Francis Dufugha
…Commends Journalistic Excellence, Pledges Continued Support for BMA
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has fulfilled its promise to reward three outstanding journalists who emerged winners in its sponsored categories at the 13th edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA), presenting each with a cash prize of ₦1 million and a brand-new laptop.
The presentation ceremony took place on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Board’s corporate headquarters, the Nigerian Content Tower, Oxbow Lake, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The beneficiaries, who distinguished themselves through outstanding reportage in various categories, included Mr. Joseph Kunde of TVC News, winner of the Niger Delta Region’s Report on Economy category; Mrs. Ebinimi Zitimiyola of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who emerged winner of the Niger Delta Region’s Report on Oil and Gas of the Year (Electronic); and Mrs. Blessing Ibunge of THISDAY Newspaper, Port Harcourt, who clinched the Niger Delta Region’s Report on Oil and Gas (Print) award.
Speaking during the presentation, the General Manager, Corporate Communications of NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, congratulated the award recipients on their achievements, describing their recognition as a testament to professionalism, dedication and excellence in journalism.
Ezeobi noted that the NCDMB-sponsored categories had become among the most coveted honours at the Bayelsa Media Awards, given the prestige and substantial rewards attached to them.
He commended the organisers for expanding the scope of the awards beyond Bayelsa State to accommodate journalists across the Niger Delta region, describing the development as a significant step towards promoting healthy competition and raising professional standards in the media industry.
The NCDMB spokesperson further challenged the organisers to consider transforming the Bayelsa Media Awards into a national platform in subsequent editions, assuring them of the Board’s continued support for initiatives that encourage excellence in journalism.
Earlier in his remarks, the Project Manager of the Bayelsa Media Awards, Mr. Victor Binawari, expressed appreciation to the NCDMB for its unwavering commitment to the growth and sustainability of the awards.
Binawari disclosed that the Board had consistently sponsored the awards for nine consecutive editions, describing its support as a major pillar behind the credibility and growing prominence of the BMA.
He likened the Board’s commitment to the constancy of the Northern Star, noting that its sustained partnership had helped position the awards as a reputable platform for recognising outstanding media practitioners in the Niger Delta.
The BMA Project Manager also congratulated the three winners for bringing honour to their respective media organisations, families and the journalism profession.
According to him, the recognition goes beyond the monetary rewards, as it provides opportunities for professional advancement, greater visibility and career development.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, the winners expressed gratitude to the management of NCDMB and the organisers of the Bayelsa Media Awards for recognising and rewarding excellence in journalism.
They noted that the initiative had continued to inspire journalists and media practitioners to remain committed to responsible, investigative and development-oriented reporting.
The recipients further described the awards as a source of encouragement to journalists whose contributions to society often go unnoticed despite the challenges associated with the profession.
The ceremony was attended by officials of the Corporate Communications Division of NCDMB and members of the Bayelsa Media Awards organising committee.
The presentation of the ₦3 million cash prizes and three laptops further underscored NCDMB’s commitment to supporting media excellence and strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Bayelsa Media Awards.
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