Nestlé Nigeria Plc has opened entries for the sixth edition of its Media Awards, inviting journalists and media professionals across the country to submit published works demonstrating excellence in reporting on issues affecting individuals, communities and businesses.
The company said the awards recognise journalism that brings critical issues to public attention, deepens understanding and highlights solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.
Entries for the 2026 edition opened on Wednesday, October 14, and will close on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for December 13, 2026, in Lagos.
Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, said the awards were designed to promote accuracy, depth, balanced perspectives and public-interest journalism.
“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.
Since its introduction, the Nestlé Media Awards has recognised outstanding reporting in areas aligned with the company’s Creating Shared Value agenda, including nutrition, agriculture, environmental sustainability, youth and women empowerment, and community development.
The introduction of the Business and Economy Reporting category in 2025 expanded the awards’ scope to cover journalism examining the challenges and opportunities shaping Nigeria’s business environment.
The 2026 edition 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.
Nestlé Nigeria said entries in all categories, except Business and Economy Reporting, must focus on the company’s Nigerian operations or global activities and demonstrate a clear connection to the relevant award theme.
The Business and Economy Reporting category, however, is open to stories examining broader issues within Nigeria’s business environment, including entrepreneurship, economic policy, access to finance, infrastructure, competitiveness, and the challenges and opportunities facing small and large enterprises.
The company said submissions in this category need not focus on Nestlé, allowing journalists to examine wider economic issues and propose solutions that could support a more enabling business environment.
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, although participants can submit separate entries across the different categories.
According to the company, an independent panel of experienced media and industry professionals will assess submissions based on accuracy and balance, depth, originality, relevance and storytelling quality.
Nestlé Nigeria said the awards would recognise journalists whose work contributes to public understanding of important issues and highlights practical solutions to challenges affecting society and the business community.
The winners will be honoured at the 2026 Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards ceremony in Lagos on December 13.
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