…As Nigeria prizes clocks 20 years
Written by Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has celebrated journalists for supporting the Nigeria Prizes at 20 years.
Vanguard Journalist, Prisca Sam-Duru received N5 million reward. She was rewarded for writing NLNG stories for prizes for literature and science in the last 20 years. Other writers, journalists at the event received awards and gifts.
Tony Okuyeme, Journalist who clocks 60 years on Friday was also celebrated with cake and other gift.


This milestone occasion recognised journalists and storytellers who play a crucial role in shaping public understanding and discourse. At the heart of this celebration is NLNG’s sponsorship of Africa’s largest award prizes for science and literature, which seeks to foster greater engagement and dialogue within Nigeria.
BusinessEcho provides an in-depth view at the event, highlighting the importance of supporting voices that impact society.
Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), over the years has been the proud sponsor of three of the biggest and most prestigious prizes in Africa for science, literature, and literary criticism: The Nigeria Prize for Science and The Nigeria Prize for Literature, each worth USD100,000 in award money, and The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism with a N1 million cash reward. of the prestigious The Nigeria Prize for Literature, The Nigeria Prize for Science, and the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, hosted a special event in Lagos as part of activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of these esteemed prizes.
The event, themed “Celebrating the Voices of Impact,” brought together influential writers, journalists, and industry leaders to honour the media’s invaluable contributions to the success of the prizes.


In his address, Mr. Andy Odeh, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, praised the journalists for their exceptional work and commitment to coverage of the Nigeria Prizes over the years.
Odeh advised journalists not to rely on press statements, but engage in in-depth reporting about issues. He disclosed the NLNG Prize for Energy reporting has also been introduced.
He highlighted the media’s crucial role in raising awareness of the Nigeria Prizes, inspiring new generations of writers and scientists, and fostering a vibrant intellectual community.

In her keynote address, “Celebrating Voices of Impact: The NLNG Story”, Mrs. Funke Egbemode (FNGE), emphasised the transformative power of the human voice, particularly when harnessed for societal good. She drew a parallel between personal expression and NLNG’s larger societal impact, praising the company’s long-standing contributions to literature and science.
She remarked that by sponsoring the prestigious Nigeria Prizes for Science, Literature, and Literary Criticism, NLNG has not only preserved Nigeria’s rich literary heritage but also fuelled a renaissance of new talents, helping to raise Nigeria’s global profile in these fields.
Mrs. Egbemode also lauded the role of the media in amplifying NLNG’s efforts and acknowledged journalists as “voices of impact,” who have shaped public discourse around the Nigeria Prizes for the past 20 years. She remarked that the partnership has been vital in ensuring NLNG’s contributions resonate far beyond the oil and gas sector.
It marks a strong collaboration that has illuminated Nigeria’s achievements on both national and international stages, she said.
peaks at the Celebrating Voices of Impact eventmarking the 20th anniversary of The Nigeria Prizes for Science, Literature, and Literary Criticism, proudly sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited.
In her speech, Ikuku reflected on the essential role journalism plays in shaping society and the importance of preserving media content as a lasting resource for future generations. She also highlighted the significant contributions of The Nigeria Prizes, which have driven innovation, culture, and knowledge in Nigeria for over two decades
The event brought together influential writers, journalists, and leaders across various sectors. I had the privilege of introducing to the stage our distinguished judges for a one-off media recognition award – Taiwo Obe, Kadaria Ahmed and Chidorum Nwakanma Nwakanma, who worked over the last five months with us to review articles, features and more on The Prizes since its inception. This special recognition honours journalists whose impactful work has advanced the evolution and public understanding of The Nigeria Prizes.
heartfelt thank you to the judges, prize winners, supporters and my colleagues who made this event possible. Your contributions continue to inspire and shape the future of Nigeria’s journalistic impact.
Learn more about the prize winners here: https://lnkd.in/dSMJAmtQ






