effort to ease flow of traffic.
The Nobel Laureate also took his time to lambast photographers for either blocking their objects with their camera to record fine shots or blocking the audience to get certain shots.
According to him, photographers need some training on how to manipulate their equipment to get good shots without necessarily impeding the view of those in the audience.
“They have to be taught the technology of camera. They have to understand that they don’t have to push the cameras on people’s faces to get good photographs, to satisfy those at home who did not get out of the comfort of their homes to come here”, the professor fumed.
At the end of the day, the duo of Rone Agrokomaya and Ini Ekot of Premium Times emerged winner Journalist of the year. They also won the online category, with their story on how missions squander millions on generators. Tobore Ovorie was runner up.
Toyosi Ogunseyi, Sunday Editor of Punch Newspaper won in the health category, with her article, the rich also cry. Aderonke Ogunloye won first prize in sports with her story on corruption in Paralympics.
Bassey Udo won in Business category with his property story, Asuquo Etim Bassey won the first prize in cartoon category, while the prize for photojournalist of the year went to Stanley Ogidi of the punch newspapers.
Temitayo Famutimi won the first prize in print journalism with his story on virginity text.
