New Vision scoops maiden Citi Journalism Award

PIC: New Vision writer Samuel Sanya. (Courtesy photo)

AWARD | RECOGNITION

New Vision business and finance writer, Samuel Sanya, has scooped the 2018 Citi Journalistic Excellence Award for Uganda. The programme recognises the best of business and finance reporting around the world.

This is the first time the award has been held in Uganda. However, the Citi Journalistic Excellence Award (CJEA) began in 1982 as a way to recognise journalists for excellence in financial and business reporting in the markets in which Citi does business around the world.

Speaking about the award, Ben Opolot, the New Vision managing editor, said: "This is a vote of confidence in the quality of our work, our professional approach and the relevance of our work. This public acknowledgement will make us work even harder and continue to do a good job."

The nominees are selected by independent panels Citi assembles. The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism screens those nominated and selects the winner for each territory.

Sanya submitted three articles titled: "Are tax incentives delivering jobs, economic growth?", "Mombasa, Dar rivalry to deliver gains to Uganda", and "Banks, developer's partner to boost affordable housing" to the panel.

The most prominent aspect of the award is the winners' participation in an 8-day business and financial seminar in New York City, which is administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and sponsored by Citi.

The programme offers participants rigorous workshops in the principles of accounting and finance, and exposure to institutions, policy makers, and other thought leaders in the US. Since its inception, more than 340 talented journalists from over 100 media outlets in 39 countries have attended the seminar.

As part of the award, Sanya will attend an exclusive study tour hosted by Columbia University in New York from May 29 to June 7, 2018.

"Many previous winners consider the study tour to be a career enhancing experience, participating in sessions with leading Columbia University faculty members, engaging in discussions with senior academics, journalists, bankers and policy makers. They also visit institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange, the World Bank, the IMF and the Federal Reserve Bank," a statement from Citi says.