The Nigerian Academy of Science, NAS, has announced its winners for the 10th Nigerian Academy of Science Media Awards 2020.
A Multiple Award Winner and an Assistant Chief Producer of Voice of Nigeria, VON, Olufunke Fayemi has emerged winner of the broadcast category out of the 47 entries submitted for the award.
A Punch Newspaper Correspondent, Tunde Ajaja bagged the award for the print category. He is a second- time winner of the award, having won in 2016.
Olufunke Fayemi commended NAS for its continued support for the media on science reporting
While narrating her experiences and expressing gratitude for the award, Fayemi said “This award is most appreciated as it is coming for an area where I least expected- Science. I am truly humbled by this and give God all the glory.
“The production that earned me the Broadcast Science-Journalist of the year 2020 looked at how COVID-19 affected Antenatal. It was a production I did just like I always put my best into any programme I produce. It was a bit challenging in terms of getting interviews done and moving around as it covered Lagos and Oyo states. But in all, I made use of social media tools and technology available to me. Today, the rest is history. Just keep doing what you know best, you never know who is watching and when the reward will come.
“The contributions of The Nigerian Academy of Science is indeed apt at this time. This is an area of reporting that requires proper orientation for impact to be made in society. And with many more sponsors like Vitafoam Nigeria, Journalists will be trained in putting their thoughts together in logical scientific ways.
“I salute the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism under its Female Reporters Leadership Programme for giving me the needed supports towards this production. I am most grateful. And to my primary constituency, Voice of Nigeria, thanks for the platform, always.
“I dedicate this award to my late father, who was an astute businessman in his time, Chief Jonathan Bolarinwa Fayemi, JP. He thought me that hard work pays.”
The Public Affairs Secretary of NAS, Professor Musbau Akanji congratulated the winners and commended the high quality of entries, noting that the scores for deciding the winners were very close.
The 2020 Nigerian Academy of Science Media Awards was held at Sharaton Hotel and Towers, Mobolaji Bank Anthony way, Ikeja, Lagos state.
Nnenna.O
