The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), in collaboration with the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), invites submissions for the PIND Prize for Niger Delta Development Reporting. This special award, to be featured at the 33rd DAME, honors journalists who bring depth, insight, and innovation to reporting on sustainable development, peacebuilding, and transformational storytelling in the Niger Delta.
About the Award
The PIND Prize celebrates impactful journalism that transcends routine coverage, offering powerful insights into the Niger Delta’s development landscape. This award acknowledges media professionals whose work inspires meaningful dialogue and drives positive change in the region.
Who Can Apply?
This award is open to professional journalists in print, television, radio, and online media. To be eligible, entries must have been published or broadcast within the award year 2024, specifically from January 1 to November 16.
Award Criteria
1. Alignment with Key Development Themes Entries must address at least one of the following themes aligned with PIND’s mission:
-
- Reducing Poverty: Coverage of initiatives boosting incomes for smallholder farmers and MSMEs via agricultural value chains and market linkages.
- Powering Coastal Communities: Stories about renewable energy solutions that benefit coastal areas.
- Nurturing Youth Employment: Reports on skill development, employment, or entrepreneurial initiatives supporting youth in the region.
- Fostering Stability: Coverage on efforts promoting social cohesion, conflict prevention, and early response systems.
- Empowering Local Organizations: Focus on capacity-building for local organizations, improving service delivery and funding access.
- Influencing Government Policies, Programs, and Practices: Analysis of policy impacts, advocacy efforts, or legislative actions affecting regional development.
- Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI): Stories that highlight increased opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women.
2. Quality of Reporting Entries should demonstrate:
-
- Investigative Depth: Thorough investigation that provides fresh perspectives on the chosen theme.
- Analytical Skill: Clear, accessible analysis of complex issues with implications for sustainable development.
- Storytelling and Engagement: Engaging storytelling that brings issues to life for audiences.
3. Impact on Development and Advocacy Submissions should:
-
- Engage Stakeholders: Reporting that encourages meaningful dialogue among policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
- Raise Awareness and Advocate for Change: Stories that build awareness and potentially influence public opinion or policy decisions.
- Show Positive Impact: Evidence of reporting that fosters understanding, behavior change, or adoption of PIND’s models in communities.
4. Ethical Standards and Social Responsibility
-
- Accuracy and Fairness: Entries should adhere to journalistic ethics, ensuring accuracy and sensitivity in coverage.
- Social Responsibility: Stories should address issues significantly impacting marginalized communities within the Niger Delta.
Submission Deadline
All entries must be submitted by November 16, 2024.
How to Submit
Please send your entries to dame@dameawards.com
We look forward to recognizing the impactful work of journalists who are committed to a sustainable and peaceful Niger Delta.
