*BY SAMSON SHOAGA, Group Managing Editor, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER Inc USA
History came full circle in Africa’s most populous black nation, Nigeria on October 1st, 2025, in celebration of the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary as one of Africa’s most respected investigative journalists, Dr. George Elijah Otumu, Executive Editor & Group Managing Director of Naija Standard Newspaper Inc, USA, won the prestigious award as Most Outstanding Nigerian World Class Editor in the Diaspora 2025.
The ceremony, organized by the Elitist Media, the brain behind Distinguished Nigerian Awards (NDA) invited guests which had captains of industries, top functionaries in the federal and state governments in attendance. Also, in attendance there was a huge representation from members of the royal communities, diplomatic corps, the local and foreign press.
Highpoints of the ceremony were the presentation to various entrepreneurs, who had done well in their chosen careers, and the moment, Otumu was treated to a royal reception after receiving his historic award.
In his speech of acceptance, this global media executive firstly celebrates African journalists in the diaspora working under the toughest conditions.
He lamented the horrific challenges facing journalists in Gaza. He said: “Without an iota of doubt, Gaza is the most dangerous place in the world for journalists to cover news stories.
“At the risk of their lives and livelihood, hundreds of journalists are dying daily, being killed by the blood-thirsty IDF machines. Many of these reporters were starved of food, water and access to news coverage, just the same threat Palestinians are going through. I am aware that some of them drink their urine to avert starvation.
“Yes, the event of October 27 in Israel was bad and detestable, and all the hostages should be released immediately. But by International laws of war, journalists are not combatants, rather civilians since that law recognise the press badge, identification cards and camera of news crew.
“Israeli Prime Minister has broken all known laws in the world, and by his continuous wiping of an entire race or population, he has committed genocide and should face the International Criminal Court, ICC, in Hague to explain himself.
“Spiritually, the Holy Scripture says God All is the giver of life. Whenever the Israeli Prime Minister appears before God someday, he needs to explain why he has the blood of people in his hands whom he authorised to be wiped away in Gaza. He needs to explain why he broke God’s commandments which say: ‘Vengeance is mine’, ‘Hold your Peace, I’d fight for you’. Where are those Israelites in the Holy Bible that turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving to fight for them in times of war?
“As proposed by the United Nations, other nations in the world, the solution is having the State of Israel, State of Palestine side-by-side. Gaza should be demilitarized, food, and access to drinking water should be made available to the masses.
“Above all, journalists should not be targeted or killed by the IDF for just doing their job –bringing news behind news in Gaza to the people. If the IDF wipes off reporters in Gaza, who then takes up the responsibility to bring news to the people, just as it is happening on the ground?”
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