The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has announced an increase in the cash prize for the best reporters in three categories of the co-sponsored Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA) from ₦150,000 to ₦1,000,000.
The three categories are: the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year; the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year; and the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Economy Reporter of the Year.
The increase was disclosed by NCDMB’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr Obinna Ezeobi, on Friday at the Board’s headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
He stated that the increment aligns with the Board’s mandate and commitment to building capacity and promoting talent in key sectors linked to the oil and gas industry.
Dr Ezeobi expressed gratitude to NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, for approving the increase and for his appreciation of the critical roles the media and strategic communication play in promoting and implementing local content.
He stressed the importance of celebrating and rewarding excellence in vital sectors of the nation’s economic growth, noting that such recognition can inspire dedication and motivate the next generation.
According to him, the prize increase has positioned the BMA among the most rewarding awards in the Nigerian media industry. He also highlighted that NCDMB has been recognised as the best-performing federal agency in the country for three consecutive years by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
Dr Ezeobi further noted NCDMB’s extensive support for the media industry over the past 15 years, including annual capacity-building programmes for media stakeholders nationwide, corporate social responsibility projects, and advertising patronage.
He affirmed that NCDMB has been a committed supporter of the BMA since 2015, describing the partnership as successful and impactful. He expressed optimism that the enhanced prizes would further boost journalistic excellence and strengthen the media’s contribution to national development.
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Reacting to the announcement, Project Manager of the BMA, Mr Victor Binawari, described NCDMB as the longest-standing partner of the awards and commended the Board for the substantial upgrade, which he said would encourage greater effort and commitment to excellence in the regional media space.
Mr Binawari revealed that over 170 entries were received this year alone, which he said reflects the growing acceptance and trust in the brand. He pledged to build on the successes of previous editions while preserving the integrity and reputation the BMA has established over the years.
He added that the mission of the BMA is to promote professionalism and excellence in the media—an objective that aligns perfectly with NCDMB’s mandate—making the partnership mutually beneficial.
He informed sponsors that voting and adjudication commenced on 1 August and would conclude on 20 September, with winners to be announced at the award ceremony on 9 October in Yenagoa.
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