Prestigious Honors Bestowed at National Media Community Awards 2025
The National Media Community Award 2025 ceremony witnessed the recognition of outstanding professionals from various sectors, with The Guardian's Adaku Onyenucheya and the Force Criminal Investigation Department's legal officer Morufu Animashaun among the distinguished honorees. The prestigious event took place on Saturday, November 9, 2025 at the NERDC Conference Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, organized by Media Community Network Africa in partnership with Daily Pride Communications.
Celebrating Excellence in Maritime Reporting and Legal Practice
Adaku Onyenucheya received the coveted "Award of Excellence in Maritime Reporting", while Morufu Animashaun was recognized as an Outstanding Legal Icon. The awards ceremony, which has become an annual tradition, celebrates individuals across media, government, and both private and public sectors who have made significant contributions to national development.
Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, personally presented the award to Onyenucheya. He commended her exceptional reporting on the maritime sector, describing it as crucial to the nation's economic growth. Fayoade emphasized that "the maritime industry is growing very fast and members of the public need to know what is happening", praising Onyenucheya's professionalism in bringing national attention to challenges and opportunities in port efficiency, maritime safety, and the blue economy.
Wider Recognition Across Multiple Sectors
The honor roll extended beyond the two main recipients to include several other distinguished personalities. Among those recognized were Ojotu Ojema, Member of the House of Representatives for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, and Stephen Olukayode, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1.
Security sector honorees included CSP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi, Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Piracy Unit, and Supol Adepoju Adeniyi, Officer-in-Charge of the FCID Annex at Alagbon, Lagos Interpol Annex.
This year's edition focused on the theme "Roles of the Media in National Security, Business Development, and Good Governance", highlighting the indispensable role journalists play in building a more informed and cohesive society.
Official Recognition of Professional Excellence
In a jointly signed statement by Dr. Agnes Nyumah Boakai (Chairman, Advisory Board/Governing Council, Nigeria Media Network), Oyedun Oluwagbemiga (Chairman, Award Screening Committee), and Joshua Uloko (Publisher/Chief Executive Officer, Daily Pride Communications), Onyenucheya's recognition was attributed to her outstanding professionalism, commitment to ethical journalism, and consistent contributions to Nigeria's maritime reportage and national discourse.
The statement elaborated: "Over the years, your exceptional storytelling, investigative depth, and authoritative insights have not only elevated the standards of maritime journalism but have also inspired a generation of reporters and strengthened public confidence in the media as a tool for development."
The organizers concluded by expressing their "highest esteem and professional regard" while honoring her remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions to journalism and national development.
