Rotimi Sankore (born June 5, 1968, in Lagos) was an esteemed journalist, researcher, and advocate for human rights who made notable impacts in media and development throughout Nigeria, Africa, and worldwide.
Throughout his professional journey, Sankore supported journalism that fostered democracy, equity, effective governance, and human rights. He engaged across print, broadcast, and digital media and led various media and advocacy organizations dedicated to social and political change.
He acted as the Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Africa Facility for Development Journalism, an institution that delivered strategic communication assistance to entities striving for political, economic, and social transformations on the continent.
Additionally, he was a previous Chair of the Editorial Board at the Nigeria Info Radio Group under the AIM Media Group, which oversees well-known stations like Nigeria Info, Cool FM, WaZoBia FM, and Arewa Radio in significant cities including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha.
During the Millennium Development Goals period (2000–2015), Sankore became the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of Africa Human & Social Development Information, leading the charge in utilizing data and statistics in journalism to shape policy and advocacy for development.
In the mid to late 1990s, he served as the founding editor of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Africa website, where he brought attention to matters like democracy, human rights, corruption, and public accountability.
Over time, he contributed to numerous prominent regional and international publications, such as The Guardian Nigeria, The Guardian UK, Mail & Guardian (South Africa), New African Magazine, Index on Censorship, The Journalist (UK), as well as Tempo and The News magazines in Nigeria.
He was also a distinguished broadcaster, recognized for hosting The Public Square on Nigeria Info Radio, a flagship program that analyzed governance, democracy, and public policy topics.
Sankore’s influence transcended journalism. He participated in various global development initiatives, offering consultancy to international organizations including UNFPA, UNAIDS, WHO, the African Development Bank, and the African Union Commission. He also partnered with the Geneva-based Global Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health.
Rotimi Sankore is survived by his mother, daughter, and brother. The family will disclose funeral arrangements at an appropriate time.
