TheCable

The World Press Photo, a Netherlands-based non-profit organisation, has selected Sodiq Adelekun, a visual journalist, among the judges for the 2024 documentary photography awards.

In a statement on Monday, the organisation said Adelekun was selected to join the African judges out of the six continental body of juries which consist of five members each.

The judges will be reviewing the 2024 submissions for the award and selecting the winning photographs and stories shot in Africa.

The organisation said the entries would be shown to the global judges after it has been reviewed by the African juries, adding that the process will be done in several rounds.

It will be reviewed over the period of six weeks in January and February 2024 in South Africa.

Adelakun, a Channels TV senior photo editor, is the second Nigerian photojournalist to be awarded the World Press Photo prize.

Adelakun receiving 2023 award in the Netherlands

He is also the first Nigerian winner to become a member of the jury.

Commenting on the nomination, he expressed appreciation for being selected to represent Nigeria in reviewing visualised stories about the African continent.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to represent my country, most especially Africa in such a time where impactful visual journalism needs to be resuscitated for budding visual journalists,” he said.

The 30-member jury

“I look forward to seeing innovative inclusion of African stories, most especially stories that can elevate and put Africa on the pinnacle.”

Adelakun was a former Punch newspaper photojournalist, and a contributor for AFP, with vast experience in visual storytelling.

The 2024 world press photo contest is currently open for entries till January 2024.

The contest accepts multiplicity of stories from photographers across the world.

The winner of the photography contest stands a chance to win up to €6,000 and a global travelling exhibition.