The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has congratulated The PUNCH Newspapers for emerging the Newspaper of the Year Award at the 31st edition of the Nigeria Media Merit Award.
Aside from being the Newspaper of the Year, at the 31st edition of the NMMA, which was held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, last Sunday, The PUNCH Editor, Mr Adedayo Oketola, also won the Dele Giwa Prize for Editor of the Year.
The PUNCH had a total of 32 nominations for the award and clinched 11 of them.
A letter addressed to the Managing Director, Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr Joseph Adeyeye, on Wednesday by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa, said the awards were laurels well deserved.
“It didn’t come as a surprise when The PUNCH won the Newspaper of the Year Award at the 31st edition of the Nigeria Media Merit Award on December 17, 2023, with your editor, Mr Adedayo Oketola, also emerging as the Editor of the Year.
“Congratulations. The laurels are well deserved. The PUNCH has been consistent on the trajectory of wholesome journalism that has won the hearts of the reading public and Nigerians,” the letter read.
Marwa also appreciated The PUNCH’s contribution to educating Nigerians on the dangers of substance abuse.
“I am also using this opportunity to express appreciation on behalf of the NDLEA, for the good coverage The PUNCH has given to our activities this year. We have a valued media partner in The PUNCH for your support via news reports and editorials that educate Nigerians about the dangers of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in our society and earn us their goodwill.”
Marwa, in another letter addressed to Oketola, said, “I have followed with keen interest your growth in journalism, especially following your appointment as the Editor of the two weekend titles of PUNCH before your elevation as the Editor of the daily title. I can say you have distinguished yourself and as such your choice as the Editor of the Year by the NMMA didn’t come as a surprise.”
