In an unexpected turn of events, Prisca, a Senior Arts Correspondent, was bestowed with the prestigious title of the best correspondent in reporting NLNG Prizes, a recognition that came as a delightful surprise orchestrated by industry luminaries Taiwo Obe, Kadaria Ahmed, and Chido Nwakanma.

The trio collaborated with NLNG and their PR agency to compile clippings of journalists’ works for the Prize, keeping the entire process under wraps.

Prisca, alongside four other distinguished journalists, including Mr. Terh Agbedeh, Gabriel Akinadewo, Mrs. Chidinma Agwu, and Mr. Sopuruchi Onwuka, were invited to the event at  Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, without prior knowledge of the purpose of the gathering.

Each journalist was recognized and celebrated for their unique contributions — Mr. Terh Agbedeh for his consistency, Gabriel Akinadewo for his versatility, Mrs. Chidinma Agwu for her punctuality, and Mr. Sopuruchi Onwuka for his engaging storytelling.

Prisca’s exceptional talent in crafting compelling stories on NLNG Prizes for Literature and Science over the past two decades earned her the top honor. Alongside a cash prize of N5 million, Prisca was also presented with a brand new laptop, a commemorative plaque, and other tokens of appreciation.

During his address, Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasized the significance of honouring media professionals for their role in sharing NLNG’s stories with the public.

Odeh underscored the importance of going beyond press releases and encouraged journalists to delve into in-depth reporting and analysis of pertinent issues.

In his remarks, Odeh revealed that NLNG is currently preparing to launch the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting, signaling the company’s commitment to recognizing excellence in journalism that focuses on energy-related topics.

“Yes, the country had produced the likes of Prof. Soyinka, the great Chinua Achebe, Niyi Osundare, Cyprian Ekwensi, Femi Osofisan, and the like; but the diminishing return was becoming evident at some point with a sharp dip in the quality of writings that was gracing the public sphere at a time in history. That quality has since improved, thanks to the impactful contribution of NLNG.”

Egbemode said the NLNG Literature Prize journey has not been a lone one, but a journey with other critical partners and contributors to the process that translates to social change and development which defines NLNG’s interventions in the society. “One of such partners has been the media,” she said.

“Today, we play glowing tributes to everyone who works to bring this impact to our country and the businesses that operate therein.

“We honour and celebrate journalists and media professionals who have walked this road of operational excellence with NLNG over the past 35 years and 20 years of institutionalizing the literature prize among other prizes,”

 Egbemode said.

She urged other corporate organisations to emulate NLNG in celebrating journalists , ” those who don’t know what to do with the media see us as enemies”.

The event  brought together  distinguished gathering of industry leaders and media professionals to felicitate NLNG on the 35 years of its Incorporation, 25 years of Production and 20 years of the Nigeria Prizes for Literature and Science.