Lagos — The Chairman of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), Mr. Lanre Idowu, on Tuesday night paid emotional tribute to three departed media veterans — Dr. Doyin Abiola, Mr. Dan Agbese, and Christopher Kolade — describing their deaths in 2025 as a major blow to Nigerian journalism and to the DAME community.
Speaking at the 34th DAME Awards presentation in Lagos, Idowu disclosed that a total of 643 category winners have emerged over the award’s 34-year history, while 685 individuals have been inducted into the DAME Hall of Fame through lifetime awards and honorary fellowships.
“These are names that have been carefully chosen as the best in their fields. Overall, we are proud of the strides covered by our DAME ambassadors over the years,” he said, listing notable honorees such as Azu Ishiekwene, Sam Omatseye, and Reuben Abati.
Idowu said the passing of Abiola, Agbese, and Kolade — all DAME Lifetime Award recipients — represented “a sad development for the organisation,” noting that their decades-long influence on journalism and public service remains unmatched.
He emphasised that the 34th edition was taking place at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history, urging the media to maintain resilience and continue giving voice to public concerns.
“In the works nominated for awards, the voices from the media have been strident. They make us think, cry, and reassure us that all is not lost,” he said.
He stressed that journalists who uphold ethical and responsible journalism are crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s future.
Highlighting the role of the media in holding leaders accountable, Idowu said: “Our media has tried, but our media can do a lot more.”
The event saw PUNCH emerge as the biggest winner for the second consecutive year, clinching Newspaper of the Year and Editor of the Year, among nine awards won out of its 15 nominations.
Editor Oyetunji Abioye beat colleagues from The Nation, ThisDay, Daily Sun and Premium Times to retain the top editorial prize.
Daily Trust won the Best Designed Newspaper of the Year award, ahead of Leadership and ThisDay.
(NAN)
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