… says we can’t look away from extreme violence
The host of Inside Sources on Channels Television and a former presidential spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, has been honoured with the 2026 “Voice of Truth” recognition at the US Nigeria Faith Heroes Award for his commitment to factual and courageous reporting on insecurity and the persecution of Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
The award was presented during the 2026 Faith Defender Award Gala organised by Save Nigeria Group USA in partnership with the U S-Nigeria Civil Society Coalition at the Hilton Garden Inn, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. on June 26,2026.
The award citation praised Akande for his “unwavering commitment to factual, courageous reporting on the systematic persecution of Christians and other groups in Nigeria,” describing his television programme, Inside Sources, as “a beacon of clarity and a vital platform for the voiceless” at a time of “compromised narratives.”
Receiving the award, Akande expressed gratitude to the organisers and said the event brought together Nigerians and Americans in a common effort to address Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
“It’s been a wonderful event that we’ve had here today,” he said. “The Save Nigeria Group Coalition brought together a number of Nigerians and Americans, with tremendous involvement of top Nigerian Christian leaders.”
Akande singled out Pastor Enoch Adeboye for what he described as his passionate presentation on the country’s security challenges.
“Pastor Adeboye is by far the most compelling gift that Nigeria has to the world,” he said. “He spoke very eloquently and passionately about the insecurity and ethnic violence in the country.”
According to Akande, the gathering was aimed at mobilising greater support from the United States government, institutions and citizens to help Nigeria tackle the persistent wave of violence.
“We, as Nigerians, government and people, do need help to terminate this bloodletting. We need help to end these gruesome murders that are going on in the country,” he said.
He expressed optimism that continued support from the United States, particularly the American government, the President and the U.S. Congress, would contribute to efforts to curb the violence.
Akande also thanked the organisers for recognising his work, describing the award as an encouragement to continue amplifying the voices of victims of violence.
“I’m delighted not just to be the co-master of ceremonies, but also to be a recipient,” he said. “I want to thank the organisers for recognising the work I have been able to do by the grace of God to give voice to the cries of the victims.”
He stressed that his reporting was not intended to attack the Nigerian government but to draw attention to the plight of victims and seek practical assistance.
“I’m not interested in condemning the government or using this against the government,” Akande said. “I’m interested in getting help wherever the help exists for the victims, and getting help for us as a people to terminate the killings.”
The US Nigeria Faith Heroes Award recognises individuals whose contributions have advanced truth, justice, religious freedom and humanitarian advocacy concerning Nigeria’s security and human rights challenges.