The Nigeria Merit Media Awards (NMMA) has announced the commencement of its 2025 edition, extending an invitation to journalists across print, radio, and television platforms to submit their finest work from the year 2024. This prestigious award program, with a history spanning over three decades, serves as a beacon of recognition for outstanding journalistic achievements within Nigeria’s diverse media landscape. The awards aim to celebrate the dedication, skill, and impactful contributions of journalists who uphold the highest standards of professional practice. The NMMA is committed to fostering excellence within the Nigerian media industry by acknowledging and rewarding exemplary work that informs, educates, and shapes public discourse.
The NMMA 2025 edition offers journalists a coveted opportunity to showcase their exceptional work and earn recognition for their contributions to the field. The awards encompass a wide range of categories, ensuring that diverse journalistic skills and specializations are acknowledged. The competition is open to all practicing journalists in Nigeria, regardless of their media affiliation – print, radio, or television – provided their submitted work was published or broadcast during the 2024 calendar year. Winners in each category will receive the esteemed Golden Gong of Excellence trophy, a certificate of achievement, and a monetary prize, further solidifying the significance of their accomplishment.
The judging process for the NMMA is rigorous and transparent, employing specific criteria tailored to each media category. For print journalism, submissions will be evaluated based on several key elements, including factuality, accuracy, originality, clarity, balance, human interest, creativity, and the effective use of photographic captions. These criteria underscore the importance of journalistic integrity, insightful reporting, compelling storytelling, and the ability to engage readers through both text and visuals. Entries demonstrating a strong command of these elements will be favorably considered by the judging panel.
For electronic media entries, the assessment will focus on factors such as knowledge of the subject matter, depth of reporting, confidence in presentation, ability to evoke positive emotions, effective eye and body communication, and a demonstrable commitment to social responsibility. Furthermore, entries will be evaluated based on their capacity to generate and maintain audience interest, incorporation of dramatic elements where appropriate, courageous reporting, exploration of new ground, and full utilization of the broadcast medium. Technical execution, adherence to the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) code, and overall professionalism will also be taken into account.
The submission process for the NMMA 2025 awards requires applicants to submit original copies of their 2024 work, along with four photocopies, a current curriculum vitae, and two passport photographs. Each entry must be clearly labeled “NMMA 2024 ENTRY” and specify the intended award category. Applicants are permitted to submit a maximum of two entries per category, but the same piece of work cannot be submitted for multiple categories. Specific guidelines apply to particular categories: Columnist of the Year requires four articles from each quarter of 2024, while News Photographer of the Year entries must include published cut-out photographs (black and white or color) with the photographer’s name, address, and publication date printed on the back. Electronic media submissions require five copies of the recordings.
Submissions can be made by the authors themselves, their employers, institutions, organizations, or individuals acting with the author’s consent. For the Broadcast Station of the Year categories, nominations can be submitted by members of the public through NBC zonal offices located in Abuja, Kano, Benin City, Umuahia, Ikeja, Maiduguri, and Jos. The deadline for all submissions is September 8, 2025. Improperly submitted entries or those received after the deadline may be disqualified. It’s important to note that all submitted materials become the property of the NMMA, with the exception of electronic entries, for which copyright protection will be maintained.
Through its established reputation and commitment to recognizing journalistic excellence, the NMMA plays a vital role in promoting high standards within the Nigerian media landscape. The awards serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of journalists who contribute significantly to informing and engaging the public. The rigorous judging process and specific criteria ensure that the awards are bestowed upon those who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication, and adherence to ethical journalistic principles. The NMMA’s continued dedication to recognizing and rewarding excellence in Nigerian journalism serves to inspire and encourage future generations of media professionals.
