The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has posthumously bestowed its inaugural Moses Ekpo Prize for Innovative Copyright Reporting on Evelyn Osagie, the late Assistant Editor (Arts) of The Nation Newspaper. The prestigious award recognises her exceptional contributions to Nigeria's creative industry and her courageous reporting on intellectual property issues.
A Legacy of Courageous and Insightful Reporting
During the formal presentation ceremony held on Monday, 22 December, at The Nation Newspapers' premises, NCC Director-General John Asein highlighted Osagie's profound impact. He described her journalism as thoughtful, accurate, and consistently centred on the people. Her work was instrumental in amplifying creators' voices and demystifying complex copyright matters with clarity and empathy.
Asein expressed hope that the award, which includes a commemorative plaque and a cash prize, would inspire a new wave of journalists to pursue excellence and bravery in telling Nigeria's copyright stories. He emphasised that the Prize affirms the critical role of responsible journalism in shaping public understanding and influencing policy within the creative economy.
Honouring a Pioneer and a Valued Partnership
The Prize is named in honour of Moses Ekpo, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the pioneer Director-General of the NCC. Speaking via telephone, Ekpo thanked The Nation for its longstanding support of the Commission and its role in promoting copyright awareness. He noted that the award reflects the enduring partnership between the media and the copyright community in fostering respect for creativity and the rule of law.
The presentation date was symbolic, coinciding with the birthday of Mr. Moses Ekpo, MFR.
Recognition for Advocacy and Educational Efforts
Lynda Alphaeus, Director of the NCC Lagos Office, commended Evelyn Osagie's significant contributions to copyright education, particularly among young people. She praised Osagie's support for strengthening Copyright Clubs in schools across the nation.
Alphaeus also expressed deep appreciation to The Nation and the Osagie family for what she called "the gift of a soul like Evelyn to the Commission," offering prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul.
Accepting the award on behalf of the newspaper, the Editor, Adeniyi Adesina, thanked the NCC leadership for honouring his late colleague. He reaffirmed The Nation's continued commitment to supporting the Commission's mandate and various programmes.
In her emotional response, Evelyn's sister, Ms. Patience Osagie, accepted the Prize on behalf of the family. She expressed gratitude to the NCC for the noble gesture, stating that it demonstrated the Commission's love for creative writers and proved that her sister's diligent efforts were not in vain.
The event, as detailed in a press release signed by Ijeoma Egbunike, Director of Public Affairs, for the Director-General, stands as a poignant tribute to a journalist whose work left an indelible mark on Nigeria's creative landscape.
