The Bayelsa Media Network Awards (BMNA) on Friday celebrated excellence across various sectors as it honoured distinguished individuals and organisations at its 7th edition ceremony, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Conference Hall, Bayelsa State Council. The colourful event took place on December 26, 2025, amid fanfare and wide stakeholder participation.The awards ceremony was held under the chairmanship of Elder Timi Kaiser Wilhelm Ogoriba,, who commended the organisers for staging the event during the festive season. He described the initiative as a platform designed to recognise individuals who have excelled in different fields of human endeavour and contributed meaningfully to societal development.
In his opening remarks, Ogoriba said awards serve as both recognition and responsibility, urging recipients to see the honour as a challenge to do more. He stressed that societal impact, personal integrity, and contribution to community development remain key determinants for recognition.The elder statesman committed the programme to God, calling for moral uprightness, peaceful coexistence, and collective responsibility in society. He also announced his decision to sponsor the 8th edition of the Bayelsa Media Network Awards, drawing applause from guests.
The award lecture, titled “Cultural Re-awakening as a Panacea for Crass Materialism in Our Society,” was delivered by Dr. Akpoebi Adesi, Registrar of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua. Speaking with emphasis on Izon culture, Adesi highlighted the communal nature of the Izon way of life and its role in fostering societal development. He noted that the Izon people, from time immemorial, are not associated with ritualistic wealth acquisition, condemning the primitive accumulation of wealth. Dr. Adesi urged a return to values of gratitude and contentment as foundations for moral rectitude and sustainable development.
Several prominent personalities received awards at the event. Pastor Amange B.E. Amange was named Clergyman of the Year, while His Royal Highness Theophilus Moses, the Amadabo of Moko-Ama in Brass Local Government Area, received Man of the Year and Peace Advocate of the Year awards. Elder Timi Kaiser Wilhelm Ogoriba was honoured as Izon Icon of the Year, Hon. Victor Akenge as Public Servant of the Year, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari as Best Lawmaker in the Niger Delta, and Dr. Mandela Paul Ogoun as Pillar of Youth Empowerment and Philanthropist of the Year.
Other award recipients included Engr. Lambert Nicodemus (Best Host Communities Development Trust Chairman), Mr. Oweiladei Henry Okoro (Most Creative Sculptor in the Niger Delta), Dr. Reuben Awari George (Peace Ambassador of the Year), and HRH Wariebi Jonah Berebozigha (Best Traditional Ruler of the Year).
Speaking after receiving his award, Ogoriba described the recognition as timely and motivating, particularly as he prepares for the 2026 Izon National Congress election. He thanked the organisers and pledged to continue serving humanity and the Izon nation. In her closing remarks, Blessing Matthew Ozegbe, Project Manager of the Bayelsa Media Network Awards, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the event and thanked nominees and awardees for their support. She assured that future editions would be bigger and better.
