The 8^th edition of the Nigerian Breweries’ Golden Pen Awards has opened with the promise to celebrate and reward winners.

Kufre Ekanem, Nigerian Breweries Corporate Affairs Adviser, who explained to newsmen at the media parley to announce this year’s edition of the awards said it will reward journalists in three categories – the Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Reporter of the Year, Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Photo Journalist of the Year and the Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Report of the Year.

He noted that the Golden Pen award was introduced to promote professionalism and objective reportage of events in Nigeria and to reward journalists who abide by the ethics of the journalism profession. Like the previous two editions, Ekanem disclosed that the theme of this year’s award remains Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development to help draw attention to critical issues of development in these areas.

“In March 2014, we gathered here to announce plans for the 6^th Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Award. That 2014 edition was the beginning of the expanded platform that draws attention to critical development areas by rewarding journalists who excel in reporting in themed areas,” he said.

The Corporate Affairs Adviser also stressed that the previous editions had strengthened the credibility of the NB Golden Pen Awards because they have made it more inclusive and ensured an increased media buy-in. He therefore enjoined journalists to enter for the award by submitting their entries from Tuesday, June 28^th until Friday, August 19^th, 2016.

He also informed media that an independent jury will analyze the entries for their originality, news value, use of resources, credibility and factuality. “Other areas of interest would include info-graphics, lay out/headline, clarity and social responsibility. After the adjudication, a shortlist of nominees would be announced early in October 2016. The 8^th Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Awards Ceremony will hold on Friday October 28, 2016 where winners will be announced,” he said.

According to him, winners in the three categories will receive the Golden Pen Award, gift items and the following cash prizes:

1. The NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year (N1,000,000)
2. The Golden Pen Nigerian Breweries Report of the year (N500,000)
3. The NB Golden Pen Photojournalist of the Year (500, 000)
4. First runner up NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year (300, 000)
5. Second runner up NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year (200, 000)
6. First runner up NB Photojournalist of the Year (250, 000)
7. Second runner up NB Photojournalist of the Year (N200, 000).