OYOMIND Publisher Gbenga Oyetola, 14 Others Shortlisted for Global Journalism Competition in Russia

The Publisher of OYOMIND News, Gbenga Oyetola Johnson, has been shortlisted alongside 14 other journalists and media professionals as finalists for an International Journalism Competition organised by New Day Education, in collaboration with RUDN University, Russia.

The shortlist places Oyetola among the 15 finalists selected for the international competition, with the finalists scheduled to travel to Russia in October 2026 as part of the programme.

The involvement of RUDN University, one of Russia’s prominent higher education institutions, adds an academic and international dimension to the programme, which is expected to provide participants with opportunities for professional development, exposure and engagement within an international educational environment.

Oyetola’s selection is being regarded as a significant recognition of his contributions to journalism and digital media, particularly through his work with OYOMIND News, an Ibadan-based online news platform.

As Publisher, Oyetola has played a key role in the growth and development of OYOMIND News, contributing to its editorial direction and efforts to provide timely reports and information to its growing audience.

The International Journalism Competition is expected to bring together selected journalists and media professionals from different countries, creating opportunities for participants to broaden their professional networks, gain international exposure and interact with other media practitioners.

The collaboration involving New Day Education and RUDN University is also expected to expose the selected finalists to aspects of Russia’s academic and professional environment as part of the activities lined up for the programme.

The selection of Oyetola among the finalists represents a notable achievement for OYOMIND News and the wider media community in Oyo State, while also placing his name among journalists selected to participate in an international programme in Russia.

The 15 shortlisted finalists are:
1. Raisha Jannat Rifat — Bangladesh
2. ⁠Mercy Olagunju
3. Abibat Ashiru
4. Ifeoluwa Ogunkola
5. Abu Sufian
6. Thi Hoai Le Phan
7. Khadijah Abdulazeez
8. Afeez Bashir
9. Munyal Manunyi Salami
10. Najeebat Oyerinde Oyewumi
11. Mathilda Frank
12. Ali Omeiza Abdullahi
13. Oluwasola Adebayo
14. Gbenga Oyetola Johnson
15. Abu Nowfel Shazed

The diverse list of finalists reflects the international nature of the competition, with participants from Nigeria, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

The 15 finalists are expected to proceed with further stages of the competition ahead of the planned October 2026 trip to Russia.

Further details about the activities lined up for the finalists, including programmes involving New Day Education and RUDN University, are expected to be announced by the organisers.