The Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA) has received a major boost as Governor Douye Diri endowed a new category — the *SDD Prize for News Editor of the Year* — bringing to four the award categories sponsored by the governor.
Since the inception of the awards, Governor Diri has supported the initiative with three other categories: *SDD Prize for Newscaster of the Year*, *SDD Prize for Presenter of the Year*, and *SDD Prize for Reporter of the Year*. Winners in each category receive ₦500,000 and a tablet.
The governor’s gesture, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, reflects his commitment to promoting media excellence and recognizing the role of journalists in advancing his administration’s policies and projects. He assured that his government would continue to back positive initiatives that strengthen the state’s media landscape.
Project Manager of the BMA, Mr. Victor Binawari, lauded the governor’s consistent support for the media, describing it as a strong motivation for practitioners to maintain professionalism and strive for excellence. He also congratulated the governor on Bayelsa’s 29th anniversary, noting his achievements, particularly the procurement of a 60-megawatt gas turbine to provide uninterrupted power supply, a project he said would industrialize the state and grow its economy.
The Bayelsa Media Awards has become a prestigious platform to celebrate journalists and broadcasters whose work has contributed significantly to the development and image of the state.
