Nigerian journalists have clinched multiple honours at the 2026 Global AMR Media Awards (GAMA) and the inaugural Nigeria AMR Media Awards (NAMA), with the country accounting for 96 entries, representing one-quarter of total submissions.
The awards were announced on Thursday, November 11, during the 6th Annual Global Media Forum on AMR, following the submission of 96 entries from Nigeria, representing about one-quarter of all entries received for the global and national competitions.
Kazeem Biriowo of the Nigerian Tribune emerged as the first-prize winner of the inaugural NAMA Awards, while Julian Adetinuyo of News Scope Africa came second and Mariam Ile-yemi of Premium Times took the third position.
Other Nigerian journalists recognised in the special mention category include Folashade Akpan of the News Agency of Nigeria, Chioma Obinna of Vanguard, Helen Oji Emmanuel of Blueprint, Fatima Saka of DistinctNews, Chinyere Okorafor of Nigeria Health Times, Laide Akinboade of Daily Asset and Odimmegwa John Peter of New Africa Horizon.
The first, second and third prize winners will receive certificates and cash awards, with financial support provided by the Art for Health Initiative, a non-profit organisation.
In the GAMA awards category for reporting on the 5th High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, Annabel Nwachukwu of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria emerged first, Edward Samuel Ikpete of Voice of Nigeria came second, while Doris Obinna of The Sun secured third place.
Alice Etuka of The Fact Daily received a special mention in the same category.
Similarly, Isioma Appiah-Yeboah of Clean Beat Radio won first prize in the People’s Reporting category, while Princess Ekwi-Ajide of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Smith Nwokocha of Port Harcourt Wakawaka Blog and Chioma Vivian James of True Verdict received special mentions.
At the Africa level, Patience Ihejirika of Leadership newspaper and Benedict Ifeanyi Chukwu of Kaftan TV also received special mentions.
Speaking after the announcement, the Founding Chairperson of the Nigeria AMR Media Alliance (NAMA), Ojoma Akor, described the inaugural national awards as a significant milestone in strengthening health and science journalism in Nigeria.
Akor said antimicrobial resistance had received insufficient attention in Nigerian newsrooms despite its far-reaching implications for public health, healthcare delivery, food security and national development.
She explained that the awards were designed not only to celebrate journalists but also to recognise the role of the media in translating complex scientific evidence into accessible information, amplifying affected communities’ experiences and holding relevant institutions accountable.
According to her, Nigerian journalists have a critical responsibility to shape public understanding and strengthen the country’s response to antimicrobial resistance through investigative and solutions-oriented reporting.
The Chairperson of the Global AMR Media Alliance, Shobha Shukla, also congratulated Nigerian journalists, commending Akor for strengthening the country’s media engagement in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Shukla described AMR as more than a medical or scientific challenge, saying it was also a societal and development concern requiring informed citizens, accountable governments and responsible practices across human, animal and environmental health sectors.
She stressed that the media must move beyond treating AMR as an ordinary health news issue and help build a public movement for responsible antimicrobial use and stronger health systems.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites develop the ability to resist medicines designed to treat infections, making diseases increasingly difficult to manage and increasing the risks associated with routine medical procedures and surgery.
Nigeria has been implementing its National Action Plan on AMR through surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control, as well as collaboration among stakeholders under the One Health approach.
However, sustained public awareness, adequate financing, stronger policy implementation, research and effective communication remain essential to tackling the growing threat.
NAMA said journalists have a strategic role in bridging the gap between scientific knowledge, government policies and public understanding.
The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, development partners, research organisations, professional associations and media organisations to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report on antimicrobial resistance.
Akor also urged government agencies, health professionals, researchers, development partners and civil society organisations to deepen their engagement with journalists and support independent, evidence-based reporting on AMR.
