DAME To Honour Babarinsa, Jimoh, Lakemfa, 20 Others

The Trustees of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) have announced that the 34th edition of the prestigious awards will take place on Tuesday in Lagos.

This year’s ceremony will feature the presentation of 20 prizes across reporting, commentary, and media aesthetics, continuing DAME’s longstanding mission of celebrating outstanding professionalism, ethical responsibility, and excellence in Nigerian journalism.

In addition to the competitive award categories, DAME will also confer Honorary Fellowships on three distinguished veterans whose careers have profoundly shaped Nigerian journalism. The honourees for 2025 are Najeem Jimoh, former Editor of The Punch; Dare Babarinsa, co-founder and former Executive Editor of TELL Magazine; and Owei Lakemfa, renowned columnist, labour advocate, and former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU).

Najeem Jimoh, a pillar of the modern Nigerian newsroom, is revered for his editorial depth, calm leadership, and deep commitment to nurturing young journalists. His tenure at The Punch left a legacy of integrity, discipline, and humility that continues to inspire many across the industry.

Dare Babarinsa is recognised as one of the most influential journalists and chroniclers of Nigeria’s political history. His illustrious career, spanning Drum, Concord, Newswatch, TELL Magazine, and Gaskiya Media, has been marked by bold reporting, thoughtful analysis, and unwavering dedication to documenting national events. His book, ‘House of War’, remains a significant reference in contemporary Nigerian history.

Owei Lakemfa, known for his decades-long columns on national and international affairs, has also distinguished himself as a courageous trade unionist and human rights defender. His leadership within the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and later at OATUU reflects his lifelong commitment to justice, workers’ rights, and democratic governance. His voice has remained principled, consistent, and deeply impactful in Nigeria’s public discourse.

Since its establishment in 1992, the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence have served as a benchmark for quality in the Nigerian media. Beyond the annual awards, the DAME Trust Fund continues to invest in the future of the industry through training programmes designed to strengthen skills, enhance ethical standards, and support the next generation of journalists.