The maiden edition of The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA) held on Wednesday, with distinguished broadcast professionals, stations, and industry icons bagging awards in different categories.
Arise TV topped the list of winners on the night with three awards. The station bagged the Television Station of the Year award and Best Television Station – News in English Language award, while the station’s reporter, Ovieteme George also emerged as Reporter Of The Year-Television.
Organised by Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), TNBA is aimed at recognising and rewarding excellence in the broadcast media industry.
In his opening address at the ceremony, BON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, said the awards attest to BON’s commitment to continuous improvement of standards in the broadcast profession.
“As an organisation, BON’s vision is to foster a future-proof environment for radio, TV and new media broadcasters to serve their audiences and contribute to the development of our society. We consider it equally important to reward excellence and project the Nigerian broadcasting industry as one committed to continual improvement of standards. Through these awards, we commit to shining the spotlight on exceptional talent, and seeing to it that those deserving are duly recognised and celebrated.
“I must say that the pool from which tonight’s winners will emerge is impressive. This is an attestation to the fine crop of professionals we have in the industry. I would like to extend hearty congratulations to all the nominees tonight. Being nominated is a testament to your professionalism and contributions to the broadcasting profession in Nigeria and, in my book, you are all winners,” Ugbe said.
Silverbird Television also took home two awards on the night in the television category. Silverbird’s presenter, Victory Wilson, emerged winner of the Presenter of the Year – Television category, while the station’s ‘Jankara Market’ show won the Best Television Show Indigenous Language category award.
Ruth Aguele of NTA was crowned Newscaster of the Year – Television; NDNTV won the Best Television Production in Documentary/Feature – English Language award, for the feature documentary titled “Ogiame Atuwatse III The Making Of A King ”; Lagos Television’s “Pataki Kaadi Idibo” emerged as Best Television Production in Documentary/Feature – Indigenous Language; “Law And Order” by Trust Television emerged Best Television Show English Language; Benue TV bagged the Best Television Station – News Indigenous Language award, while Channels TV won the Best Television Station – Original Production in Business/Drama/Sports English Language Diaspora Network award.
In the radio category, Nigeria Info’s “Boat Mishap Report” won the Best Radio Production in Documentary/Feature English Language category award; Hit 95.9 FM Calabar won the Best Radio Show English Language category award with “Tell Your Story With Quinesta”; Nigeria Info FM Port Harcourt won the Best Radio Station – News in English Language category award, while Eko 89.7 FM emerged Best Radio Station – Original Production in Business/ Drama/Sports English Language, with its programme titled “Appeals Half Hour”.
Ahmad Kabo Idris of Freedom Radio 99.5 FM Kano was crowned Newscaster of the Year – Radio, George Iniabasi of Comfort FM took home the Presenter of the Year – Radio, Nigeria Info Lagos was crowned Radio Station of the Year, while Adeniyi Bakare of FRCN bagged Reporter of the Year – Radio award.
Industry icons, Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Managing Director, National Broadcasting Corporation; Mr. Vincent Maduka, former Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim, former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and NTA were honoured with Life Achievement Awards in Broadcasting at the ceremony.
High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder DAAR Communications and Mr. Michael Ajegbo, founder, Minaj Broadcasting, Obosi were also celebrated for their contributions to the growth of broadcasting in Nigeria, while posthumous awards were given to Ambassador Segun Olusola, Mr. Mike Enahoro, Alhaji Dahiru Modibbo and Mr. Kunle Olasope, for their meritorious contributions to the broadcast industry.
TNBA sponsors, MultiChoice Nigeria, Indomie, Pepsi, Zagg Energy Drink and ECALPEMOS received Special Recognition awards for their outstanding contributions to broadcasting in Nigeria.