The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has announced a major increase in the prize money for its three sponsored categories in the Bayelsa Media Awards. The agency has raised the cash reward from one hundred and fifty thousand naira to one million naira, along with a new laptop for each individual winner.
The categories sponsored by the Board are the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year, NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year, and NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Economy Reporter of the Year.
Each of these awards previously carried a prize of one hundred and fifty thousand naira and a laptop for the winner.
The announcement was made by the NCDMB’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, at the Board’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. He explained that the decision was in line with the Board’s mandate to build capacity and promote talents in sectors tied to the oil and gas industry.
“This increase is consistent with our dedication to promoting excellence and encouraging the media to play its vital role in local content promotion and implementation,” Dr. Ezeobi said.
He expressed appreciation to the NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, for approving the increment and recognizing the critical roles of the media and strategic communication in national development. Dr. Ezeobi stressed the importance of celebrating and rewarding excellence in vital sectors, saying this would inspire commitment and motivate future generations.
According to him, the revised prize amount now positions the Bayelsa Media Awards as one of the most rewarding award platforms in Nigeria’s media sector.
He also pointed out that NCDMB has been rated the best performing federal agency in the country for three consecutive years by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.
Highlighting the agency’s support to the media over the past 15 years, Dr. Ezeobi mentioned its annual capacity-building initiatives for media stakeholders nationwide, social responsibility projects, and advertising patronage.
He noted that NCDMB has been a steadfast supporter of the Bayelsa Media Awards since 2015, describing the partnership as impactful and beneficial. “We hope this increase will push journalists to greater heights and enhance their contribution to the country’s development,” he added.
Reacting to the announcement, Project Manager of the Bayelsa Media Awards, Victor Binawari, described NCDMB as the event’s longest-standing partner. He expressed gratitude for what he called an “astronomical upgrade” in the prize value, saying it would motivate more commitment to excellence within the regional media space.
“With over 170 entries received this year alone, it shows the level of trust and acceptance the BMA has earned,” Binawari said. He pledged to build on past successes and maintain the credibility and reputation of the awards.
He emphasized that the mission of the Bayelsa Media Awards is to promote professionalism and excellence in journalism, which aligns perfectly with the objectives of the NCDMB.
He also confirmed that voting and adjudication for this year’s edition began on the first of this month and will close on the 20th of September.
The winners will be announced during the award ceremony scheduled for the 9th of October in Yenagoa. Binawari encouraged members of the public to visit www.bma.org.ng for more details.