The winning report was funded by the founder of The Colonist Report Africa, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi and was published by The Colonist Report and The Colonist Report Africa.
The Colonist Report Africa has been named a winner of the Covering Climate Now Award in the Food and Agriculture category, alongside other leading global media organisations.
The winning story, “Sinking Homes and Farmlands: Climate Crisis Worsens in Nigeria,” was authored by Faith Imbu, Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi, and Kevin Woke.
The investigation combined underground reporting, satellite imagery, and Artificial Intelligence to expose the devastating toll of climate change on rural Nigerian communities—where rising floods are swallowing homes, crippling farmlands, and pushing families to the brink. Despite millions documented by the Nigerian government to support flood victims, the investigation revealed minimal aid reaching those in remote areas.
Judges described the story as “innovative and powerful,” praising the use of satellite imagery, AI tools, and fearless fieldwork to uncover a silent disaster that continues to displace lives and threaten national food security.
“All in all, it’s an incredible effort from a small but mighty newsroom,” the judges said, commending the journalists for taking risks and drawing attention to underserved communities.
Reacting to the recognition, founder Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi said: “This recognition is an encouragement for The Colonist Report Africa team to continue our work holding power accountable and giving voice to the voiceless.”
This marks the organisation’s first major award since officially launching its investigative stories in January 2024.
Since the publication of the investigation, it has gained global recognition in the journalism space. Several journalists worldwide have contacted the newsroom to learn how AI was used to investigate, analyse large amounts of data, and fact-check information.
In December 2024, The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism invited founder Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi for an exclusive interview to discuss the investigation and the newsroom’s AI-driven methods. In June 2025, the UK’s Centre for Investigative Journalism invited her to speak about the project and train other journalists on using AI in investigative reporting. Similarly, several professors and researchers writing about AI and journalism have invited the team to share insights from the investigation.
🔗 Read the award-winning story here:
Sinking Homes and Farmlands: Climate Crisis Worsens in Nigeria
