Dapo Olorunyomi, founder of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and Publisher of Premium Times, has been honoured with the HLF-Christopher Kolade Award for Excellence in Leadership and Professionalism in the Media at the 2025 Hallmarks of Labour Awards. The ceremony, held in Lagos, celebrated distinguished Nigerians for their exemplary leadership, ethical conduct, and service across various fields.
Olorunyomi was recognised for his commitment to media independence, accountability journalism and ethical standards in the Nigerian media. Over the years, Olorunyomi has built a distinguished career that bridges journalism and public service. He was instrumental in shaping the early direction of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), serving as its pioneer policy director and chief of staff. Driven by a deep commitment to ethical journalism, he founded the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism in 2005. In 2014, he broadened this mission by establishing the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, formerly known as the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism. Read more
Other notable honourees at the event included Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, who received the HLF-Emeka Anyaoku Lifetime Achievement Award, and General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd.), Chairman of the TY Danjuma Foundation, honoured with the HLF Lifetime Achievement Award for Exemplary Philanthropy and Charity.
This award adds to a series of accolades acknowledging Olorunyomi’s profound impact on journalism and media development in Nigeria and beyond.
