The Nation Newspaper

Tag: wins

  • UNICAL student wins essay prize

    UNICAL student wins essay prize

    A 400-Level student of English and Literary Studies of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Augustine Ayilewu Edung, has emerged the winner in the just-concluded Golden Penny Carnival Calabar Essay competition.

    Augustine with entry number 002 emerged the winner at the tertiary category of the contest with an aggregate score of 64 per cent. He was given two brand new HP laptops, glass plaque, books and N300,000.

    Augustine, who was among the 10 students selected in Nigeria for a script writing competition of Wale Adenuga’s Pefti Film Institute in 2008, told CAMPUSLIFE that he was grateful to God for his achievement.

    The first runner up in the contest was Williams Begba Undebe, Medicine and Surgery, UNICAL, who scored 60.6 per cent, while Sunday Utibe, Curriculum and Teaching student, UNICAL, emerged the second runner up with 60.4 per cent score. The competition is held annually as part of activities to mark Calabar Carnival.

  • UNN graduate wins NLNG Literature Prize

    UNN graduate wins NLNG Literature Prize

    An alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Chika Unigwe, has won the 2012 Nigeria Prize for Literature Award organised by Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Her book titled On black sisters’ street, which detailed the trans-Atlantic prostitution, was adjudged the best literature book in the 2012 edition of the award.

    The award was presented to Unigwe at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Theatre, UNN, at a public ceremony organised by the NLNG in conjunction with the university.

    Speaking the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo, praised NLNG for hosting the event in the alma mater of the awardee. He said alumni of the university had distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavour, citing the achievements of Prof Dora Akunyili and Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili among others.

    Prof Okolo, who was represented by his deputy on Academic, Prof Isaac Asuzu, said students of the institution would draw inspiration from the feat of Unigwe, urging female undergraduates to tow the footsteps of the likes of Akunyili and Unigwe to achieve greatness.

    The Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, who was at the event, said Unigwe’s achievement was a celebration of the change, which had started in Nigeria. He said the nation was passing through bad times because it had spent its time and resources celebrating criminality and rascality, while the real people who were supposed to be celebrated were left unsung.

    Obi promised to donate a centre for creative writing in his state, saying it was his belief that the centre would create and nurture future writers. He enjoined indigenes of Anambra State to strive for excellence in their endeavour.

    The Managing Director of the NLNG, Mr Babs Omotowa, appreciated the authorities of the UNN for allowing the body to partner with it in hosting the event. He noted that the choice to host the celebration at the UNN was based on the fact that the winner of the literature prize, Unigwe, and the runner up, Ngozi Achebe, were both graduates of the university.

    Omotowa noted that NLNG instituted the award to discover role models for the youth. “This ceremony serves to assure all of us that we have not been completely overrun by the rampaging mediocrity running in our land,” he said

    Unigwe described the feat as “discovering magic”. She thanked lecturers, who taught her, for laying the foundation in creative writing, saying she was happy to join the league of winners of the prestigious NLNG award.

  • 18-yr-old Nigerian student wins beauty contest in The Philipines

    18-yr-old Nigerian student wins beauty contest in The Philipines

    A second year Nigerian college student from Central Philippine University (CPU) on Wednesday night made history by becoming the first Miss Dinagyang with an African heritage in the Asian country.

    The 18-year-old Biology student, Emily Victoria J. Oke, beat nine other candidates in the glittery pageant held at the University of San Agustin Gym.

    Miss Dinagyang is one of the highlights of a yearly festival held in the country.

    Its winner represents Iloilo City in the annual search for Reyna ng Aliwan, the beauty pageant of the Aliwan Fiesta, a showcase of the country’s best festivals staged in Metro Manila every summer.

    Oke also bagged a slew of awards: Best in Interview, Talent, Casual Wear and Festival Costume.

    She was also declared Darling of the Press and received other awards from corporate sponsors.

  • Oboabona wins Eagles’ first-team spot

    Oboabona wins Eagles’ first-team spot

    Godfrey Oboabona is most likely to be the only starter from the Nigeria Premier League for the Eagles opening game against Burkina Faso.

    Nigeria open their AFCON campaign on Monday evening against Burkina Faso in Nelspruit. The Sunshine Stars skipper is now being preferred to Azubuike Egwuekwe to pair captain Joseph Yobo in the Eagles back four as the battle for first-team places intensifies.

    A top team official informed MTNFootball.com Oboabona is top of the pecking order at centre-back ahead of both Egwuekwe and youngster Kenneth Omeruo.

    “Keshi has worked with Azubuike from December 2011 but recently he has settled for Oboabona in the heart of the defence along with Yobo,” the official disclosed.

    In the final 2013 AFCON qualifier against Liberia in October, Oboabona played alongside Egwuekwe when Yobo was injured and not available for selection. And in the team’s recent warm-ups against Catalonia and Cape Verde, he was also considered ahead of the other players. Oboabona has been moved from the problematic right back after he was badly exposed by Liberia in that position in September.

    Celtic defender Efe Ambrose struggled at right back against Cape Verde, but Keshi will insist on him ahead of Omeruo, while Fegor Ogude is ahead of Kano Pillars star Gabriel Reuben as the defensive midfielder to assist Chelsea star Mikel Obi.

    Reuben has not recovered fully from a long-term groin injury and so barely made the final cut to South Africa.

    Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike will lead the attack even though he has not been as prolific in an Eagles shirt as he has been with his clubs.

    Keshi has already likened Emenike to Nigeria most prolific international Rashidi Yekini.

    “In Emenike, I see a player who can be like the great Yekini,” remarked the Eagles coach.

  • The Nation man wins Trade and Investment Ministry’s award

    A reporter with The Nation, Toba Agboola, has emerged one of the three winners of the Ministry of Trade and Investment award for journalists.

    Agboola, who emerged the first runner up at the award ceremony at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was given the award by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga.

    The award comes with cash and other benefits. It was sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BoI).

    Aganga said the award underscores the ministry’s desire to promote efficient and effective dissemination of information that affects the real sector, adding that it is to also encourage and appreciate journalists.

    “Your role in reviving the economy and achieving government’s transformation agenda is very critical. This is the more reason we need to continue to encourage you,” he said.

    Mr. Agboola cut his journalistic teeth at The Comet as a transport reporter. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges comprising professionals.

    The Punch’s Assistant Editor, Layi Adeloye, came top, winning gold and Roseline Okere of The Guardian emerged third.

  • The Nation confirms class as editor wins DAME award

    The Nation confirms class as editor wins DAME award

    WITH another award at the weekend, The Nation has confirmed its class as the home of the best commentators.

    Editor Gbenga Omotoso won the 2012 Alade Odunewu Informed Commentary Award at the 21st edition of Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) on Friday.

    Editorial Board Chair Sam Omatseye won the Columnist of the Year at the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) on December 8.

    “It shows the strength of our writers, who are clearly the best in the land,” Managing Director Victor Ifijeh said.

    The audience cheered as Omotoso was declared winner of the category, which is named after veteran journalist Hadj Alade Odunewu, former editor of the Sunday Times, who wrote a great column under the name Allah-de.

    The award was presented by former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Friday night.

    Omotoso’s piece that earned him the prestigious award is “A comedian’s fate”, which he wrote on November 3, 2011. The piece, said the organisers, wittingly analysed the “Baba Suwe vs NDLEA” saga.

    The DAME Judges described Omotoso as a “witty columnist and one of the most experienced editors around”. The audience burst into laughter when extracts from, the article were read in the hall.

    “I never knew the article could win an award,” Omotoso said when the news was broken to him. He was not at the ceremony.

    “But, I was sure it would make the reader laugh and laugh. And that, to me, is enough,” he said.

    Honoured in the lifetime awardees category are Osoba and former Minister of Information Prince Tony Momoh, both of whom rose to the peak in journalism.

    Osoba, who praised the organisers for finding him worthy of the honour, noted that DAME had been consistent in honouring people who have promoted journalism.

    He said the awards would no doubt help improve the profession by spurring journalists to keep to its objectives.

    Osoba, who dedicated his award to all the guests at the event for attending, despite the heavy traffic, was optimistic that such recognition would move the profession to greater heights.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Publishing and organiser of DAME, Mr. Lanre Idowu, said Osoba and Momoh were given the awards in appreciation of their contributions to the growth of the media.

    He urged journalists to be objective in their reports.

    Idowu said DAME was not interested in giving awards just for the sake of it, but has always ensured the awards stand the test of time.

    “If you look at all 21 editions, you will discover we have a total of 434 names.

    “It has been a long journey; there have been high and low points, but in all, I am happy that this idea has been sustained consistently for 21 years.

    “It is the longest time any award in Nigeria has been sustained, and DAME is the oldest media award still existing. We are open to improvements; that is why we are striving for perfection. There is a lot we can offer this country and we will unfold them in the coming years.

    “But if you check today’s awards, you will see that out of the 30 categories, only 19 were given; 11 awards were not given because the standards were not good enough.

    “We do not give awards for giving sake; there are guiding principles that must be met, such as fairness, truth, objectivity, because we believe this will spur journalists to continuously improve in their craft.

    “We also believe there is room for improvement. So, aside giving journalists awards, we are working towards training of journalists to enable them give in their best in their professions,” he said.

    Other award categories include Agriculture Reporting won by The Guardian’s Debo Olademeji; Child Friendly Reporting by Toyosi Ogunseye of The Punch. The Nation’s Kunle Akinrinade was runner-up in the Child-friendly category.

    Health Reporting was won by Isioma Madike of National Mirror; Sports by Abasi Sunday of The Guardian and Politics by Chris Ajaero of Newswatch. Ajaero also won Judicial Reporting category. The Nation’s Joseph Jibueze was runner-up in the Judicial Reporting category.

    Arukaino Umukoro of Tell won Development Reporting; Saheed Olugbon of The Punch got Action Photography award; Cordelia Okpei of FRCN Network clinched Radio Presenting Award. Olaitan Adeitan of FRCN, Ibadan got the Radio Reporting award.

    For Television Documentary, Njide Ezeonyejiaku of Anambra State Broadcasting Services is the winner. Adebayo Bodunrin of Africa Independent Television (AIT) won television reporting category.

    Tell won the Editorial Writing as well as News Magazine of the Year categories, making it the seventh time in 12 years the magazine has won the News Magazine of the Year title.

    The Punch also went home with the Newspaper of the Year and Editor of the Year categories.

  • The Nation wins four awards at NMMA

    The Nation wins four awards at NMMA

    WITH four awards, The Nation at the weekend confirmed its rating at the prestigious Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA) in Lagos.

    In all, 54 awards were given at the well attended event, the 22nd edition. The awards included three which were given to distinguished Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to the society.

    Editorial Board Chairman Sam Omatseye emerged the Columnist of the Year. Assistant Editor Olatunji Ololade was the centre of attraction at the ceremony. Ololade, who had four nominations, clinched two awards – the Ernest Sisei Ikoli Prize for Newspaper Reporter of the Year (which he has won for the past three years) and the BAT Prize for Industry Reporter of the Year, which he also won last year.

    Senior Cartoonist Muyiwa Adetula maintained his winning streak, emerging the Nnamdi Azikwe Cartoonist of the Year.

    Omatseye, who is in the United States attending a conference, was delighted to learn that he won the award.

    He said: “I’m delighted to win for The Nation and myself.”

    He had a word for his readers and critics.

    Omatseye said: “I thank the critics of my column and urge them to know that I write to reflect my deep love for Nigeria. I’m entitled to my views as they are entitled to others.”

    Ololade said he was pleased to win the awards, adding: “Again, I am flattered by the awards. I appreciate the recognition. I also appreciate the facilities provided by The Nation to foster Feature Journalism that remains the fruit of experience and an enduring training process. With such encouragement, I can only aspire to higher standards of journalism practice. Development Journalism is a crucial factor in our march for societal progress and ideal journalism practice; that efforts meant to shed light on our societal lapses are being adequately rewarded shows how far we have come in our quest for and appreciation of the ideal practice. I hope my colleagues doing great work across various media never get to rest on their oars.”

    Adetula described the award as a motivation for him to aspire to greater heights.

    He said: “I’m highly overwhelmed, yet immensely grateful for this award. I would like to thank the Board of Trustees of NMMA and the management of The Nation for giving me the opportunity to be a change agent.”

    Elder statesman Yusuf Maitama Sule, publisher of Vanguard “Uncle” Sam Amuka Pemu and former Punch Chairman Ajibola Ogunshola got the Special Recognition Awards, bringing to five the number of people who have been so honoured in the event’s 22 years. The earlier two were the former President, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the late Chief Anthony Enahoro.

    Alhaji Sule and Ogunsola were present at the ceremony. Amuka Pemu was represented by the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Gbenga Adefaye, who is also Vanguard’s Editor-in-Chief..

    The Punch won five awards. They are Babatunde Jose Prize for Newspaper of the Year, Editor of the Year, News Photographer of the Year (Olugbon Adedoyin Saheed), Editorial Writing of the Year and Telecommunication Reporter of the Year (Oketola Adedayo).

    The newspaper beat The Guardian and The Sun to emerge the Newspaper of the Year. Its Editor, Adeyeye Joseph, was named the Editor of the Year.

    Other NMMA winners are: Adejuwon Soyinka of TELL, who won the Gani Fawehinmi Prize for Human Rights Reporter of the Year for the third consecutive year, Channels Television (the Television Station of the Year) , Deji Bademosi won the Television Reporter of the Year and Classic FM was declared Radio Station of the Year.

    Okusan Olalekan of The Guardian won the Sports Reporter of Year. Akinloye Adebayo Apollos of National Standard was the Political Reporter of the Year, Ayodeji Adeyemi of Tell won the Entertainment Reporter of the Year; Mordi Raymond Osemudia of Tell is Power Reporter of the Year.

    Sina Fadare, National Mirror, emerged the Agriculture Reporter of the Year and Sulaimon Olanrewaju of the Nigerian Tribune won the Culture Reporter of the Year,

    Other winners are: Alabi Adebayo Mojeed (Newswatch) Education Reporter of the Year, Ogundare Tubosun Alani (National Mirror) (Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporter of the year); Christopher Ajaero/Anthony Akaeze (Newswatch) jointly won Evironment Reporter of the Year, Chikodi Anthony Okereocha (Energy Reporter of the Year); Adebayo Folashade Grace of Tell (Foreign News Reporter) and Moreen Chigbo, Newswatch (Defence Reporter of the Year).

    Ojo Abiodun Olawunmi of The Guardian won the Tourism Reporter of the Year. Helen Eni of the Broadstreet Journal (BSJ)won the Insurance Reporter of the Year. Nnorom Nkiruka Eucharia, Newswatch, got the Banking and Finance Reporter award. Segun Edwards of Nigeria Compass emerged the Capital Market Reporter of the Year. The Maritime Reporter Award went to Adenubi Adetola of Nigeria News Direct and Emmanuel Ufot of Newswatch got the Aviation Reporter of the Year.

    Tony Manuka of BSJ won the Money Market Reporter of the Year Award. Goodie Ofose (Daily Independent) is the Brand and Marketing Reporter of the Year. Maureen Chigbo (Newswatch), Oil and Gas Reporter of the Year, Tony Manuka(BSJ) got the Business Reporter of the Year award, Helen Eni of BSJ was the Female Reporter of the year, Kemi Ishola Balogun (Vanguard) is the Investigative Reporter of the year, Adekunle Yusuf (Tell) got the Print Journalist of the Year and Muyiwa Lucas (Tell) is the News Features Writer of the Year.

    Stella Sawyerr of Tell is the Estate/Construction Reporter of the Year; Business Day emerged the Business Publication of the Year, Tell, News Magazine of the year; Adetayo Solomon of Radio Nigeria got the Radio Reporter of the Year Award, Cordelia Okpei (FRCN, Network) as Redio Presenter of the Year, Ezebue Ifeyinwa Helen (VON) won the Redio Programme of the year category; Anthonia Ike_Mbanefo got the Radio Production of the Year Award, Seun Olagunju of NTA is the Television Newscaster of the Year and Yvonne Henry Bassey, whose programme is aired on DSTV/AfricaMagic, got both the TV Prograame Presenter of the Year and TV Production of the year awards.

    Prof Ralph Akinfeleye of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who is the Chairman of the NMMA’s Panel of Assessors, said the screening was thorough and rigorous. He said the cut-off mark was 70 per cent.

    NMMA Board of Trustees Chairman Vincent Maduka said the choice of the honourary awardees was informed by their contributions to the society.

    He said the body’s decision to promote excellence in journalism by instituting the awards, was informed by its realisation that “integrity, credibility and excellence of the media industry are crucial to the development of any nation”.

    Maduka said the board was considering a staggered hosting of the event in future, in view of the increase in the award categories.

  • Team Ondo wins first medal

    Team Ondo wins first medal

    The Ondo State Sports Council has commended Wumi Olowokande, the first medal winner for the state at the ongoing 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olowokande won silver medal in the 48kg class of female judo event, after losing to Yemisi Okelola of Delta State at the final.

    The event was held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Multipurpose Hall B.

    Bamido Omogbehin, the chairman of the council told NAN on Thursday in Lagos that the state athletes were in Lagos not for jamboree, but to win medals and do the state proud.

    ”The state is confident of winning more medals at the festival. We are here to perform and not to play.

    “At the 17th edition of the festival last year in Port Harcourt, we came fourth, but we are confident we will surpass that record in Lagos.

    “Although, every state here is ready for the festival and all eyes are on Team Ondo because they knew we are always ready for the challenges,” he said.

    NAN reports that in the male boxing event, Omorusi Omoniyi of Team Ondo beats Alujo Usman of Team Kano 8-1 in the 49kg category.

    The event which began on Thursday was holding at the Gymnasium of the Nigeria Institute for Sports (NISports) at the National Stadium, Lagos.

  • PDP wins 15 local govts in Benue

    The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) yesterday announced results of 15 local governments of the 23 which took part in the local government poll at the weekend.

    It said results in the remaining councils were yet to be compiled due to ballot box snatching and non-conduct of the election in some wards.

    The local governments whose results were announced are: Ohimini, Otukpo, Ushongo, Tarka, Buruku, Logo and Ado.

    Others are Gwer West, Agatu, Konshisha, Okpokwu, Obi, Gwer East, Oju, and Katsina-Ala.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates won in all the councils.

    Announcing the results at the BSIEC office in Makurdi yesterday, the Chairman, Prof. Philip Ahire, said the results of the remianing councils would be properly compiled and announced later.

    He said election was not conducted in Mbawar and Mbake wards of Konshisha Local Government.

    In Ohimini, he said only a ward was affected.

    The chairman said the development was due to the fact that thugs snatched election materials and carried them away.

    Ahire said the matter was reported to the police and that bye-election would be conducted in the affected areas.

  • Odigbo wins firm’s Brand Personality crown

    As part of Marketing Edge’s mission of promoting the brand idea, plans have been concluded to confer chairman of Casers Group, Enyi Odigbo with the award of Brand Personality of the Year 2011.

    The award ceremony, which was held on October 23 at Sheraton Hotel and Suite Lagos, displayed pomp and pageantry at its peak. Over 300 top corporate leaders in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) sector and the clients’ side were in attendance.

    Odigbo was crowned in recognition of his numerous achievements in the brand building business and for his contributions to the growth of creativity in advertising business in Nigeria.

    Former Managing Director of Samsung, Nigeria Enang Idonrenyen delivered a dinner talk on contemporary marketing issues at the event. He said: “positioning is one major tool for personal branding and these four elements are key to achieve an enviable height. Authenticity, staying power, consistency and relevance. All these are characteristics clearly displayed by Odigbo both in his personal life and business world”.

    Publisher/Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Edge Publications John Ajayi, said the doggedness and incomparable but admirable entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by Odigbo in championing the cause of advertising and marketing practice over the years was second to none.

    He further said the choice of Odigbo as the 2011 Brand Personality of the Year was very significant in view of the fact that this was the second time in the magazine’s eight-year history that a practitioner would be so nominated for honour and recognition.