The publisher of Science Nigeria, Nkechi Isaac has been awarded the “Best Reporter of the Year Award” for her exemplary contributions to agricultural biotechnology reporting in 2024.
The recognition was presented during the 8th edition of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Nigeria Media Award Ceremony and Gala Night, held in Abuja and themed “Inform, Educate, Inspire: Celebrating Exceptional Agricultural Biotech Reporting.”
While presenting the award, senior manager for communications and partnerships at the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Nancy Muchiri lauded journalists for their tireless efforts to simplify complex scientific breakthroughs for better public understanding and acceptance.
In her acceptance speech, Isaac expressed gratitude to the organisers, stating, “This award is not only a recognition but also a call to action. It reinforces my commitment to educating and sensitising the public with accurate information about innovative technological breakthroughs and their benefits to our nation.”
Delivering the welcome address, director-general of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha applauded the relentless dedication of journalists, media professionals, and communicators in the field of agricultural biotechnology. He emphasised their critical role in delivering accurate, evidence-based information to counter misinformation and enrich public discourse.
“Your work ensures that conversations around biotechnology are constructive and informed,” Mustapha said. He highlighted that the OFAB Media Award acknowledges responsible journalism and the vital role of the media in promoting innovation, fostering dialogue and shaping policies for sustainable agriculture and food security.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji commended the honourees for their dual roles as journalists and advocates of science and technology. “These journalists are not just storytellers; they are champions of public education and agents of transformation,” he stated.
Nnaji underscored the significance of translating complex scientific concepts into language accessible to all, including illiterate farmers. “By simplifying these concepts, you empower farmers to adopt modern agricultural technologies, resulting in measurable improvements on their farms. This is a tremendous contribution to Nigeria’s food security and agricultural development,” he added.
Director of the agricultural biotechnology department at NBRDA, Dr. Rose Gidado highlighted the transformative impact of the OFAB Nigeria Media Awards (OMA). She reflected on the awards’ inception in 2017, aimed at bridging communication gaps and fostering public understanding of agricultural biotechnology advancements.
“Over the past eight years, OFAB Nigeria has built a collaborative partnership with the media, empowering journalists and promoting science literacy. This platform has not only celebrated excellence in science journalism but has fundamentally shifted the narrative around biotechnology in Nigeria,” Gidado noted.
The OFAB Media Awards continues to serve as a testament to the indispensable role of journalism in advancing agricultural biotechnology. It celebrates individuals like Isaac, whose efforts inspire dialogue, build public trust and foster innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
