In a glittering celebration of excellence and courage in journalism, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Editor-in-Chief of Empirical Magazine, has been conferred with the prestigious Press Freedom Champion Award by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The award was presented during this year’s Press Week celebration, which took place at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The landmark event brought together media executives, government officials, civil society leaders, and veteran journalists to honour outstanding contributions to the media profession and the defence of democratic values in Nigeria.
Mr. Victor was honoured alongside top media executives from Arise TV, news Central and Leadership Newspaper. Other distinguished awardees included the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, and former IGP, Mike Okiro. More than 20 journalists were recognised across various categories for their remarkable service to the industry.
The Press Freedom Champion Award specifically celebrates Livinus Chibuike Victor’s unwavering advocacy for press freedom and the protection of journalists across the country. As a fearless journalist who has personally experienced intimidation and unlawful detention in the line of duty, his resilience and commitment to free speech have earned him widespread admiration.
Colleagues and attendees at the event described the award as “well-deserved,” highlighting Victor’s consistent voice against attacks on media practitioners, unlawful arrests, and any form of harassment aimed at silencing the press. His work continues to inspire a new generation of journalists to uphold truth, accountability, and professional integrity even in the face of adversity.
Speakers at the high-profile gathering stressed the critical role of a free and independent press in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. They called on government authorities and security agencies to prioritise the safety of journalists and create an enabling environment for them to perform their constitutional responsibilities without fear.
The recognition of Livinus Chibuike Victor comes as a timely boost to the journalism profession in Nigeria, reinforcing the message that courage, dedication, and the defence of press freedom remain the bedrock of credible and impactful media practice.
This honour not only celebrates Victor’s personal achievements but also shines a light on the ongoing struggle for press freedom in the country, encouraging all stakeholders to continue championing the rights and welfare of media professionals.
