Tolu Ogunlesi, a renowned journalist and freelance writer for Ventures Africa, has won the 2013 CNN/MultiChoice Africa Journalist of the Year Award.

The Nigerian writer emerged as the top journalist under the Coca-Cola sponsored Economics and Biz Awards category for his piece chronicling the beach front metropolis, Eko Atlantic City in Lagos – the commercial hub of Nigeria.

Titled Eko Atlantic City: A Mammoth New Development On The Coastline of Lagos, Ogunlesi’s winning article narrates the social and commercial implications of the soon-to-be “Manhattan of West Africa”, emphasizing the contrasting fortunes of living standards of most Nigerians – particularly the poorer percentage – which boast a significantly large portion of the construction team, and the potential inhabitants – the richer end.

Tolu, who was flanked by fellow Nigerian winner Toyosi Ogunseye for her environmentally focused article, The Rich Also Cry, dedicated his award to the oppressed and poorly treated citizens across Africa and worldwide.

Other recipients of the award include South African duo Msindisi Fengu and Yandisa Monakali.