Aaron Atsahyel, a journalist with Trust TV, is one of the 12 finalists for the 2026 Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year Award. His documentary, Gallari Mass Arrest: 12 Years After, highlights the plight of women and children whose husbands and fathers were allegedly arrested by the military and have remained missing for over a decade. The Thomson Foundation recognized Atsahyel's work for giving a voice to the affected community.
The Thomson Foundation received 217 entries from 56 countries for the award, which is organized in partnership with the UK's Foreign Press Association. The 12 finalists, including Atsahyel, were selected from countries such as Malaysia, Mexico, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Ukraine. Their stories document courage, survival, war, and investigations into corruption and alleged abuses of power.
Another Nigerian finalist is Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu, a reporter with HumAngle. Her investigation into the rise of Boko Haram features interviews with first-generation members of the group and victims. Nuhu spent seven months researching the topic, examining how Boko Haram built its army. Her work sheds light on the complexities of the insurgency.
Catherine Mackie, Thomson's Learning Manager, commended the young journalists for their bravery and tenacity. Many of the finalists worked in challenging circumstances, spending weeks or months on investigations that continue to have a real impact. Mackie highlighted the exceptional storytelling and dedication displayed by the entrants.
The winner of the 2026 Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year Award will be announced at the annual Foreign Press Association Awards ceremony in London in November. The competition is open to journalists aged 30 and under from countries with a Gross National Income per capita of less than $20,000. The award recognizes outstanding journalism from young talent worldwide.
The Thomson Foundation's award aims to support and celebrate young journalists who demonstrate exceptional skill and courage in their reporting. The foundation's partnership with the Foreign Press Association underscores the importance of promoting high-quality journalism globally. The award ceremony in November will bring together journalists and media professionals to celebrate outstanding achievements.
The shortlisting of Nigerian journalists Atsahyel and Nuhu highlights the country's rich talent pool of young journalists producing impactful work. Their stories showcase the complexities and challenges faced by communities in Nigeria and beyond. The Thomson Foundation's recognition of their work underscores the importance of supporting and empowering young journalists to tell critical stories.
Key points
- Two Nigerian journalists have been shortlisted for the 2026 Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year Award.
- The award recognizes outstanding journalism from young talent worldwide, with a focus on courage, survival, war, and investigations into corruption.
- The winner of the award will be announced at the annual Foreign Press Association Awards ceremony in London in November.
