Adedokun Theophilus, Chief Correspondent for East Africa at African Angle, has once again demonstrated the power of fearless journalism. The seasoned reporter was recently honoured with the 2025 West Africa Media Award in Accra, Ghana, for his investigation titled “Dangote, In Quest for Cheap Energy, Pumps Poison into Benue Rivers.”
The story, which won in the Extractive Industry category, exposed how industrial waste and weak environmental oversight continue to threaten local communities in Benue State, Nigeria.
It was hailed by the judging panel for its “depth, precision, and social impact”, a hallmark of Theophilus’s reporting style.
In this exclusive interview, Adedokun speaks with Techparley about his journey as an investigative journalist, the significance of this latest recognition, and how technology is helping journalists across Africa deliver stories that are more accurate, data-driven, and socially impactful.
Recognition That Reflects Impact
Speaking to Techparley, Theophilus described the award as both a privilege and a validation of years spent pursuing stories that make a difference.
“I feel privileged to be recognised, to be the winner of the award,” he said. “What impresses journalists the most is to do a story and the story has an impact. Recognition like this shows you’re doing the right thing.”
Theophilus revealed that his investigation received widespread praise for its depth and accuracy, with readers and colleagues commending the comprehensiveness of his reporting.
“I’ve gotten good feedback. Everyone who has read the story says it’s in-depth and very comprehensive. I’m genuinely happy with the outcome.”
Technology as a Reporter’s Best Ally
While journalistic instinct and curiosity remain vital, Theophilus believes that technology now plays a central role in producing powerful and credible stories.
“The first technology that matters to you as a journalist is yourself—your curiosity, your grit,” he noted. “But I actually use a couple of technologies. You have to analyse documents, transcribe interviews, and manage data efficiently.”
He credits tools such as Google’s Pinpoint for transcribing and analysing large sets of data, and Google’s advanced search functions for refining research processes.
“Advanced Google search gives me leverage,” he explained. “It helps me uncover hard-to-find information that deepens my reporting.”
Beyond research and transcription, Theophilus also embraces digital design and data visualisation tools to enhance storytelling and reader engagement.
“I use Canva to present data, design infographics, and create visual elements,” he shared. “Sometimes I use Datawrapper and Venngage too. These tools make complex data easier for audiences to understand.”
About the Journalist
At African Angle, Adedokun Theophilus reports across East and Sub-Saharan Africa on underreported stories that shape lives, influence public discourse, and drive accountability. Before joining African Angle, Theophilus served as an Evidence-Based Community Reporter and Fact-Checker at InvestigateNigeria.
He also gained valuable newsroom experience as a Graduate Intern at The ICIR (International Centre for Investigative Reporting) and as a Reporting Intern at theFederal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
He’s an alumnus of Tai Solarin University of Education, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature.
What This Means
Theophilus’s recent win underscores a broader evolution in African journalism, where technology, collaboration, and data-driven reporting are empowering journalists to tell more impactful stories.
For him, awards are not merely personal achievements, they are reminders of journalism’s responsibility to hold power accountable and to amplify the voices of affected communities.
As Africa’s media market revenue is projected to reach $35.57bn in 2025, industry experts say journalists like Theophilus represent the new face of storytelling on the continent, one that blends traditional reporting values with the power of technology and data.
Talking Points
It is inspiring to see how journalists like Adedokun Theophilus are redefining investigative reporting in Africa by merging traditional journalistic rigour with modern technology.
His award-winning investigation demonstrates that impactful journalism today is as much about storytelling as it is about smart use of data, digital tools, and visual evidence.
At Techparley, we recognise how technology is becoming the new backbone of credible journalism, empowering reporters to analyse vast data sets, transcribe interviews accurately, and communicate findings more visually and effectively. This shift is helping African journalists overcome traditional barriers of access, speed, and verification.
However, there’s still work to be done. Many newsrooms across the continent lack access to adequate digital infrastructure, training, and funding to fully embrace data-driven journalism. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for sustaining credibility and impact in a competitive digital ecosystem.
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