Citizen TV news anchor, Jeff Koinange, surprised his colleague, Victoria Rubadiri, after she announced a three-month break from the Royal Media Services (RMS) station.
Rubadiri, will attend a three-month training in London, UK, courtesy of the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award she won in 2020.
Koinange appreciated Rubadiri, praising her for her work ethic, dedication to work, before gifting her a cake to celebrate her milestone.
“Well done, you are a great co-host and the show has been amazing. Enjoy London and make us proud," Jeff told Rubadiri.
“We know you are going to shine like a diamond. Here is a cake for you. We will cut it afterwards, but for now, let us wish you all the best Victoria.”
The training will commence in September and run through December 2021. Rubadiri acknowledged that she will miss Jeff and other employees of Citizen TV, who were instrumental in her win of the coveted award.
“This is so beautiful. Thank you so much. The time has come. London is calling. I will miss you, Jeff. I will see you in December,” the elated Rubadiri stated.
“I will miss you too. Go do your thing. What are we gonna do (when Rubadiri is gone). Time will fly by,” Jeff consoled himself.
In September 2020, while announcing Rubadiri as the sixth winner of the award, Director of BBC World Service Group, Jamie Angus, noted that judges were impressed by her passion for telling African stories.
Rubadiri will temporarily work with BBC news teams across TV, radio and digital after her training.
"I am excited at the prospect of learning new skills at the BBC to be able to connect with audiences locally, regionally and internationally, no matter on which platform the story is being told," Rubadiri stated in an interview with the BBC.
“Komla was a well-rounded journalist whose style, though authoritative, was also compassionate, empathetic and uplifting. His ability to give the facts comprehensively, and yet still be attuned to his audience, was something I admired and a skill I seek to emulate.”
In 2018, her colleague Waihiga Mwaura became the first male journalist to clinch the Komla Dumor Award.
