Prisca Sam-Duru Honored with NLNG’s N5 Million Media Excellence Award: Recognizing the Impact of Journalistic Storytelling
In recognition of the power of storytelling and the significant contributions of journalists to societal development, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) recently celebrated the achievements of Prisca Sam-Duru, a journalist with Vanguard Newspaper, for her impactful reporting on NLNG’s initiatives. At a grand event that marked the 20th anniversary of NLNG’s Nigeria Prizes for Science and Literature, Sam-Duru was honored with a cash prize of N5 million for her outstanding work in highlighting the organization’s contributions to these fields.
The ceremony, aptly themed “Celebrating the Voices of Impact: Nigeria Prizes @ 20,” was held to acknowledge the important role that journalists play in amplifying the stories behind corporate initiatives that have a broader societal impact. Over the past two decades, NLNG has become a prominent player in Nigeria’s economic and social development, and the Nigeria Prizes for Science and Literature have emerged as key drivers of intellectual and cultural growth.
Speaking at the event, Andy Odeh, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, stressed the importance of recognizing the media’s role in bringing these stories to life. “We are here today not just to honor our laureates but to celebrate the journalists who have told these stories. Without their dedication, the work we do may not reach the audience it deserves,” Odeh stated. He also emphasized the need for more in-depth reporting, encouraging journalists to go beyond mere press releases to provide context and depth in their storytelling.
For Prisca Sam-Duru, the award represents a culmination of years of dedicated reporting on NLNG’s impact on literature and science in Nigeria. Her work has been instrumental in shedding light on the significant contributions made by the organization in fostering intellectual growth and promoting cultural heritage. As a recipient of the award, Sam-Duru joins an elite group of journalists who have been recognized for their efforts to bring attention to issues that matter.
The keynote speaker at the event, Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), delivered a powerful speech that underscored the importance of journalism in shaping public opinion and driving societal progress. She praised NLNG for its commitment to supporting the media and urged other corporate organizations to follow suit. “NLNG has shown remarkable selflessness in celebrating the voices of impact. It is a lesson to other organizations that the media is not an enemy but a partner in progress,” Egbemode remarked.
Egbemode also took the opportunity to highlight the critical role journalists play in documenting and interpreting events that shape the nation’s narrative. “The media is the watchdog of society. We have a responsibility to inform, educate, and hold power accountable. And that work deserves to be recognized and rewarded,” she said. Her call for greater recognition of journalists’ contributions resonated with the audience, many of whom were media professionals themselves.
In addition to celebrating the achievements of individual journalists, NLNG also announced the introduction of a new prize for energy reporting, aimed at encouraging more robust coverage of the energy sector. This initiative is expected to further strengthen the relationship between NLNG and the media, fostering a deeper understanding of the energy industry and its impact on Nigeria’s development.
The event was not just a celebration of individual achievement but a reflection of the broader impact that journalism can have on society. By telling stories that matter, journalists like Prisca Sam-Duru are helping to shape the future of Nigeria, one story at a time.
