By Rhoda Godwin
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Conference Hall, Bayelsa State Council, came alive with colour, culture and celebration on Friday, December 26, 2025, as the Bayelsa Media Network Award (BMNA) hosted its 7th Edition of the prestigious awards ceremony. The event, which attracted eminent personalities from across Bayelsa State and beyond, was a grand convergence of media professionals, traditional rulers, public servants, community leaders, creatives and stakeholders committed to societal development.
Held under the distinguished chairmanship of Elder Timi Kaiser Wilhelm Ogoriba, the ceremony was marked by fanfare, rich cultural display and moments of reflection, as deserving individuals and organisations were honoured for their outstanding contributions to society in various fields of human endeavour.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Elder Timi Kaiser Wilhelm Ogoriba, commended the organisers for successfully sustaining the award platform over the years and for choosing the festive season to celebrate excellence. He thanked guests and awardees for honouring the invitation, noting that the essence of the Bayelsa Media Network Award is to recognise, celebrate and encourage those who have distinguished themselves through service, integrity and positive impact on society.
Elder Ogoriba stressed that awards are not merely symbols of recognition but a challenge to recipients to do more. According to him, the level of education attained, combined with the tangible impact one makes in society, remains a key determinant for recognition and honour. He further emphasised that meaningful development can only be achieved when individuals apply knowledge for the benefit of the larger society.
The leading candidate for the Izon National Congress (INC) presidency also used the opportunity to commit the ceremony to God, urging Nigerians to walk in the fear of God and promote peaceful coexistence. He expressed optimism that society would be better if leaders and citizens alike uphold moral values. In a gesture that drew applause from the audience, Elder Ogoriba declared the programme open and pledged to sponsor the 8th Edition of the Bayelsa Media Network Award.
A major highlight of the event was the award lecture titled “Cultural Re-awakening as a Panacea for Crass Materialism in Our Society,” delivered by the Registrar of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Dr. Akpoebi Adesi. Focusing on Izon culture, Dr. Adesi underscored the communal nature of the Izon way of life, describing it as a value system that promotes collective progress, responsibility and social harmony.
He noted that from time immemorial, the Izon people were not known for ritualistic practices aimed at wealth acquisition, condemning the modern trend of primitive accumulation of wealth at the expense of moral values. According to him, gratitude, contentment and communal support are core elements of Izon culture that must be revived to entrench moral rectitude in contemporary society. He called on Izons and Nigerians at large to embrace cultural re-awakening as a pathway to restoring lost values and curbing excessive materialism.
The award ceremony itself was a celebration of excellence, as several distinguished personalities were honoured for their remarkable achievements and contributions. Pastor Amange B.E. Amange received the Clergyman of the Year Award, while Man of the Year and Peace Advocate of the Year awards were conferred on His Royal Highness, Theophilus Moses, the Amadabo of Moko-Ama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in recognition of his commitment to peace, unity and traditional leadership.
Elder Timi Kaiser Wilhelm Ogoriba was honoured with the Izon Icon of the Year Award, acknowledging his longstanding contributions to Izon nationalism, leadership and community development. Hon. Victor Akenge emerged Public Servant of the Year, while Elder Victor Robert Yenevie, CDC Chairman of Amarata Community, clinched the Best CDC Executive in Bayelsa State Award.
Other notable awardees included Mr. Oweiladei Henry Okoro, Most Creative Sculptor in the Niger Delta; Engr. Lambert Nicodemus, Best Host Communities Development Trust Chairman; Mr. Amedi Bisi Uduru, Pillar of the Niger Delta Youths; and Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, who was recognised as Best Lawmaker in the Niger Delta. Dr. Reuben Awari George also received the Peace Ambassador of the Year Award for his contributions to conflict resolution and advocacy for peaceful coexistence.
Speaking with journalists after receiving his award, Elder Ogoriba described the honour as auspicious, particularly as it coincides with his preparation to contest the 2026 Izon National Congress election. He noted that the recognition serves as a moral booster and a harbinger of good things to come. The elder statesman and Izon patriot expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa Media Network Awards for finding him worthy, adding that the honour would further spur him to serve humanity with renewed dedication.
Traditional institutions and youth empowerment were also well represented among the awardees. HRH Wariebi Jonah Berebozigha, Paramount Ruler of Ikarama Federated Community, received the Best Traditional Ruler of the Year Award, while Dr. Mandela Paul Ogoun was honoured as Pillar of Youth Empowerment and Philanthropist of the Year, in recognition of his commitment to uplifting young people and supporting community initiatives.
In the creative and media sectors, Evang. Bannerman Ebitimitula Embiowei emerged Legendary Gospel Artist of the Year, Mr. David West received the Voice of the Masses Award, and Ruth Egbejule of Peoples FM 93.1 clinched both Best On-Air Personality of the Year and Best Programme on Radio Awards. Hyacinth Ugele, popularly known as DJ TomBggieug, won Best DJ, while Daukoru Grey was recognised as Best TV Reporter (Health).
Educational excellence and entrepreneurship were not left out, as Mrs. Chioma Onu emerged Best Proprietress of the Year, and Rhema Heritage International School won Best School in Bayelsa State. Chris Mark Deinkoru received the Best Reporter (Print) award, while Eunice Nnachi was honoured as Most Outstanding NGO.
Other awardees included Henry Ahamuefula and Chinaza Nwachi as Rising Stars, Golden FM 97.5/Discovery Radio as Radio Station of the Year, Oyins Egrenbidou as Integrity Journalist of the Year, Sir Braveman Wodi as Visionary Administrator of the Year, Mr. Reality as Artiste of the Year, Jacobson Park as Radio Man of the Year, and Mr. Victor Eulogy as Best Newscaster, among others.
In her closing remarks, the Project Manager of the Bayelsa Media Network Award, Blessing Matthew Ozegbe, expressed profound gratitude to God for the success of the ceremony. She thanked nominees, awardees and guests for their support and acceptance of the honours, assuring them that the next edition of the award would be bigger and better.
The 7th Edition of the Bayelsa Media Network Award once again reaffirmed its role as a credible platform for celebrating excellence,
