NCDMB Reaffirms Commitment to Journalistic Excellence, Rewards Niger Delta Reporters

By NAN

YENAGOA — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism and excellence in journalism, particularly in reporting developments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Engr Felix Omtsola Ogbe

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, gave the assurance at the 13th edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA) held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Ogbe, who was represented by the Manager, Government Relations, Mr Teddy Bai, described the media as a strategic partner in communicating the Board’s activities and promoting public understanding of developments in the oil and gas sector.

He noted that credible journalism remained vital to promoting accountability, shaping public discourse and keeping citizens informed about development initiatives.

The NCDMB chief executive, who also participated in a panel discussion at the event, acknowledged the media’s contributions to the establishment, growth and visibility of the Board.

He said the Board valued its longstanding relationship with media practitioners and would continue to support initiatives that promote responsible reporting and professional standards.

Ogbe also commended the organisers of the awards for sustaining a platform that recognises excellence, rewards outstanding journalistic contributions and encourages healthy competition among media professionals.

The awards ceremony coincided with activities marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State’s creation and attracted media practitioners from Rivers, Cross River, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Delta states.

The NCDMB-sponsored awards featured three categories, with each winner receiving ₦1 million and a brand-new laptop.

Blessing Ibunge of THISDAY Newspaper, Port Harcourt, won the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year.

Joseph Kunde of TVC Yenagoa emerged winner of the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Report on Economy, while Ebitimi Zitimiyola of NTA Yenagoa won the Oil and Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year award.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Bayelsa Media Awards, Mr Victor Binawari, said the initiative was established to recognise media professionals whose contributions to promoting individuals, businesses and institutions often go unacknowledged.

Binawari explained that the organisers adopted transparent judging procedures, with experienced professionals and academics assessing entries strictly on merit and the quality of the work submitted, rather than the identities of the journalists.

According to him, the approach has strengthened the credibility of the awards and encouraged broader participation by journalists across the Niger Delta.

In a keynote address, the Bayelsa State Government underscored the importance of a professional media in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance.

The Secretary to the State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Nimizigha, said the media had contributed significantly to public enlightenment through its coverage of government policies, development projects and security issues.

He urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and strengthen their capacity in emerging areas of journalism, including digital reporting, data analysis, fact-checking and investigative journalism.

The 13th edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards celebrated journalists whose work promotes public awareness and strengthens reporting on critical economic and industrial issues affecting the Niger Delta.

The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration between media organisations and development institutions in advancing public accountability, professional journalism and informed engagement on the region’s oil and gas industry.