– Honoured for fearless frontline reporting during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza
– Recognised for risking his life to expose civilian suffering and rights abuses
– He resumed reporting on crutches after losing leg in two-year Israeli assault
Veteran Palestinian photojournalist and cameraman with TRT Arabi, Sami Shehadeh, has been named the Global Muslim Media Person of the Year 2024/2025 by Muslim News Nigeria, as part of its prestigious #MNAwards initiative.
The announcement was made on Friday, November 28, 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria, by the Publisher of the country’s most authoritative Islamic Newspaper, Alhaji Rasheed Abubakar.
The annual award recognises outstanding Muslim professionals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields for the benefit of humanity, particularly those whose efforts are often underrepresented or overlooked in global media.
According to Abubakar, Shehadeh was selected for his fearless and unwavering coverage during the two-year Israeli genocide war on Gaza, reporting under life-threatening conditions to document civilian suffering and bring global attention to human rights violations.
“On April 12, 2024, Shehadeh was severely injured when Israeli forces targeted his press team while they prepared a live broadcast at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza,” he said, adding, “Despite wearing protective gear and clearly marked ‘PRESS’ vests, their crew was hit by a tank shell. The deadly Israeli attack led to the amputation of his leg.
“Remarkably, Shehadeh returned to the field shortly after, using crutches and later a prosthetic leg, continuing his journalism amid ongoing bombardments. His return stunned the world and reflected the true spirit of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to truth,” Alhaji Abubakar said.
The Muslim News Nigeria publisher also used the occasion to commend all journalists who have resisted Israeli oppression, particularly those in Gaza, praying for Almighty Allah’s mercy on the over 250 media professionals killed since the war began in October 2023.
He called on the international community and global media bodies not to let Israel’s murder of journalists go unpunished, insisting that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
Abubakar recalled that in 2023, Wael Al-Dahdouh, the Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera Arabic in Gaza, received the same honour for his steadfastness in reporting despite losing most of his family in Israeli attacks.
“Like Wael, Sami Shehadeh’s story is one of unwavering courage,” Alhaji Abubakar continued.
“Since launching his career in 2008, he has covered every major Israeli assault on Gaza – 2008, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the current war, capturing the human toll of war through his lens and putting his life on the line to tell the truth,” he said.
“Shehadeh exemplifies the values of this award: courage, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to the Muslim Ummah. He gives voice to the voiceless and holds oppressors accountable,” Alhaji Abubakar concluded.
Other past winners of the category include Mohamed Ali Harrath (2021), founder of Islam Channel UK, for pioneering Muslim media representation and Rana Ayyub (2022), an Indian investigative journalist, for her fearless reporting on human rights and anti-Muslim persecution.
Sami Shehadeh Emerges Global
Muslim Media Person of the Year #MNAwards2024/2025– Honoured for fearless frontline reporting during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza @TRTArabi cameraman who lost a leg in #Gaza, returned to frontline reporting with crutches, then a prosthetic… pic.twitter.com/yDj434uZjJ
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) November 29, 2025
Finalists for Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year (#MNAwards20242025)
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