NLNG celebrates journalists with awards for over 20 years of reporting
Last Friday, the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) hosted a momentous celebration honouring journalists and media houses for their significant contributions over the past two decades.
The event, aptly themed “Celebrating the Voices of Impact,” was an inspiring gathering filled with surprises and joy, leaving many attendees in awe of the organisation’s dedication to acknowledging their hard work and influence in nation-building.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as esteemed journalist Kadaria Ahmed addressed the audience, highlighting the longstanding challenges faced by media professionals in Nigeria. She articulated the harsh realities of brutalisation and marginalisation that journalists often endure, making NLNG’s recognition even more poignant.
“It is heartening to see an organisation that values our contribution and stands in solidarity with us,” Ahmed remarked, emphasising the importance of such gestures in an industry that often feels undervalued.
NLNG’s celebration showcased its unwavering commitment to the welfare of journalists and its organisational ethos of appreciation. As part of the festivities, the company marked its 20th anniversary of awarding prestigious prizes across various fields, reflecting its long-standing support for excellence in literature and science.
Notably, NLNG sponsors some of Africa’s most esteemed awards, including The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature, each carrying a substantial reward of $100,000. Additionally, The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism offers a generous cash prize of N1 million, further underscoring NLNG’s dedication to fostering talent in the arts and sciences.
During the celebration, NLNG took the opportunity to recognize journalists who have consistently attended its prize events over the years. This included awards for the most punctual journalist and the one who posed the most thought-provoking questions. Such accolades serve to highlight the company’s attention to detail and appreciation for the diligence and consistency exhibited by the media professionals in attendance.
In an exciting development, NLNG announced the introduction of a new award category at the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME): “The NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.” This initiative aims to recognize journalists who excel in covering critical energy issues, thereby helping to shape public understanding of Nigeria’s energy landscape. The award seeks to encourage insightful coverage that engages stakeholders, policymakers, and the public on essential energy matters, reinforcing NLNG’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism.
The event featured a keynote address by Mrs. Funke Egbemode, a respected figure in the media landscape and former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
In her speech titled “Celebrating the Voices of Impact: The NLNG Story,” she emphasised the vital role of the media in shaping public opinion and disseminating knowledge. Mrs. Egbemode highlighted the media’s function as a watchdog in society, promoting transparency and accountability while driving social change through investigative journalism and compelling storytelling. She called for a responsible and ethical media system that can continue to uphold democratic principles and foster social development.
The evening also included a fireside chat titled “Leveraging Technology for Media Curation Advancement and Efficiency.”
This engaging discussion featured prominent industry figures, including Tayo Fagbule, Editor of BusinessDay, and Tolu Ogunlesi, former Special Assistant on Digital Media to the President. The session was expertly moderated by Àník¹ìadé Fúnkè Treasure, focusing on how technological advancements can enhance media curation and improve the efficiency of news reporting.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a One-Time Recognition Award to Prisca Sam-Duru, a distinguished literary and arts reporter at Vanguard, for her exceptional contributions in covering NLNG’s prizes. This award was a testament to her dedication and impact in the field. Other journalists recognised for their exemplary coverage included Chidinma Agu from the News Agency of Nigeria, Terh Agbedeh from ThisisLagos, Gabriel Akinadewo from Freedom Online, and Sopuruchi Onwuka from The Oracle. Their achievements reflect the diversity and talent present in Nigeria’s media landscape.
NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, delivered an impassioned speech acknowledging the media’s vital role in providing insightful reporting on the company’s prizes. He remarked on the significance of these awards in elevating the discourse surrounding science and technology in Nigeria.
“The media is instrumental in encouraging collaboration and investment in these vital fields,” he stated, “and in shining a light on the power of literature to inspire change and foster understanding.”
The event not only celebrated the achievements of journalists but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of media in shaping public discourse and contributing to societal progress. It marked a significant step in fostering a collaborative relationship between NLNG and the media, reinforcing the idea that when organisations and journalists work together, they can drive meaningful change in society.
As the evening concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for their roles in the media landscape, bolstered by NLNG’s commitment to supporting and recognizing their efforts. This celebration was more than just an event; it was a testament to the enduring impact of journalism in Nigeria and a hopeful vision for its future.
