It’s obviously no news that the much-talked about Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards has come and
gone. The exquisite hall of NECA HOUSE that situated within the Alausa Business District in Ikeja, Lagos played host to the event and of course, it was a night with memories that would outlive all who attended the event especially those who returned home with plaques; a monument of honour and prestige from the event anchored by the duo of Shola Thompson and Pat Obilor.
There were a lot of winners indeed and the smile on their faces as well as their tight grip on the plaques in their hands told the entire story without using words. Some of the winners include Uti Nwachukwu, Toke Makinwa, Adora Oleh, Chioma Ifeanyi-Obianinwa (STV), Ambrose Somide (Raypower), Mc Ice Water (Eko FM), Gimba Umar (TVC), Gift Agriga (Kapital FM Abuja), Toyin Ibitoye (Channels TV), Daily Independent, Bella Naija, Murphy Ijemba (Brila FM)
Sports Tonight (Channels TV), Unizik FM , Liberty Radio 91.7FM (Kaduna), Vision Africa Radio (Umuahia), Royal FM (Ilorin), LTV 8, Nwokedi Moses a.k.a Big MO’ (Wazobia FM Abuja), Amaka Udeh a.k.a Fresh (Hot FM Abuja), Didi Egbuna(Dream FM, Enugu),Vimbai Mutinhiri- (Zinbabwe), Funmilola Aofiyebi Raimi (Tinsel), MTV Base, Music Africa, Anita Izedeh, Airtel, GTB, Startimes, Emrald Series, Oodua, and so many others.
More so, aside inducting broadcast legends Deji Haastrup and Kunle Job into the NBMA’s Hall of Fame, Soni Irabor, Fidelis Duka, Otunba Sesan Rufai and Mrs Ibifuro Tatua went home with Special Recognition Awards for their immeasurable contributions to the development of the Nigerian broadcast industry.
Bearing in mind that nominees can only win in a category once in three years, the event certainly hit a vibrant note on the sheets of credibility as this explained why the names of some popular On-Air-Personalities, TV and radio programmes were missing from this year’s list of nominees.
The SMS voting system, research and agency report used in determining the winners this year further strengthened the event’s wall of integrity.
A sizeable number of shining and rising music stars led by K-Sax, African China, Lil’ Jojo, Marcello, Rado, Hot Steppers dance group and among others filled in some of the blank spots with electrifying performances. Kay Okonkwo, the beautiful belle behind Ramore Couture proved why she is hot in the fashion scene. The unsung gifted fashion designer showcased some of her fashion collections during the event.
In all, the bar was raised and a thumbs up for the brains behind the event as we keep an eye on the next edition of the yearly event packaged by The Reality Entertainment. Below is the complete list of winners
