The Managing Editor of Hybrid News Nigeria, Hyacinth Nwafor has been conferred with the Award of Excellence in Crime Reporting at the National Media Community Award (NMCA) 2025, held at the NERDC Conference Centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.
The award ceremony organised by the Media Community Network Africa in collaboration with Daily Pride Communications, brought together an assemblage of distinguished personalities and thought leaders from the media, government, business, and public relations sectors.
According to the organisers, this year’s edition of NMCA is designed to celebrate excellence, integrity, and innovation within the Nigerian media landscape, while promoting responsible journalism as a vital tool for national unity, security consciousness, and socio-economic progress.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Nwafor, the NMCA Award Screening Committee noted: “With profound respect and professional admiration, the Governing Council, Advisory Board, and Award Screening Committee of the Media Community Network Africa are delighted to honour Mr. Hyacinth Nwafor with the Award of Excellence in Crime Reporting. His contributions to investigative journalism and public-interest reporting exemplify the courage, integrity, and professionalism that the NMCA seeks to celebrate.”
In his remarks after receiving the award, Nwafor expressed deep gratitude to the organisers for the recognition, describing it as both humbling and inspiring.
“I am deeply honoured and profoundly humbled to receive this award. This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective support, trust, and encouragement I have received from so many remarkable individuals along the way,” he said.
Nwafor extended special appreciation to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Fayoade Adegoke, for his exemplary leadership and encouragement, which he described as a source of inspiration for excellence, discipline, and dedication to duty.
Reflecting on the significance of being honoured during his lifetime, he said: “It is truly a thing of great joy to be celebrated and recognized while still alive. Too often, we wait until people are gone before acknowledging their impact. Honouring people in their lifetime when they can feel and share in that joy is one of the purest forms of gratitude. It reminds us that our efforts are not in vain, that our voices matter, and that our labour of love for our nation and humanity is seen.”
Nwafor also used the occasion to draw attention to the plight of journalists across the country, emphasising the urgent need for government intervention to improve their welfare and safety.
“Journalists are the conscience of society. They tell the stories that shape nations, hold power accountable, and give voice to the voiceless. Yet, many suffer in silence, dying in poverty, battling health challenges without support, and working without safety nets or shelter. It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government and relevant authorities create stronger structures of protection, welfare, and empowerment for journalists,” he said.
He further called for policy reforms that guarantee safety, healthcare, housing, and dignity for media professionals, adding that a society that neglects its storytellers risks losing its moral compass.
“Journalists should not only be remembered in times of crisis or celebrated posthumously. They deserve to live honourably, work safely, and age gracefully. Recognition should translate into real-life impact,” Nwafor emphasised.
He expressed renewed commitment to the ideals of truth, fairness, and justice that underpin the journalism profession.
“As we celebrate today, let this award serve as a call to action, a reminder that recognition is not just about applause or trophies, but about building a system that values human lives, integrity, and service. This honour renews my dedication to the truth, to humanity, and to the noble calling of journalism. Together, we can build a better, fairer, and more compassionate society.”
