TheCable’s Femi Owolabi shortlisted for ‘Free Pens for Democracy’ award in France

Femi Owolabi, head of investigations at Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation (CNJF), has been shortlisted for the maiden edition of the Free Pens for Democracy award in Strasbourg, France. 

He was named in the best article category for his investigation into the plight of soldiers fighting insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast — INVESTIGATION: How soldiers fighting Boko Haram beg for food and sleep in classrooms.

Owolabi was shortlisted alongside Jamal Khashoggi of the Washington Post, Sahil Chinoy of the New York Times, and 17 other outstanding journalists from reputable newspapers across the globe.

The award by Courrier International,  in partnership with the City of Strasbourg, France, is intended to “reward the journalistic activities of the international media for the defense of democracy”.

The winners will be awarded on the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at the Odyssée cinema, as part of the World Forum for Democracy, to be hosted by the City of Strasbourg.

The World Forum for Democracy is “a unique event that allows policymakers and activists to discuss solutions to the challenges” facing democracies across the world.

The prizes to be given at the World Forum for Democracy 2019 in Strasbourg and will consist of three categories: best article,  best political cartoon, and best political cartoon (as chosen by the public).

Dedicated to the practice of journalism with a firm belief in its far-reaching power to positively shape society, Femi Owolabi has continued his steady progression as a conscientious and brave journalist, advancing causes of real significance especially through the demanding endeavour of investigative journalism.

In a professional journey that took off on a freelance platform, Owolabi’s career quickly expanded to include established media platforms, featuring notable projects on security, education, corruption, among others, for which he has received prestigious recognitions and awards.

He was appointed the head of investigations at CNJF in May 2017 — and has gone on to lead many investigative projects, shaping policy actions in Nigeria.

Of particular note is his series of investigative work on the Boko Haram insurgency and the associated issues surrounding the IDPs, the military, and the reconstruction effort.

A voracious reader, ardent researcher, and extensive networker, Owolabi has received journalism training within and outside Nigeria, and has remained open to new learning opportunities, underscoring his commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

The Courrier International, which established the “Plumes libres pour la démocratie” (Free pens for democracy) award, is a weekly newspaper that translates and publishes excerpts of articles from more than 900 newspapers worldwide.

Marjane Satrapi, screenwriter, director and Franco-Iranian illustrator, who sponsors the award and serves as president of the jury, will be present at the award ceremony.