The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has rewarded three outstanding journalists with ₦1 million each and brand-new laptops for their exceptional contributions to journalism at the 13th Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA).
The presentation, held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Nigerian Content Tower, Oxbow Lake, Yenagoa, saw the Board fulfil its sponsorship commitment to the winners of three Niger Delta-focused reporting categories.
The beneficiaries were Joseph Kunde of TVC News, who won the Niger Delta Report on Economy category; Ebinimi Zitimiyola of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), winner of the Niger Delta Report on Oil and Gas (Electronic); and Blessing Ibunge of THISDAY Newspaper, Port Harcourt, who emerged winner in the Oil and Gas (Print) category.
Presenting the prizes, NCDMB’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, congratulated the journalists, describing their recognition as a reward for professionalism, dedication and excellence in the media industry.
Ezeobi said the NCDMB-sponsored categories had become some of the most sought-after honours at the awards, owing to their prestige and attractive rewards.
He also commended the organisers for extending the awards beyond Bayelsa to accommodate journalists across the Niger Delta, urging them to consider expanding the initiative into a national media awards platform.
He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote responsible journalism and professional excellence.
Earlier, the Bayelsa Media Awards Project Manager, Victor Binawari, credited NCDMB’s consistent sponsorship over nine consecutive editions as a major factor in the awards’ growth and credibility.
Binawari described the Board’s partnership as instrumental to sustaining the platform and providing recognition for deserving media practitioners across the region.
He congratulated the winners, noting that the recognition offered more than financial rewards, as it also provided opportunities for greater professional visibility and career advancement.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, the journalists expressed appreciation to NCDMB and the award organisers, describing the recognition as an encouragement to remain committed to responsible, investigative and development-focused reporting.
The presentation brought the total rewards to ₦3 million in cash and three brand-new laptops, reinforcing NCDMB’s continued partnership with the Bayelsa Media Awards and its support for excellence in journalism.
Ighovojah Gloria Afure
Principal Information Officer
FIC Yenagoa, Bayelsa
1st Nov 2026
