By Daniel Igboekwe
In a significant development for the media landscape in Nigeria, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has announced the sponsorship of a new award category titled “The NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting” at the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
The new prize aims to recognize and honor journalists who excel in reporting on energy issues, thereby enhancing public understanding of Nigeria’s complex energy landscape.
The announcement was made during an event in Lagos, aptly named “Celebrating the Voices of Impact.”
The introduction of this award marks a pivotal moment in promoting quality journalism in the energy sector, which is increasingly critical given the country’s vast natural resources and ongoing energy challenges.
NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, emphasized the importance of accurate and insightful reporting on energy matters.
He noted that the new prize would engage stakeholders, policymakers, and the public in meaningful discussions about energy issues, thereby shaping a more informed and proactive society.
At the same event, NLNG celebrated the media’s contribution to The Nigeria Prize for Literature and The Nigeria Prize for Science, recognizing its role in elevating the profile of these prestigious awards over the past 20 years.
The gathering featured a keynote address by Mrs. Funke Egbemode, a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and ex-Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Osun State.
In her address, titled “Celebrating the Voices of Impact: The NLNG Story,” Egbemode highlighted the media’s critical role in shaping public opinion, disseminating knowledge, and upholding democratic values in society.
Egbemode stressed the necessity for the media to act as a watchdog, promoting transparency and accountability while driving social change through investigative journalism and storytelling.
She called for a responsible and ethical media environment that fosters social development and supports democratic principles.
Additionally, she praised NLNG for its commitment to nurturing future generations of writers and innovators through its various prize initiatives, underscoring the positive impact of these efforts on Nigeria’s global reputation.
The event also included a fireside chat on “Leveraging Technology for Media Curation Advancement and Efficiency,” featuring Tayo Fagbule, Editor of BusinessDay, and Tolu Ogunlesi, former Special Assistant on Digital Media to the President. Moderated by Àníkẹ́adé Fúnkè Treasure, this discussion focused on the evolving role of technology in enhancing media practices and the importance of adapting to digital trends.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a One-Time Recognition Award to Prisca Sam-Duru, a prominent literary and arts reporter at Vanguard.
Her exceptional contributions to the coverage of The Nigeria Prizes were recognized, showcasing her commitment to quality journalism.
In addition to Sam-Duru, several other journalists were acknowledged for their exemplary reporting, including Chidinma Agu (News Agency of Nigeria), Terh Agbedeh (ThisisLagos), Gabriel Akinadewo (Freedom Online), and Sopuruchi Onwuka (The Oracle).
The award jury, consisting of industry experts Mr. Taiwo Obe, Ms. Kadaria Ahmed, and Mr. Chido Nwakanma, selected Sam-Duru based on criteria including Quality—measuring accuracy, depth, grammar, and language flow; Originality—evaluating independent work beyond press statements; Frequency—assessing the number of articles published; and Consistency—recognizing sustained coverage over the years.
For her achievements, Sam-Duru was awarded N5 million and a laptop, while other recognized journalists received various gifts.
Through the launch of the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting and the recognition of journalistic excellence, Nigeria LNG Limited continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a vibrant media landscape. By encouraging insightful coverage of energy issues and celebrating the contributions of dedicated journalists, NLNG aims to elevate the discourse surrounding critical national matters, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s media industry.