NCDMB Increases Prize for Bayelsa Media Awards to N1 Million

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has raised the prize money for its three sponsored categories in the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA), now offering N1,000,000 and a new laptop for individual winners.

This significant prize increase applies to the following categories: NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year, NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil & Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year, and NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Economy Reporter of the Year.

The new prize structure was revealed by the General Manager of Corporate Communications at NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, during a statement in Yenagoa on Friday. The increase marks a substantial boost from the previous prize of N150,000 plus a laptop.

Ezeobi explained that the prize increment aligns with NCDMB’s mandate to foster excellence and promote talent in sectors connected to the oil and gas industry. He also expressed gratitude to the board’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, for approving the increase, highlighting Ogbe’s recognition of the pivotal role media and strategic communications play in promoting local content and implementing national policies.

“Celebrating and rewarding excellence in key sectors of our national life is crucial in motivating dedication and inspiring the next generation,” Ezeobi said.

The NCDMB spokesperson further emphasized that the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA) is now among the “most rewarding awards in the Nigerian media industry,” adding that NCDMB has been recognized as the best-performing federal agency in the country for three consecutive years by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.

Reflecting on the board’s long-standing support for the media industry, Ezeobi highlighted NCDMB’s 15 years of fostering industry growth through capacity-building initiatives, social responsibility projects, and media advertising.

Since the BMA’s inception in 2015, NCDMB has been a steadfast supporter, and Ezeobi hopes the increased prizes will inspire improved journalistic excellence, ultimately contributing to national development.

Victor Binawari, Project Manager of the Bayelsa Media Awards, lauded NCDMB as the award’s longest-standing partner and expressed gratitude for the prize upgrade. He noted that with over 170 entries this year, the award’s growing recognition reflects the public’s trust in the platform.

Binawari promised to continue building on past successes while ensuring the BMA’s integrity and reputation remain intact. He further emphasized the shared goals of promoting professionalism and excellence in the media, describing the NCDMB-BMA partnership as a mutually beneficial collaboration.

The voting and adjudication process for this year’s awards began on August 1 and will conclude on September 20, with the winners scheduled to be announced at a ceremony on October 9 in Yenagoa.