Two newsmen from Punch newspaper, Dayo Oketola and Folashade Adebayo, are among the 34 finalists’ list for the 2016 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Award.

Announcing the news in a press statement on Monday, chairman of the Independent Judges Panel, Ferial Haffajee, said the competition received the highest of entries this year, adding that there were 34 finalists from 14 countries.

He said, “This year, the competition received 1637 entries-a record number- from 38 countries across the continent, including French and Portuguese-speaking Africa.’’

Five other Nigerian journalists across the print and online platforms, also made the list of the award.

According to Haffajee, winners would be announced in a ceremony to be hosted in South Africa in October.

Oketola, A graduate of Journalism from the Lagos State University, Lagos, is the Head of News and Politics, Saturday Punch.  Adebayo is a Senior Correspondent with The Punch.

According to Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International, finalists will enjoy an all-expense paid four day programme of workshops, media forums and networking in Johannesburg, South Africa, culminating in a Gala Award Ceremony in October 2016.

He said: “This year has seen a record number of entries for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, from a diverse array of countries across the continent. The passion which African journalists display for telling compelling and top class stories knows no bounds. Once more, CNN proudly continues its commitment to encouraging inspired journalistic excellence with these awards.”