Kunle Daramola, a reporter with TheCable, has been shortlisted for the Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award 2024.
The Young Journalist Award is an annual competition now in its twelfth year. It partners with the UK Foreign Press Association (FPA) and is open to journalists aged 30 and under from countries with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of less than $20,000.
Daramola was among 12 journalists shortlisted out of 275 candidates from 64 countries.
According to the announcement by the organisers, Daramola’s entry stood out of 825 stories submitted for the global award.
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His two-part report revealed the exploitation of workers in Lagos factories, where he went undercover to expose the horrendous conditions.
The first part investigated the condition of Matthew Eworo, a 29-year-old worker whose hand was stuck in the base of an active mixer while on a night shift at Monaplex Plastic Industries on August 31.
The story also exposed the failure of the company to provide protective and safety measures for its workers.
The second part investigated the exploitation and extortion of young workers in two hair factories despite being paid N200 (less than a dollar) per hour.
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After the investigation, the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) sealed off the Monaplex Plastic factory, and Eworo also had hand surgery, which made his condition better.
“The investigative story secured long-overdue compensation for Matthew Eworo, the wounded factory worker, after months of neglect and suffering,” Daramola said.
“The award shortlist reaffirms my passion for storytelling that drives positive change and improves lives.
“Being shortlisted for global recognition only fuels my determination to continue shedding light on critical issues and amplifying voices that need to be heard.”
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The three finalists for the award will be chosen from the shortlist of 12. The winner will be announced at the Foreign Press Association Awards in London, UK, on November 25.
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