...Describes her as an exceptional, investigative, versatile, humility personified, Philanthropist par excellence
With great joy and appreciation to God Almighty, I celebrate one of my best friends, Pastor Mrs Ann Godwin who by the grace of God has distinguished herself not only as an Amazon but as an exceptional journalist and wonderful child of God.
Angel Rose Godwin is the Guardian Newspaper Chief Correspondent in Rivers State
On my arrival to Rivers State about 16 years ago, I monitored this lady both as a friend and father and can assert that she deserves the best leadership award of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, (WSCIJ) Report Women Programm. An exceptional, simple, gentle and a workaholic who no matter how tasking any assignment given to her may look like she does it with joy and laughter.
In her congratulatory message another hardworking lady Journalist, Mrs Blessing Mbonu Ibunge of ThisDay Newspaper stated, "It can only be grace and hard work. Congratulations my Pastor, Leader, Encourager, Motivator, and Personal Person. May God continue to increase you in all your endeavours."
Lady Queeneth Roberts who knows her better described the award as Monumental Achievement and stated, "On the path to success, you never took a shortcut or slowed down, and I greatly respect you for that
God has truly gifted you with many talents, and I know He is pleased with the way you have chosen to use them.
You have used perseverance, perspiration, and personal performance to achieve perfect success. You have worked hard for this moment, and I couldn’t be more proud of you. I look forward to cheering you on in your next adventure. May you enjoy many other successful journeys in life. Amen"
Throwing more light on this historical award, Obinna Nwaoku a correspondent with the Guardian Newspaper in his report titled, "The Guardian correspondent, Ann Godwin, wins Soyinka journalism award" published on the front page of the great Guardian Newspaper, highlighted, "Godwin emerged overall winner from 21 participants selected from 146 applicants. 142 applicants were from Nigeria, and one each from Spain, Uganda, Gambia, and Kenya
Of the 146 applicants, 21 were selected across 10 states for fellowship, 13 of the selected applicants were picked from broadcast media (radio and television), five from online media and three from the print media.
Four other winners emerged. They are Kimberly Nwachukwu of Nigeria Info, Abuja; Bassey Ita Ikpang of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); Anita Eboigbe of Human Angle and Titilope Fadare of Premium Times.
Obinna further highlighted that Angel Rose Ann Godwin speaking shortly after receiving the award at Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, God said after intensive training and mentoring in July 2021, she set up a Step-Up Media Network, a network community of focused female journalists, who are determined to change the narratives through excellence in leadership and Newsroom reporting
Her story project, tagged ‘How Logistics, Security Agencies Frustrate Justice for Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)’ revealed the challenges, and travails of survivors of SGBV cases to get justice and enabled a survivor, Mrs Ifeoma Ganago, to receive freedom from the police net and also served as a caution to police officers, who may want to engage in acts that dehumanise women.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, said FRLP has been extremely impactful, noting that results have proven that for four years without stop.
Representative of OSIWA, Mr Paul Adeleye, said the media remained a beacon of hope to the society and stressed the need to make the profession more strategic by giving more space to female journalists.
Mr Lekan Otufodunrin and Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika urged the 2021 fellows to ensure the sustainability of projects to enable them to make more impact on society.
In conclusion, I join the entire world to celebrate this exceptional international Lady, investigative, versatile, Philanthropist par excellence, humility personified personality as she wins the Soyinka Leadership Award. I must state that I am so elated over this historical feat and pray for greater and better feats in future. Congratulations my Angel and Pastor.
