Celebrating ethical journalism and excellence, By Musikilu Mojeed

Tonight, we at Premium Times gather not just to honor the outstanding achievements of our staff, but to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to the principles of ethical journalism and excellence. As we celebrate our journey since our founding in 2011, we reflect on the risks taken and the profound responsibility we bear in serving the public, strengthening democracy, and holding power accountable.

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When Mr Olorunyomi led us to start PREMIUM TIMES in 2011, the mission was clear and unwavering: journalism must serve the public. It must strengthen democracy, defend human rights, and hold power accountable.

From our humble beginnings in Abuja, Premium Times has evolved into one of Africa's most respected investigative news platforms. Our global recognition stems from our rigorous, data-driven journalism and the courage to pursue difficult truths, even when uncomfortable. We are more than just a newsroom; we are an institution built on trust, courage, ethical discipline, and a deep commitment to the public good. Our impact, measured not just by growth but by the tangible accountability we drive, is what truly defines our success.

Our investigative reporting has consistently been a catalyst for change, exposing corruption in public institutions, uncovering the misuse of public funds, and prompting investigations by regulatory and law enforcement agencies. While our aim is never to target individuals, we follow the evidence wherever it leads, resulting in resignations, dismissals, and policy reviews. Furthermore, we have consistently amplified voices that might otherwise have gone unheard, bringing critical issues like the extrajudicial killings in Nigeria's South-East, including the Onitsha massacre, to national and international attention.

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PREMIUM TIMES has grown into one of Africa’s most respected investigative news platforms, recognised globally for rigorous reporting, data-driven journalism, and the courage to pursue difficult, often uncomfortable truths.

Our participation in global collaborations, such as the Panama Papers, further demonstrates that African journalism belongs at the center of global conversations. As the only Nigerian newsroom with direct access, we played a crucial role in exposing complex offshore financial networks. This event is a powerful reminder that our work transcends borders, contributing to a more transparent and just world. We are proud to be at the vanguard of investigative journalism in Africa, committed to shedding light on the truth and fostering a more accountable society.

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Our investigation into extrajudicial killings in Nigeria’s South-East, particularly the Onitsha massacre, did more than earn the prestigious Global Shining Light Award. It uncovered mass graves, documented grave human rights violations, and compelled national and international attention to abuses that might otherwise have remained hidden.