Nestlé invites entries for 2026 media awards

By Adebola Muili

Nestlé Nigeria has invited journalists and media professionals across the country to submit entries for the sixth edition of its Media Awards, which recognises excellence in reporting on nutrition, agriculture, environmental sustainability, business and other areas of public interest.

In an announcement on the 2026 edition, the company said entries opened on Wednesday, October 14, and would close on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The awards feature nine categories: Nutrition and Affordable Food Solutions, Environmental Sustainability, Youth Empowerment and Development, Women Empowerment, Community Development, Finance, Agriculture, Business and Economy Reporting, and Photojournalism.

The Business and Economy Reporting category, introduced in 2025, recognises journalism examining Nigeria’s wider business environment, including entrepreneurship, economic policy, access to finance, infrastructure, competitiveness and the challenges facing enterprises.

Speaking on the awards, Nestlé Nigeria’s Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability, Victoria Uwadoka, said the initiative seeks to encourage accurate, balanced and in-depth reporting that serves the public interest.

“Excellence in journalism requires more than telling a compelling story. It demands accuracy, depth, balanced perspectives and a commitment to the public interest,” Uwadoka said.

She added that the company remained committed to recognising the rigour, integrity and thoughtful reporting that distinguish exceptional journalism.

According to the announcement, entries in eight of the nine categories must focus on Nestlé Nigeria or the company’s global activities and demonstrate a clear connection to the relevant award theme.

However, the Business and Economy Reporting category is open to stories about Nigeria’s broader business environment and does not require a direct focus on Nestlé.

The competition is open to journalists working across print, broadcast and digital media platforms in Nigeria. Eligible entries must have been published between November 1, 2025, and October 30, 2026.

Applicants are required to submit a link or copy of their published work, a profile of at least 100 words about themselves or their media organisation, and a 100-word description of the entry.

Each published work may be submitted in only one category, although participants may submit separate entries in different categories.

The company said an independent panel of experienced media and industry professionals would assess submissions based on accuracy and balance, depth, originality, relevance and storytelling quality.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards ceremony scheduled for December 13 in Lagos.