The Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria concluded its fourth annual Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards with a ceremony honoring veteran actor Olu Jacobs and seasoned broadcaster Jimi Odumosu. Both recipients were presented with Pacesetter awards recognizing their sustained support for the growth of Nigeria’s media industry.
Benjamin Njoku reports that the awards ceremony marked the culmination of a two-day gathering of media stakeholders held in Ikeja, Lagos, from Tuesday, September 16, to Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The event, themed “Sustainable Content Creation in a fragmented Media Space,” brought together professionals from within and outside Nigeria to address pressing challenges facing content creators.
Other notable recipients included Ijeoma Onah, a television industry executive who received the Industry Trailblazer award, and Jibe Ologeh, who was honored with the Luminary Award for Content Creation and Leadership. The Nigerian Television Authority secured the Distinguished Award for Good Programming, while Radio Nigeria earned recognition with the Distinguished Award for Social Impact Programming.
In his welcome address, EMCOAN President Adeniji Omirin described the gathering as a marketplace of ideas and a celebration of excellence in Nigeria’s media and creative economy. He noted that the theme reflects current realities where audiences are scattered across numerous platforms, yet demand for quality local content remains strong. The challenge, he explained, lies in finding sustainable ways to create, distribute, and monetize content that benefits both creators and audiences.
Omirin highlighted the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence Master Class as part of this year’s program, emphasizing that the industry must keep pace with global digital transformation while maintaining ethical standards. Project Director Alayande Stephen praised the resilience and creativity of the electronic media industry, noting that the chosen theme was particularly fitting given the challenges posed by audience fragmentation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Malagi, represented by Voice of Nigeria Director General Jibrin Baba Ndache, stressed the importance of sustainable content creation in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape. Ndache acknowledged how technology has transformed information dissemination and the need for the industry to adapt accordingly.
The event attracted prominent figures including former Minister of Arts and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Dr. Evelyn Nwosu representing the NTA Director General, Osamede Uwubanmwen from the Advertisers Association of Nigeria, Lanre Adisa of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, and Dozie Okafor from the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required across the media value chain to address current industry challenges.
The recognition of both individual pioneers and established institutions reflected the multifaceted nature of progress in the media sector. From Olu Jacobs’ decades-long contribution to Nigerian entertainment to the institutional achievements of organizations like NTA and Radio Nigeria, the awards acknowledged various forms of excellence that drive the industry forward.
The ceremony served as both celebration and reflection, bringing together diverse stakeholders to honor achievement while discussing practical solutions for navigating an increasingly fragmented media environment. Participants engaged with the reality that while multiple platforms complicate content distribution, they also create new opportunities for reaching specific audiences with tailored programming.
As the fourth edition of NEMCEA drew to a close, the honors bestowed on this year’s recipients stood as recognition of past contributions and encouragement for continued innovation. The gathering reinforced the message that sustainable success in Nigeria’s media industry requires balancing technological advancement with creative excellence and ethical responsibility.
