The Guardian, one of the leading newspapers in the UK, has been recognised for its outstanding coverage of the automobile industry by a Nigerian NGO. The award was presented at a ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, where the Guardian’s global development team received the honour.
The NGO, which is called Mobility for All, is a non-profit organisation that promotes inclusive and environmentally friendly transportation solutions in Nigeria and beyond. The organisation said it chose the Guardian for its award because of its “in-depth and balanced reporting on the challenges and opportunities of the auto sector in the developing world”.
The Guardian’s global development team has been covering issues such as electric vehicles, public transport, road safety, air pollution, and climate change, with a focus on how they affect the lives and livelihoods of people in low- and middle-income countries. The team has also highlighted the innovations and initiatives that are transforming the mobility landscape in Africa and Asia.
The award citation praised the Guardian for its “journalistic excellence, social impact, and global reach”. It also commended the newspaper for its “commitment to giving a voice to the marginalised and vulnerable communities that are often overlooked or misrepresented in the mainstream media”.
A proud moment for the Guardian
The Guardian’s editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, said she was delighted and honoured by the award. She said the global development team was “a vital part of the Guardian’s mission to inform, inspire, and empower our readers around the world”.
She added: “We are very proud of the work they do, and the recognition they have received from Mobility for All. They have shown that the automobile industry is not only a source of economic growth and innovation, but also a key driver of social and environmental change. Their stories have shed light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the future of mobility, and the role that journalism can play in shaping it.”
The Guardian’s global development editor, Liz Ford, who accepted the award on behalf of the team, said she was grateful and humbled by the honour. She said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our reporters, editors, photographers, and multimedia producers, who have been covering the auto sector with passion and professionalism. They have brought to life the stories of the people and places that are at the forefront of the mobility revolution, and the issues and debates that matter to them.”
She also thanked the NGO for its “vision and leadership” in promoting sustainable mobility, and said she hoped the award would inspire more journalists and media outlets to cover the auto sector with “rigour and empathy”.
A boost for the auto sector in Nigeria
The award ceremony was attended by representatives from the Nigerian government, the automobile industry, civil society, and the media. The event also featured a panel discussion on the state and prospects of the auto sector in Nigeria, and a showcase of some of the latest models and technologies in the market.
The organisers said the award was aimed at celebrating and encouraging excellence in journalism, as well as raising awareness and stimulating dialogue on the importance of the auto sector for the development of Nigeria and the region. They said they hoped the award would also motivate and support the local auto industry to adopt more sustainable and inclusive practices, and to contribute to the national and global goals of reducing emissions and improving mobility for all.
