The African Centre for Development Journalism (ACDJ) has commemorated the first anniversary of the passing of its Executive Director and Editor-In-Chief, Mr. Rotimi Sankore, describing him as “mentor, and champion of truth, justice, and human dignity.”
In a press statement issued on Friday, April 12, 2025, the organization paid tribute to Sankore’s legacy as a journalist who “fiercely advocated for democratic accountability, human rights, gender equality, and public health across the African continent.”
According to the ACDJ, Sankore’s influence extended beyond traditional journalism as he led numerous projects aimed at elevating the quality and impact of development journalism in Africa.
His leadership was described as instrumental in shaping narratives that moved beyond headlines to address critical issues such as maternal health, migration, freedom of expression, and the rights of vulnerable communities.
“Rotimi believed in journalism as a force for good, not just to inform but to empower. He carried this belief with integrity, passion, and an unwavering resolve that earned him admiration across sectors and borders,” the statement read.
The organization highlighted Sankore’s unique combination of “intellectual rigour, moral clarity, and practical activism” as qualities that defined his approach to development journalism.
ACDJ expressed conviction that Sankore’s legacy continues through the countless lives he touched directly and indirectly through the media and through the evolution of Development Reporting as a journalism niche that he championed in Nigeria and across Africa.
ACDJ reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the values Sankore lived by, which include “speaking truth to power, holding institutions accountable, and telling the stories that too often go unheard.”
The organization extended thoughts and prayers to Sankore’s family, friends, and the community of journalists, activists, and citizens who continue to mourn his loss, while expressing hope that his legacy will “continue to inspire courage, action, and transformation.”