Nigerian Sports Journalists In Diaspora (NSJID), a group that is made up of former Nigerian sports journalists who now reside abroad has initiated an award of excellence in sports journalism, to appreciate practitioners across the old and new media.
According to the president of NSJID, Gbenga Bakare, who was an accomplished sports journalist in the 1990s while working for The Punch, “It would be our utmost dream if we can bring back the glorious 1980s and 1990s when our sports had the most vibrant media coverage.”
To actualise the dream, the NSJID decided to institute awards for the sports journalists that covered most Nigerian local sports.
The award committee is headed by Gboyega Okegbenro, a former sports editor of Daily Times.
He announced that the nomination process for the Grassroot Reporting Award, which commenced on January 28, will run for 10 days.
The award ceremony will recognise and reward outstanding journalists who have made significant contributions to grassroots reporting in Nigeria. It will be held on 22nd February.
The award will feature four distinct categories: Print Media, Television, Radio Broadcasting, and Online Media. Winners in each category will receive a cash prize of half a million Naira.
The ceremony will take place at the Lagos Sports Writers Association Hall, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
Assuring transparency and fairness, Okegbenro said: “At the end of the day, the true winners will emerge. The NSJID Award Committee is committed to promoting excellence in grassroots reporting, and this award is a testament to that commitment.
“With the nomination process now open, the stage is set for a thrilling competition that will celebrate the best of Nigerian sports journalism.”
