BMA: A decade of blazing the trail
BY TEKINYO THEOPHILUS
It was American Actor, producer and director Denzel Hayes Washington Jr who once said,
“Man gives the award but God gives you the reward”.
The actor whose career has spanned over four decades was speaking from experience following the numerous awards and accolades he has received in the course of his career.
He further explained that the experience of receiving a trophy is priceless and a reason to work even harder.
This corroborates the definition of an award as a prize either in a form of a medal, trophy, certificate, or plaque which depicts honour describing a person’s hardwork.
Moreso the greatest award given is that which proves an individual or group’s contribution or accomplishment is the best and deserves to be celebrated.
Notably, man in general loves appreciation, honour and as such cherishes special moments when appreciated. Consequently, those who have given their best in the workforce, do have an expectation for a reward.
Sadly, many professions demand the time and services of their employees but fail in this regard.
Also, Corporate entities and agencies need to create time to appreciate the efforts of their staffers especially in the Media Industry where responsibilities exceed the 8 hours daily work with high demands for extra time at work without pay.
It is worrisome to note that these workers are never compensated for the extra time or receive pay for the long hours spent during unofficial hours.
The media which is the most powerful entity on earth with the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent as well as controls the mind of the masses lacks such recognition or acknowledgement .
In the past, Bayelsa state media practitioners and stakeholders struggled with this global phenoma for a long period of time where there were no form of gratitude for a job well done.
But in 2013, this narrative became a thing of the past as Sqilful Konseptz , an event management company registered with the CAC in collaboration with Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ and her sister bodies for the first time organized The Bayelsa Media Awards,BMA.
It was the first of it’s kind in the Niger Delta
and now a tradition as the annual event focuses on celebrating media professionals and stakeholders while encouraging healthy competition among media organizations and recognizing those who have contributed immensely to the development of the state.
It important to note that The Bayelsa Media Awards is the most authentic and widely acclaimed media cum entertainment awards ceremony in the southern region of the country.
Moreso the Bayelsa Media Awards is with the assemblage of successful media practitioners from across the nation to celebrate excellence in broadcasting.
However, there is a compelling need for relevant entertainment sectors to invest in this project in order to fully harness its potential as over the years Media practitioners have been denied of this opportunities.
It is on record that all nine successful editions have consciously driven excellence in the broadcasting/media sector.
Interestingly, this year’s event with the theme; Dissecting the role of media in the political and economic trajectory of Bayelsa State is aimed at recognizing excellence in the pen profession, educate and also entertain guests.
Timelessly, the award cannot go unappreciated without mentioning the efforts the NCDMB, Bayelsa State Government led by Governor Douye Diri, Mr Preye Abaye Leghemo and Hon. Chief Robert Ayalla Enogha who supported the vision.
Hence, even as the 2023 edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday 22nd June at Emis Event Centre, 76 Inec road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, it promises to be an unforgettable moment for all with live performances by the state cultural troupe, Koffi black band, B2S, Mc Okpeke, Krazy Jenkins amongst others.
Whence the green carpet will commence at 10.00 am and the event proper at 11.am, the Keynote address will be presented by His Royal Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo AGADA IV, Chairman Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council.
To this end all well meaning Bayelsans, Media practitioners, notable leaders, well wishers and the public can not but make efforts to attend this epoch event.
Undeniably, while a prize for one is a prize for all must come out en masse to have fun, relax and bask in the euphoria of celebrating one other in the Media/Entertainment Industry in Bayelsa.
Bayelsa Media Awards….. Blazing the trail
