It was a galaxy of dignitaries and pacesetters of all strata of the society at the last 11th edition of the ground-breaking Nigeria Media Nite-out Award. The event which held last Sunday, 17th September inside the Oranmiyan Hall of the Airport Hotel, along Obafemi Way, Ikeja Lagos, was a statement in high-octane preparation blended with camaraderie midst pomp and ceremony.
From the ambience of the exotically-decorated hall to the array of guests that flooded the event, it was simply a statement of excellence and candour. Very few organizers can actually flaunt the ability of the NMNA organizers to satisfy the yearnings and expectations of the important high society etiquette. As early as 1.00pm, the serene area of the Airport Hotel started witnessing the arrival of A-list guests and entertainment buffs, including the media personalities and dignitaries that were to be awarded and recognized in different categories.
The Red Carpet booth was a spectacle in itself as guests were randomly rail-roaded into the point to share their views on the event and their expectations. The ushers were also another spectacle in their right as they were most courteous and friendly in their disposition throughout the event. Need we say here that, even the last year edition, the 10th one, which was even more symbolic than this one, can never match either in preparations, aesthetics and the avalanche of dignitaries that culminated in the grandsuccess of the 11th NMNA, much to the amazement of the guests and organizers.
From the executive governor of Kano State, to the former governor of Kaduna State, Emirs, traditional rulers, industry giants,media moguls, security officers, models, entertainers, musicians, and the list is inexhaustible, as an attempt to itemize them may amount to exaggeration. But to mention a few, Alhaji Umar Ganduje (OFR), Kano State Governor and his retinue of Government functionaries; Police Commissioner, (Retired, FrankOdita, the Guest speaker, who spoke on the title “Role of the Media in Combating the Menace of Kidnapping & Security Challenges in Nigeria, a lecture that was well-delivered to reflect the mood of the moment, Dr. Bello Matawalle (MON) , Omooba Segun Adewale, (OSA), Mr. Ephraim Inyang Eyen (Hon.Commissioner for works, Akwa Ibom State), Mr. Abdul Rasheed, (Head, Corporate Communications, Skye Bank), Babajide Kolade – Otitoju and his TVC Journalists Hang Out Crew, Ayo Ozugbakun, Bell Printing Press Team, Hon. Wale Odunlanni (former Ikeja LG Boss), CSP Shehu Alao, Chief Bright Chimezie, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, Sir Shina Peters, Righteousman, Tunji Disu, Lagos RRS Commander, CSP Dolapo Badmus, (PPRO Zone 2), just to mention a few.
The hall was indeed brimming with the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s fashion, beauty, tourism, entertainment industry shareholders, politicians, journalists, papparazzis and what have you, to make the entire venue very electrifying and classy in all its estimations, while a touch of elegance was added to the red carpet venue, beautifully embossed with the colour of the organizers, media sponsors and brand sponsors to make the day a huge success. The head honcho of the NMNA, Sola Olagbemiro said he is greatly grateful to God for the immeasurable success and promises a grander outing next Abdullahi Ganduje Political writer of the year.
AWARDEES @ A GLANCE
Business writer of the year: Kunle Azeez (New year: John Omoh (Punch) Photo Journalist of the year: Bamgbala Adekola (Daily Telegraph) Sports writer of the year: Taofeek Babalola (Sporting Life) Trust) Entertainment Editor of the year: (Soft Sell) Joshua Uloko (City Pride) Crime writer of the writer of the year: Mutiat Alli (Daily Times) year: Samson folarin punch
Aviation writer Brand writer of the year: Kayode Alfred (The Nation) Nigerian Investigative Journalist of the year: Wole Shadare (Telegraph) On–Air Personality of the year (TV): Vivian in Diploma of the year: ? On–Air Personality of the year (Radio): Tajudeen Oguche (Galaxy TV) Online News Blog of the year: Asabeafrika Ajani Ojuelegba (Rainbow FM) Best Radio Station of the year: Paper of the year: Vanguard ngr.com Outstanding Performing Governor of Bond FMRECOGNITION AWARD CATEGORIES HRH Mohammed Sani Halirv the year: Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje Mr. Ephraim Inyang Eyen Dantoro: Most Inspiring Monarch of the year His Excellency Dr. (Sir) Mukter Hon. Comm. For works Akwa Ibom State Ramadan Yero (Dallaton Zazzau) (Former Exec. Gov. KAdunna State) Life time Achievement Award for contribution to development of Kadunna State Media Friendly Political Father of the (Infrastructure and Peace). Life time Achievement year: Dr. Sule Lamido (Former Gov. Jigawa State).
Award for Outstanding contribution to security matters in Nigeria: CP Most Resourceful Corporate Affairs Manager of the Frank Odita (RTD) year: Mr. Abdul Rasheed (Head Corporate Communications (Skye Bank) Ground Breaking Media Programme of the year: Journalists Hangout (TVC) Outstanding Large Format Printing Company of the year: Bell Printing Award of Excellence for contribution to improving the Quality of Press
Award of Excellence for Education in Nigeria: Mr. Wale Odunlami Outstanding contribution to combating crime in Nigeria: CSP Sheu Alao Business Entrepreneur of the year: Chief Bright Chimezie (DPO Elekoro) Music Outstanding Training Organizer of the year: Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan Media Friendly Seriki of the Year: Legend of the year: Sir Shina Peters Female Artiste of Alhaji Ahmed Kuraja (Seriki overall Alimosho (CDA) Most Resourceful Amazon of the the year: Niniola Apata a.k.a. Niyola Baker of the year: Miriam Ifechukwu Meli Nwokoro year: Hajia Bola Muse Best Entertainment Centre of the year: Joseph Ayiayo Odobeatu (O’jez)
