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NBA-SPIDEL OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 MEDIA AWARD, SET TO HONOUR OUTSTANDING JOURNALISTS IN UMUAHIA


By Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq. | Legal Diary News
5 November 2026

Journalists championing justice, exposing corruption, defending human rights and promoting good governance in Nigeria now have an opportunity to receive national recognition.

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has announced the commencement of nominations for its 2026 Public Interest and Development Media Award, aimed at celebrating journalists whose reporting promotes accountability, justice and national development.

The prestigious award will be presented during the 2026 NBA-SPIDEL Annual Conference, scheduled for 9–13 November 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

The conference, themed "In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development," is expected to attract leading legal practitioners, policymakers, journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

RECOGNISING JOURNALISM THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

In a statement jointly attributed to NBA-SPIDEL Chairperson, Prof. Uju Agomoh, and Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Sir Ejike Ezenwa, SAN, FCArb, the organisers explained that the award seeks to recognise journalists whose work goes beyond reporting events to exposing injustice, promoting transparency and influencing positive societal change.

Particular attention will be given to impactful journalism covering corruption, human rights violations, access to justice, constitutional rights, democratic governance, education, healthcare, gender equality, environmental protection and poverty reduction.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen collaboration between the legal profession and the media in promoting the rule of law and sustainable development.

WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

The award is open to journalists and media practitioners across print, broadcast and digital platforms, including freelance journalists, photojournalists, documentary producers and Nigeria-based media organisations.

Eligible entries must have been published or broadcast between January and October 2026.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE TODAY, 5 NOVEMBER!

Interested persons are encouraged to submit nominations before the deadline of Thursday, 5 November 2026.

Nomination Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2WZXWyx7WzVA83xfdOCIdkOS5sueevEiUnBfDdVkh_68RAA/viewform?usp=dialog

LEGAL DIARY NEWS ANALYSIS

The introduction of this award underscores the important relationship between journalism, justice and democratic accountability.

At a time when investigative reporting and public interest journalism remain essential to exposing institutional failures and protecting citizens' rights, the NBA-SPIDEL initiative provides an opportunity to recognise media professionals contributing to a more transparent and accountable society.

Beyond celebrating excellence, the award reinforces the principle that a free, responsible and independent press remains indispensable to the administration of justice, protection of human rights and preservation of democracy.

Legal Diary News encourages eligible journalists and media organisations to take advantage of this opportunity before nominations close.

Reported by:
Michael Obinna Ochili, Esq.
Legal Diary News
Your Voice for Justice, Law and Development.

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