It is often said that bad news sells more than good. This seems especially true for climate change, where stories of catastrophe, disasters, and devastation dominate headlines. The Climate Media Spotlight Award aims to change this narrative by honoring journalists in Nigeria who focus on solution-centric reporting of climate change issues.

There is a critical need to highlight more climate solution stories, particularly from the African continent, which has long faced negative media portrayals. While much of the reporting about Africa leans towards despair, the continent is home to numerous indigenous climate solutions and adaptation practices that could serve as models for a resilient world.

The maiden edition of the Climate Media Spotlight Award, held on November 5, 2024, celebrated six outstanding journalists from Nigeria in both print and audiovisual media platforms. These individuals were recognised for their impactful works that not only illustrate the impacts of climate change but also propose actionable solutions to the challenges identified.

The winners of this inaugural edition include:

Audiovisual Category:

• First Prize: Zainab Oyiza Sanni (The Weekend Show on AIT)
• First Runner-Up: Bettina Nwelih (News Central TV)
• Second Runner-Up: Hauwa Bukar Kumshe (Independent Producer)

Print Category:

• First Prize: Patience Ivie Ihejirika (Leadership Newspaper)
• Second Prize: Chiamaka Obiageli Enendu (Daily Trust)
• Third Prize: Ini Ekott (Pluboard)

Congratulations to these high-flying journalists for shifting the narrative towards resilience and innovation!