It feels surreal to have received the Nigeria Prize @ 20 Media Award. There was no indication that such an award was forthcoming, and I was completely stunned when my name was announced as the winner. That explains my initial loss of words during my acceptance speech.
I am excited, elated, and motivated to do even more. This recognition is the most pleasant surprise I have ever experienced in my journalism career. I am immensely grateful to God Almighty for my talents and the opportunities I have had. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Nigeria LNG for this incredible acknowledgment and for instituting the Nigeria Prizes that positively impact our country.
A Journey Through My Journalism Career
My journalism career began during my industrial training in the 1990s at The Statesman – Imo Newspapers in Owerri, Imo State, where I served as a news reporter. That experience was invaluable to me as a Mass Communication student. I’m thankful for my News Editor at the time, who pushed me to work diligently as if I were a permanent staff member.
I later worked with Diet Newspaper (Daily Independent) under the tireless Agatha Edo. For over seven years, I wrote drama scripts and acted in Theatre On The Air for Voice of Nigeria, Lagos, under Mrs. Chinyere Ndukwe, until her redeployment in 2007. I also briefly contributed to The People’s Agenda magazine and have written for and edited several online newspapers. I began writing for Vanguard Media in 2010 as an art/culture reporter under the late McPhilips Nwachukwu, which brings me to my current position.
Insights on the Award Selection
The judges from NLNG did not disclose the specific works that won me the award. However, as explained by Ms. Kadaria Ahmed, one of the judges, they screened a range of my write-ups, including articles, reviews, and interviews related to The Nigeria Prizes.
Reporting on Arts
Throughout my journalism journey, I have primarily focused on the art/culture desk, which also encompassed entertainment. This focus broadened to general reporting when I began writing for Saturday Vanguard around 2019 or 2020, allowing me to cover various topics, including politics, health, and interviews.
Recognition in Journalism
Winning the NLNG Nigeria Prize @ 20 Media Award is my first award as a journalist, and I am incredibly grateful to Nigeria LNG for this honor. This recognition demonstrates that they are committed to celebrating not only innovative research through their science prize and literary achievements but also the journalists who bring these stories to light.
Thoughts on Recognition and Labor in Journalism
In my long career, there have been moments when colleagues have questioned my continued presence in journalism, given the challenges of the field. My response has always been driven by passion; I love what I do, regardless of financial compensation. While I haven’t actively sought awards or recognition, I have appreciated the encouragement from individuals and organizations who have supported my work, sometimes even sponsoring my participation in workshops.
Advice for Unrecognized Workers
To those who feel their hard work has gone unrecognized, I assure you that diligence and dedication will eventually bring reward. I am now living proof of this. Recognition may not always come in the form of an award; your efforts will be acknowledged in various ways. So, remain humble, seize training opportunities, give your best, believe in yourself, and do not give up, even in the face of adversity. In time, your hard work will bear fruit.
Additionally, I urge employers to take steps—no matter how small—to motivate their workers. When employees feel appreciated, they tend to perform even better.