The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism and excellence in journalism, particularly in reporting developments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Key Highlights
- NCDMB reaffirms support for professional and responsible journalism in the oil and gas sector.
- Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe says the media is a key partner in communicating the board’s activities.
- The 13th Bayelsa Media Awards held in Yenagoa attracted journalists from several Niger Delta states.
- Three NCDMB-sponsored award categories recognised outstanding oil, gas and economic reporters.
- Each award winner received N1 million and a brand-new laptop.
- Bayelsa State Government urged journalists to strengthen their skills in digital journalism, fact-checking and investigative reporting.
NCDMB Reaffirms Support For Professional Journalism
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, gave the assurance at the 13th Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA), held in Yenagoa at the weekend.
Ogbe, who was represented by the Manager of Government Relations, Teddy Bai, said the media remained an important partner in communicating the board’s activities and promoting public understanding of developments in the oil and gas industry.
He noted that credible journalism plays a significant role in promoting accountability, shaping public discourse and informing citizens about development initiatives.
The executive secretary, who also participated in a panel discussion at the event, acknowledged the media’s contributions to the establishment, growth and visibility of the board.
He said NCDMB valued its longstanding relationship with media practitioners and remained committed to supporting initiatives that encourage responsible reporting.
Ogbe also commended the organisers of the awards for sustaining a platform that recognises professionalism and promotes healthy competition among journalists.
NCDMB-Sponsored Awards Recognise Niger Delta Journalists
The awards, which coincided with activities marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State, attracted media practitioners from Rivers, Cross River, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Delta states.
The NCDMB-sponsored awards featured three categories, with each winner receiving N1 million and a brand-new laptop.
The winners were:
- Blessing Ibunge of THISDAY Newspaper, Port Harcourt: Winner of the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year.
- Joseph Kunde of TVC Yenagoa: Winner of the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Report on Economy.
- Ebitimi Zitimiyola of NTA Yenagoa: Winner of the Oil and Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year award.
The awards recognised journalists whose reporting contributes to public understanding of the oil and gas industry and economic developments across the Niger Delta.
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Bayelsa Media Awards Promote Transparency
Earlier, the Chairman of the Bayelsa Media Awards, Victor Binawari, said the initiative was established to recognise media professionals whose contributions to promoting individuals, businesses and institutions often went unacknowledged.
Binawari said the organisers adopted transparent judging procedures, with experienced professionals and academics assessing entries based on their quality rather than the identities of the journalists.
He explained that the approach had strengthened the credibility of the awards and encouraged wider participation by journalists across the Niger Delta.
Bayelsa Government Urges Journalists To Improve Skills
In a keynote address, the Bayelsa State Government stressed the importance of professional journalism in promoting accountability and good governance.
The Secretary to the State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Nimizigha, said the media had contributed to public enlightenment through its coverage of government policies, development projects and security issues.
He urged journalists to sustain professional standards while strengthening their capacity in digital journalism, data analysis, fact-checking and investigative reporting.
13th Bayelsa Media Awards Celebrate Journalism Excellence
The 13th edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards celebrated journalists whose work contributes to public awareness and reporting on critical economic and industrial issues affecting the Niger Delta.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration among media organisations, government institutions and industry stakeholders in promoting credible reporting and public accountability.
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