Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards @5: How celebrating journalism is changing lives

By Stanley Ihedigbo

When Moses Emorinken of The Nation newspaper walked up the stage in 2021 to receive the Best Story on Nutrition and Affordable Food Solutions award, he could barely hold back tears. Years of painstaking fieldwork, tracking nutrition challenges in underserved Nigerian communities, had finally been recognized.

That moment wasn’t just about Moses; it was the beginning of a quiet revolution in Nigeria’s media landscape.

Five years later, the Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards have grown into one of the country’s most respected recognitions for journalists, honouring those who use their pens, lenses, and voices to tell stories that shape lives, stories about nutrition, sustainability, empowerment, and community development.

For many journalists in Nigeria, recognition is rare. Tight deadlines, limited resources, and the risks of field reporting often overshadow the personal sacrifices behind impactful journalism.

But since 2021, Nestlé Nigeria has changed that narrative. “When we started this journey in 2018, our vision was clear: to work with the media to promote informed public dialogue on nutrition, health, and the environment,” said Nestlé Nigeria Managing Director Wassim Elhusseini.

What began as a corporate initiative has evolved into a community of inspired storytellers. Each year, journalists from across the country submit entries highlighting issues that matter most, from youth empowerment to gender equality and environmental protection.

For Godwin Anyebe, publisher of Consumers Advocacy and winner of the 2024 Best Photojournalist Award, the recognition is deeply personal.

“It’s much more than a trophy,” he said.

“It validates the long hours, the sleepless nights, and the commitment to making a tangible difference through journalism.”

Winning, he added, gave him both credibility and courage, “a platform to amplify critical social issues and a renewed belief that ethical, impactful journalism still matters.”

Likewise, Amechi Obiakpu, publisher of Espinews, who came second in one of the 2023 categories, described the experience as life-changing.

“The award helped me see things differently,” he shared. “I became more intentional in my writing, more aware of how our stories shape the environment and society.”

Amechi’s feature on environmental sustainability and youth employment resonated widely, inspiring conversations around Nigeria’s “Japa” exodus and the need for meaningful youth engagement.

At its heart, the Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards are about developmental journalism, the kind that informs, educates, and drives social change.

Each category is carefully crafted to reflect Nestlé’s eight sustainability pillars, which include Environmental Sustainability, Nutrition, Youth Empowerment, Water Access, Women Empowerment, Finance, and Community Development.

“We are proud of the dedication of journalists who focus on these critical areas,” said Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Sustainability Lead.

“Each year, the quality of stories gets better, and the impact deeper. Beyond the plaques and prizes, winners earn bragging rights and serve as role models for ethical journalism.”

Through the awards, journalists are motivated to dig deeper, tell fact-based stories, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.

The ripple effects of the awards go beyond individuals.

They have built capacity, strengthened public trust, and forged a healthy partnership between the private sector and the media, one rooted in shared values of truth and responsibility.

Many past winners have gone on to receive new assignments, international collaborations, and speaking opportunities. For upcoming reporters, the awards represent hope, proof that good journalism is still rewarded.

“Winning this award is not just recognition; it’s a reminder that our stories matter,” Anyebe said. “It fuels our passion and reaffirms our duty to be the voice of the vulnerable.”

From the first edition in 2021 to the latest celebration in 2024, the Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards have recognized over 50 journalists across print, broadcast, and online media.

Winners like Chioma Umeha, Rebecca Ejifoma, Edet Udoh, Vivian Ihechu, and Adekunle Ajayi have all used their platforms to drive awareness on nutrition, gender equality, environmental conservation, and youth development, issues central to national progress.

By celebrating excellence in journalism, Nestlé is doing more than just giving awards; it is building a legacy of collaboration between media and business to foster a more informed and responsible society.

The awards remind us that journalism, when practiced with integrity, has the power to transform communities, influence policy, and inspire hope.

As Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards mark their fifth anniversary, one truth stands out: Behind every headline, every photograph, and every broadcast is a human story, and through recognition, those stories continue to light the path toward a better Nigeria.

Celebrating five years of journalism that nourishes minds, empowers communities, and builds a sustainable future.

Among the outstanding recipients Nestle Nigeria media awards was Moses Emorinken of The Nation, who clinched the Best Story on Nutrition and Affordable Food Solutions award for his impactful reportage on public health and nutrition. Temitope Obayendo, Online Editor of Pharmanews, emerged as runner-up in the same category, while Ijeoma Ukazu of The Daily Newswave was recognized for her insightful features on Environmental Sustainability and Community Development.

Also celebrated were Chris Onuoha of Vanguard, who won the Women Empowerment category, and Royal Ibeh of Leadership Newspapers, who took home the Youth Empowerment and Development award. The Best Photojournalist Award went to Aina Johnson of The Sun for his powerful visual storytelling that brought community issues to life.

The momentum continued into 2022, as the awards expanded in reach and recognition. That year, Rebecca Ejifoma of THISDAY emerged the winner in the Women Category and also secured the first runner-up position in Community Development. Edet John Udoh, publisher of The Revealer, made history by winning in three different categories — a rare achievement that underscored his versatility and depth as a journalist.

Chioma A. Umeha of Independent Newspapers also shone brightly, clinching the Community Development award while finishing runner-up in Women Empowerment.

By 2023, the awards had firmly established themselves as one of Nigeria’s most respected journalism recognitions. That year, Independent Newspapers’ Chioma Umeha once again demonstrated her consistency and excellence, winning Best Story on Finance and placing third in Community Development.

Her colleague, Adekunle Ajayi, claimed the top spot in the Best Photojournalist category, while other distinguished winners included Edet Udoh, Chioma Obinna of Vanguard, Vivian Ihechu of the News Agency of Nigeria, Bonny Amadi of West Africa Business Newspapers, Odimegwu Onwumere, Supo Olosunde, Usukuma Ntia, Augusta Uchediunor, and Rahmatulah Mahmud, all recognized for outstanding contributions to journalism and development reporting.

The 2024 edition further solidified the awards’ impact and prestige. Among the top honourees was Innocent Eneta, Editor of Daily Global News, who earned the second prize in the Best Story on Nutrition category. The company’s annual report also listed several Gold Winners, including Nurain Aliu (Photojournalism), Godwin Anyebe (Agriculture), Edet Udoh (Nutrition & Women Empowerment), Usukuma Ntia (Community Development), Vivian Ihechu (Environment), Odume Festus Azubuike (Finance), and Temitope Comfort Obayendo (Youth Empowerment).

Our correspondent, who has been submitting stories since the inception of this noble ceremony, is hopeful that the 2025 edition will put a smile on his face.