NMMA opens call for 2025 entries

The Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Media Merit Award has formally announced the commencement of its 2026 call for entries, inviting journalists and media organisations across the country to submit their best works published or broadcast in 2025.

In a notice circulated to media houses, the organisers described the annual programme as “Africa’s foremost media excellence platform,” reaffirming what they called a continued commitment to rewarding professionalism, credibility and high journalistic standards.

“We remain committed to recognising excellence and strengthening professionalism across the media space,” the organisers said, noting that the awards are designed to “encourage impactful storytelling that serves the public good.”

The call for entries is open to practitioners across print, broadcast and digital media, including radio and television journalists, editors, photographers and columnists. Institutions are also permitted to submit entries on behalf of journalists whose works meet the eligibility criteria, while members of the public may nominate broadcast entries through approved channels.

According to the organisers, submissions must be original works produced within the 2025 calendar year.

“Only authentic and verifiable works will be considered,” the statement said, adding, “We will not accept entries that do not meet the stipulated guidelines.”

A wide range of categories has been opened for consideration, covering reporting in politics, business, education, health, environment, oil and gas, agriculture, human rights and defence.

Special awards will also recognise excellence among editors, columnists, broadcasters, photographers and media organisations.

The NMMA stressed strict compliance with submission requirements, noting that each entry must be accompanied by supporting documentation.

“Entrants are required to submit original copies of their work, alongside curriculum vitae and relevant identification materials,” the organisers stated.

For electronic submissions, applicants are expected to provide properly labelled flash drive entries, with each submission clearly separated.

The organisers warned that failure to comply with technical guidelines would result in automatic disqualification.

“Entries that do not meet the required format will not be considered,” the statement added.

Winners will receive the programme’s signature “Golden Gong of Excellence,” alongside certificates and cash prizes, the organisers confirmed.

“The Golden Gong remains our symbol of distinction for those who have demonstrated outstanding journalistic merit,” they said.

The call for entries will close at the end of May 2026, with all submissions to be delivered to the NMMA secretariat for evaluation.

The PUNCH, at the 33rd Nigeria Media Merit Award, reaffirmed its numero uno status in the nation’s media industry, winning top honours, including Newspaper of the Year, Editor of the Year, and Editorial Writing of the Year.

At the awards ceremony, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, PUNCH dominated across 27 categories.

Across these categories, PUNCH had the highest number of nominations, 42, winning 20 of them — the highest number recorded in 2025.