NMMA partners Coca-Cola to reward excellence in media practice

The quest to celebrate and reward media excellence through the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) continues to enjoy strong support from the private sector, including large corporations like Coca-Cola, which has had a strong showing at the events over the last five years through exclusive sponsorship of the NMMA Red Carpet Reception and endowment of the Coca-Cola Prize for Brands and Marketing Reporter of the Year.

This year’s event, which took place at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, was another good showing for the media industry, with the Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi as chief host.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fayemi reiterated the important role of the media in the society, saying “the media has a sacred role in enabling the Nigeria of our aspiration. A vibrant and effective print media can lead a crusade against injustice through constructive dialogue on issues; the media has the capacity to help stimulate the change we all desire to see in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian media deserve commendation as they have been the crucible holding together the narrative of our nation.”

He went on to commend the public and private sectors that had supported the NMMA with endowments, stating that the NMMA was one of the most reputable awards for media excellence instituted by veterans to encourage and recognise brilliance.

Coca-Cola appreciates the role of journalists in building sustainable communities and is committed to help develop the profession through supporting and promoting platforms such as the NMMA that encourage professionalism and excellence, Emeka Mba, community affairs officer at Coca-Cola Nigeria, who represented the company at the event, said.

This year, National Mirror brands reporter, Adedeji Ademigbuji emerged winner of the Coca-Cola Prize for Brands and Marketing Reporter of the Year.

Ralph Akinfeleye, chairman, panel of assessors, NMMA, revealed that the entries were assessed according to factuality, accuracy, originality, initiative, depth, spread, perspective, use of appropriate language, style, human interest, social responsibility, ethical responsibility and significance. A total of 950 entries were received from 632 entrants. Of this number, 840 entries were from print, 66 entries from radio and 45 entries from TV.