The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism and excellence in journalism, particularly in reporting developments in the oil and gas industry.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe, gave the assurance at the 13th Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA) in Yenagoa.

Ogbe, represented by the Manager, Government Relations, Mr Teddy Bai, said the media remained an important partner in communicating the board’s activities and promoting public understanding of developments in the oil and gas sector.

He noted that credible journalism played a significant role in promoting accountability, shaping public discourse and informing citizens about development initiatives.

The executive secretary, who also participated in a panel discussion at the event, acknowledged the media’s contributions to the establishment, growth and visibility of the board.

He said the board valued its longstanding relationship with media practitioners and remained committed to supporting initiatives that encouraged responsible reporting.

Ogbe also commended the organisers of the awards for sustaining a platform that recognised professionalism and encouraged healthy competition among journalists.

The awards, which coincided with activities marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State’s creation, attracted media practitioners from Rivers, Cross River, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Delta states.

The NCDMB-sponsored awards featured three categories, with each winner receiving N1 million and a brand-new laptop.

Blessing Ibunge of THISDAY Newspaper, Port Harcourt, won the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Oil and Gas Print Reporter of the Year.

Joseph Kunde of TVC Yenagoa won the NCDMB Prize for Niger Delta Region’s Report on Economy, while Ebitimi Zitimiyola of NTA Yenagoa emerged winner of the Oil and Gas Broadcast Reporter of the Year award.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Bayelsa Media Awards, Mr Victor Binawari, said the initiative was established to recognise media professionals whose contributions to promoting individuals, businesses and institutions often went unacknowledged.

Binawari said the organisers adopted transparent judging procedures, with experienced professionals and academics assessing entries based on their quality rather than the identities of the journalists.

He explained that the approach had strengthened the credibility of the awards and encouraged wider participation by journalists across the Niger Delta.

In a keynote address, the Bayelsa Government stressed the importance of a professional media in promoting accountability and good governance.

The Secretary to the State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Nimizigha, said the media had contributed to public enlightenment through its coverage of government policies, development projects and security issues.

He urged journalists to sustain professionalism and strengthen their capacity in digital journalism, data analysis, fact-checking and investigative reporting.

The 13th edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards celebrated journalists whose work contributes to public awareness and reporting on critical economic and industrial issues affecting the Niger Delta.