The Guardian’s Lucy Elukpo shines at NB awards

The Guardian’s photojournalist, Lucy Ladidi Elukpo, at the weekend emerged the second runner-up in the Photo Journalist of the Year category during the 10th Nigerian Breweries Plc. (NB) Golden Pen Awards in Lagos. For her efforts, she went home with a sum of N500,000.

The star prize of N1 million plus a gift went to Bunmi Azeez of the Vanguard newspaper while Odutayo Odesanya of the Punch got N750,000 for clinching the first runner-up position.

For the Pen Reporter of the Year award, Eric Dumo of the Punch beat ThisDay’s Bayo Akinloye and Chikodi Okereocha of the Nation to the crown. 

Consequently, Duno received N2 million and a gift while the first and second runners up got N1 million and N750,000.

The awards are geared at promoting professionalism, objective reportage as well as rewarding journalists who abide by ethics of the profession.

Earlier in his opening remarks, NB’s Managing Director, Jordi Borut Bel, noted that the initiative had helped to enhance journalism practice in Nigeria, going by the quality of the entries received yearly.

He explained that, the theme of the event, Agriculture, Local Sourcing and Industrial Development, was same thrust for the ninth edition.
 
“The emphasis on agriculture, local sourcing and industrial development is not only in tandem with the current push for economic recovery in the country, but also key to making it achieve her full potential of becoming a self-reliant nation,” Bel added.

Chairman of the panel of judges, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye commended the beverage firm for the project, urging media practitioners to aspire always for highest standards.

He admitted that the quality and quantity of entries had improved significantly, adding that the organisers had set a standard for other organisations to follow.

Speaking on Media and the Agenda Setting for Economic Development, the guest speaker, Dr. Reuben Abati, stressed the need for the fourth estate of the realm to be in the vanguard for the advancement of the nation’s economy.