The Nigeria LNG Limited hosted a prestigious event to celebrate the exceptional work of media professionals in Lagos on Friday. Tagged “Celebrating the Voices of Impact” the company also announced the sponsorship of a new prize category at the prestigious Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) called “The NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting”.
NLNG, a leading global LNG producer, has been at the forefront of recognising and supporting outstanding individuals in various fields. The company’s annual Nigeria Prizes for Science, Literature, and Literary Criticism have not only elevated the standards of scholarship and creative writing in Nigeria but have also contributed to the country’s global recognition.
In her keynote address titled “Celebrating the Voices of Impact: The NLNG Story,” Mrs. Funke Egbemode, former president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and ex-Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Osun State, emphasised the crucial role of the media in shaping public discourse, fostering democracy and driving positive change in society.
Mrs Egbemode highlighted NLNG’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a platform for emerging voices.
She praised the company’s decision to establish the Nigeria Prize for Literature, which has played a significant role in revitalising the literary landscape in Nigeria. The prize, she said, has inspired countless writers and has led to the publication of exceptional works that have resonated with readers worldwide.
In addition to its literary contributions, NLNG, she stated, has also been instrumental in promoting scientific research and innovation. The Nigeria Prize for Science has attracted top researchers from across the country and has fostered a culture of excellence in scientific inquiry.Egbemode emphasised the symbiotic relationship between NLNG and the media. She acknowledged the media’s vital role in disseminating information, raising awareness about important issues, and holding institutions accountable.
The media, she added, has been instrumental in amplifying NLNG’s efforts to promote education, sustainable development, and social welfare.
After the keynote, a fireside chat on “Leveraging Technology for Media Curation Advancement and Efficiency” was held, with Tayo Fagbule, Editor of BusinessDay, and Tolu Ogunlesi, former Special Assistant on Digital Media to the President, as speakers. The session was moderated by Àníkẹ́adé Fúnkè Treasure, who also served as the MC for the day.
A key moment of the event was the presentation of a One-Time Recognition Award to Prisca Sam-Duru, a literary and arts reporter at Vanguard newspaper, for her outstanding contributions in covering the Prizes.
Other journalists recognised for exemplary coverage included Chidinma Agu (News Agency of Nigeria), Terh Agbedeh (ThisisLagos), Gabriel Akinadewo (Freedom Online), and Sopuruchi Onwuka (The Oracle).
Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, said that the media has provided insightful reporting on the Prizes, highlighting the significance of Prizes and bringing them to the top of the agenda in the country.He remarked that while celebrating the 20th year anniversary of the Prizes and recognising the innovation, creativity and the rich cultural tapestry, the media should be celebrated for the essential role in elevating the discourse around science and technology in Nigeria, encouraging collaboration and investment in these vital fields, and shining a light on the power of literature to inspire change and foster understanding.
Regarding the new NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting at DAME, Mr. Odeh noted that the award aims to recognise journalists who excel in reporting on energy issues, helping shape public understanding of Nigeria’s energy landscape. It encourages insightful coverage that engages stakeholders, policymakers, and the public on critical energy matters.
The award jury, consisting of Mr. Taiwo Obe, Ms. Kadaria Ahmed, and Mr. Chido Nwakanma, announced Prisca Sam-Duru as the winner, citing her exceptional, consistent, and original work. She was awarded N5 million and a laptop, while other recognised journalists also received gifts.
According to the jury, the journalists were judged on Quality (which embodies accuracy, depth, grammar and language flow), Originality (beyond press statements and independent work), Frequency (number of articles) and Consistency (number of years of coverage).