Nestlé Nigeria Opens Entries for 2026 Media Awards, Announces Nine Categories

Nestlé Nigeria has opened entries for the sixth edition of its Media Awards, inviting journalists and media professionals across the country to submit outstanding reports that promote public understanding, highlight innovative solutions and address critical issues affecting individuals, communities and businesses.

The 2026 edition continues the company’s commitment to recognising excellence in journalism across areas such as nutrition, agriculture, environmental sustainability, youth and women empowerment, and community development.

The awards expanded in 2025 with the introduction of the Business and Economy Reporting category, creating an opportunity to recognise journalism that examines the challenges and opportunities shaping Nigeria’s business environment.

Speaking on the new edition, Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, emphasised the importance of accuracy, depth, balance and public interest in outstanding journalism.

According to Uwadoka, the awards are designed to recognise journalists who demonstrate rigour, integrity and thoughtful reporting while telling compelling stories that contribute meaningfully to society.

This year’s competition features 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.

Except for Business and Economy Reporting, entries must focus on Nestlé Nigeria or the company’s global activities and demonstrate a clear connection to the relevant award category.

The Business and Economy Reporting category, however, welcomes reports on Nigeria’s broader business landscape, including entrepreneurship, economic policy, access to finance, infrastructure, competitiveness, and the challenges and opportunities facing small and large enterprises. Entries in this category are not required to focus on Nestlé.

The competition is open to journalists and media professionals 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, while participants are permitted to submit one entry per category.

Entries opened on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and will close on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Interested journalists can submit their entries through the official 2026 Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards Entry Form.

An independent panel of experienced media and industry professionals will assess the submissions based on accuracy and balance, depth, originality, relevance and storytelling quality.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2026, in Lagos, where outstanding journalists will be recognised for their contributions across the nine categories.

Through the annual awards, Nestlé Nigeria continues to encourage responsible journalism that informs the public, promotes meaningful conversations and highlights solutions to issues affecting society and the economy.