NLNG sponsors new prize on energy reporting at DAME Awards

The Nigeria LNG Limited, recently, announced sponsorship of new prize on energy reporting category at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). At an event titled, ‘Celebrating the Voices of Impact’ held in Lagos, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, said it would be called, “The NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.”

Odeh disclosed the Prize aimed 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.

Odeh added while celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Prizes and recognising the innovation, creativity and 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.

The event also featured a keynote speech by former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and ex-Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Osun State, Funke Egbemode.

Egbemode, in her keynote speech, titled, ‘Celebrating the Voices of Impact: The NLNG Story’ emphasised the importance of media, and acknowledged its influence in shaping public opinion, disseminating knowledge, and upholding democracy.

She stressed the media’s function as a watchdog in society, promoting transparency and accountability, and highlighted its role in driving social change through investigative journalism and storytelling. She urged for a responsible and ethical media system that can continue to uphold democratic principles and foster social development.

She also lauded NLNG for supporting new generations of innovators and writers through the Prizes, noting their positive impact on Nigeria’s global reputation.

There was also a fireside chat on ‘Leveraging Technology for Media Curation Advancement and Efficiency’, which featured the Editor of BusinessDay Newspapers, Tayo Fagbule and former Special Assistant on Digital Media to the President, Tolu Ogunlesi, as speakers.

The high point was recognition of Prisca Sam-Duru, a reporter with Vanguard Newspapers, for her outstanding contributions to the coverage of the Prizes. The jury, consisting of Taiwo Obe, Kadaria Ahmed, and Chido Nwakanma, announced Sam-Duru as the winner, citing her exceptional, consistent, and original work. She was awarded N5 million and a laptop, while other recognized 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).

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).