Nigerian breweries rewards media excellence

THE 2016 edition of the Nigerian Breweries’ Golden Pen Awards has opened with the promise of exciting cash and other gift items for winners.

Kufre Ekanem, Nigerian Breweries Corporate Affairs Adviser (CAA), who explained to newsmen at the flag-off of the 8^th edition of the competition in Lagos on Tuesday, added that the award, which will be in three categories will reward the Golden Pen Reporter of the Year, Golden Pen Photo Journalists of the Year and Golden Pen Nigerian Breweries Report of the Year.

Like the previous seven editions, Ekanem disclosed the theme of the award remains Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development. He noted that the award was introduced to promote professionalism and objective reportage of events in Nigeria. It is also meant to reward such journalists who abide by the ethics of the journalism profession.

“In March 2014, we gathered here to announce plans for the sixth Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Award. That 2014 edition was the beginning of the expanded platform that draws attention to critical development areas by rewarding journalists who excel in reporting in themed areas,” he said.

The CAA also stressed that the previous editions had strengthened the credibility of the NB Golden Pen Awards because they have made it more inclusive and ensured an increased media buy-in. He therefore enjoined journalists to enter for the award by submitting their entries from June 28^th until Friday, August 19^th, 2016.

He also informed that an independent jury will then analyse the entries for their originality, news value, use of resources, credibility and factuality. “Other areas of interest would include info-graphics, lay out/headline, clarity and social responsibility. After the adjudication, a shortlist of nominees would be announced early in October 2016. The 8^th Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Awards Ceremony will hold on Friday October 28, 2016 where winners will be announced,” he said.

According to him, winners in the three categories will receive the Golden Pen Award, gift items and the following cash prizes: The NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year (N1,000,000), The Golden Pen Nigerian Breweries Report of the year (N500,000), The NB Golden Pen Photojournalist of the Year (500, 000), First runner up NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year (300, 000), Second runner up NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year (200, 000), First runner up NB Photojournalist of the Year (250, 000), Second runner up NB Photojournalist of the Year (N200, 000).