The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, has announced that the Cross River State governor, Bassey Edet Otu, alongside two of his counterparts, will be among distinguished honourees at the 2nd edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Awards, TNBA, scheduled for April 8, 2026, in Abuja. The prestigious ceremony, scheduled to take place at the NAF Conference Centre, is expected to draw key stakeholders in the nation’s broadcast industry.
In a statement issued on Thursday (yesterday) by the Executive Secretary, Yemisi Bamgbose, BON, disclosed that the governor, alongside his counterparts from Zamfara and Kaduna States, Dauda Lawal and Uba Sani, will be recognised for their dedicated support for the media industry and contributions toward the advancement of broadcasting in Nigeria. The organisation described the trio as “partners in progress whose commitment to media development continues to inspire institutional growth and professional excellence.”
According to BON, the awards ceremony, which will run from 6pm to 9pm, marks a significant milestone in the organisation’s sustained efforts to celebrate excellence and promote best practices in the broadcast sector. “After several months of painstaking process and preparations, the long-awaited 2nd edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Awards will hold on Wednesday, April 8, 2026,” the statement read, underscoring the significance of the event within the media landscape.
Highlighting the rationale for honouring the governors, BON noted that their administrations have demonstrated “remarkable goodwill and strategic support for media institutions,” adding that such recognition is intended to encourage stronger collaboration between government and the broadcast industry. The body further emphasised that “leaders who create enabling environments for media to thrive deserve to be celebrated as champions of democratic engagement and information dissemination.”
The awards, which were endorsed by BON’s 74th General Assembly in 2021, have grown into a credible platform for recognising excellence in Nigerian broadcasting. BON explained that “the primary objective of the Awards is to celebrate excellence and promote quality media practise in the broadcast industry,” a vision that continues to shape the selection of honourees and award recipients.
Providing insight into the selection process, the organisation revealed that the 2026 edition attracted 204 entries spanning broadcast performances from 2024. The Awards Selection Committee, led by former Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Danladi Bako, alongside representatives from key regulatory bodies and veteran broadcasters, undertook a rigorous evaluation to ensure credibility and fairness. BON described the process as “thorough, transparent and reflective of the highest industry standards.”
Beyond the recognition of governors Otu, Lawal, and Sani, the event will also celebrate excellence across 24 competitive categories, including radio and television stations of the year, best reporter, best newscaster, and best producer. BON added that “the awards will not only spotlight outstanding practitioners but also honour individuals whose lifetime contributions have shaped the trajectory of broadcasting in Nigeria.”
Reaffirming its commitment to industry growth, BON stated that the ceremony will serve as both a celebration and a call to higher standards. “As we honour excellence and recognise supportive leadership, we also reaffirm our resolve to foster innovation, professionalism, and integrity within the broadcast sector,” the statement read.
