PREMIUM TIMES Journalists Honored at African Investigative Journalism Awards
Nigerian reporters recognized for exposing lead poisoning linked to battery recycling factories.
1Prestigious Continental Recognition
PREMIUM TIMES journalists Oladeinde Olawoyin and Folashade Ogunrinde were named first runners-up at the 2026 African Investigative Journalist of the Year Award. The gala took place in Nairobi, Kenya, during the African Investigative Journalism Conference. This achievement marks the first time Nigerian journalists have reached the top three in this competition.
2Exposing Lead Poisoning
The award-winning investigation, titled 'Lead in Their Blood,' documented severe health risks in Ogijo, a community on the Lagos-Ogun border. The report revealed that battery recycling factories were exposing residents to dangerous lead levels. It highlighted systemic regulatory failures that allowed these hazardous operations to continue despite clear environmental threats.
3Rigorous Scientific Methodology
To verify the extent of contamination, the journalists commissioned independent blood-lead tests for 70 residents. Findings showed 50 individuals had levels exceeding the five micrograms per decilitre threshold. Furthermore, all 14 factory workers tested recorded elevated lead levels, while soil and air-quality samples confirmed extensive pollution surrounding the industrial sites.
4Tangible Policy Impact
The investigation triggered immediate government action following its publication. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency shut down the polluting facilities in Ogijo. Additionally, the Ogun State Government initiated health measures, including blood-lead testing for residents, while the House of Representatives demanded an emergency parliamentary investigation into the matter.
5Distinguished Professional Backgrounds
Mr. Olawoyin is a multi-award-winning journalist with extensive experience covering oil, gas, and finance. He previously won the Business Reporter of the Year at the West African Media Excellence Awards. Ms. Ogunrinde, an experienced investigative reporter, has received multiple honors, including the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence for her work on governance.
6Collaborative Investigative Efforts
The two-part series was produced in collaboration with The Examination. It traced the supply chain of recycled lead from Nigerian factories into international markets and the global automotive industry. This cross-border cooperation allowed the journalists to connect local environmental negligence with broader, international industrial practices and global regulatory oversight failures.
7The Award Context
Organized by the Wits Centre for Journalism and supported by Absa Africa, the award is now in its fourth year. It recognizes reporting that promotes accountability and serves the public interest. This year, the competition attracted over 200 entries from across the continent, evaluated by a panel of experienced investigative journalists.
8Other Notable Winners
Jeff Wicks of South Africa’s News24 won the top prize for his investigation into police contract corruption. Naipanoi Lepapa of Kenya placed second runner-up for a report on privacy concerns regarding Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses. These winning entries reflect the diverse range of critical issues currently being investigated by journalists across Africa.
9Significance for Journalism
This recognition underscores the vital role of investigative journalism in driving accountability within Nigeria. By combining scientific testing with rigorous reporting, the journalists successfully forced state intervention in a public health crisis. Their success sets a new benchmark for Nigerian media, demonstrating the power of evidence-based reporting to influence governance.