TheMatrix Newspaper earns national recognition, nominated for 2026 Newspaper of the Year Award

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

TheMatrix Newspaper, one of Nigeria’s emerging newspapers with a growing presence in the country’s media industry, has been nominated for the prestigious National Newspaper of the Year award at the 13th edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA).

The nomination places TheMatrix Newspaper among leading media organisations being recognised for excellence, professionalism, impact and contribution to Nigeria’s journalism landscape.

The newspaper is competing in the category alongside prominent publications including Daily Trust, Vanguard, ThisDay, Daily Champion, New Telegraph, Premium Times, Statesman Newspaper, The Sun and Daily Asset.

Voting for the category commenced on August 17, 2026, and will close at midnight on September 30, 2026.

According to the organisers, each vote costs ₦100, while each nominee is limited to a maximum of 50 votes.

Readers, supporters, and members of the public wishing to support TheMatrix Newspaper can participate by visiting www.bma.org.ng, clicking on “Vote Now,” entering their email address, selecting TheMatrix Newspaper as their preferred nominee, choosing the number of votes and proceeding to payment.

Reacting to the nomination, the Editor of TheMatrix Newspaper, Mr Babajide Okeowo, described the recognition as a testament to the hard work of the newspaper’s editorial team and its commitment to objective journalism.

He said the nomination underscored the newspaper’s growing influence and dedication to credible, public-interest reporting.

“This nomination for the prestigious National Newspaper of the Year award is a powerful recognition of our growing impact, fearless journalism and commitment to credible, public-interest reporting.

“It is also a testament to the newspaper’s rising influence in Nigeria’s media landscape and its relentless pursuit of truth, accountability and stories that matter,” he said.

Okeowo also commended the South-South Editorial Team of the newspaper, led by its Bureau Chief and veteran journalist, Mr Nelson Utip, for what he described as a remarkable contribution to the newspaper’s growth and visibility.

According to him, the quality and experience of journalists within the South-South team played a significant role in positioning TheMatrix Newspaper for the recognition.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of Prince Amgbare, Victor Edozie and Felix Asuquo, describing them as versatile journalists who are well-grounded in their respective fields.

“This recognition did not entirely come as a surprise, considering the array of credible journalists we have in the South-South team.

“The likes of Prince Amgbare, Victor Edozie and Felix Asuquo are versatile journalists who know their onions and are well-grounded in their fields.

“Also, having a seasoned journalist like Mr Nelson Utip as the Bureau Chief of the South-South set the foundation for this huge recognition,” he added.

The nomination comes as another recognition of TheMatrix Newspaper’s growing presence in Nigeria’s highly competitive media environment.

With voting expected to continue until September 30, 2026, the newspaper has called on its readers, supporters and members of the public to participate in the voting process and support its bid for the coveted National Newspaper of the Year award.