A New Correspondent for International

Emmanuel Akinwotu, a powerful storyteller with a wealth of experience reporting in Africa, is bringing his talents to the International desk as a West Africa correspondent.

Emmanuel was most recently an international correspondent based in Nigeria for National Public Radio. He has reported on hospitals overwhelmed by years of conflict in Sudan and on the waves of foreigners of African heritage making their way to Ghana as part of the "Year of Return." He has also distinguished himself with coverage of art, music and culture, interviewing some of the most recognized African pop artists, including Tems and Davido. His latest piece for NPR was a multimedia project charting the Lagos-Abidjan corridor and its rapidly growing population.

Emmanuel is no stranger to The Times's newsroom. He worked as a stringer with Dionne Searcey when she was the West Africa bureau chief and helped produce an investigation revealing how the Nigerian military killed more than 40 unarmed Shiite protesters in 2018, undercutting official denials.

"Of the stringers I managed in 25 countries, Emmanuel immediately stood out as not only a great reporter but one with unique story ideas and a deep passion for covering the region," Dionne said. "He's intrepid and humble, a rare combination. If you haven't heard his story on extortion at his grandfather's funeral , you're missing out."

Emmanuel was born in South London to parents who migrated to Britain from Nigeria. He studied at Goldsmiths, University of London, and is an avid tennis player and fan of Manchester United and the Philadelphia 76ers. He will be based in Lagos with his wife. Please welcome him.

- Phil, Greg and Lauretta