Stephanie Busari, a Nigerian journalist born in 1977, has made an indelible mark in the field of journalism through her tenacity and dedication. Notable for her pivotal role in obtaining the “proof of life” video for the missing Chibok schoolgirls, Busari’s work led to negotiations with Boko Haram, resulting in the release of over 100 kidnapped schoolgirls.

With a robust educational background in French and Public Media from Trinity and All Saints College in Leeds, and an Advanced Diploma from the University of Rennes, Busari’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. She began her career at prestigious institutions such as the now-defunct New Nation and the Daily Mirror before joining CNN in 2008.

Busari’s exceptional work has garnered her prestigious accolades, including a Peabody Award for CNN’s coverage of the missing Nigerian schoolgirls and a Hollywood Gracie Award for her deep coverage of the same issue. Her 2017 TED talk, “How Fake News Does Real Harm,” has resonated globally, translated into over 37 languages and viewed over a million times.

Recognized for her leadership and influence, Busari was named a recipient of the Divas of Colour International Women’s Awards for Global Leadership in 2016 and was included in the inaugural global list of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in 2017, receiving the Hall of Fame Award. Recently, she was honored as the African Woman of the Year at the Pop Culture Africa Awards in 2022 for her outstanding strides on the global stage. Stephanie Busari’s unwavering commitment to journalism and her impact on global discourse make her an inspirational figure and a true trailblazer in the industry.