The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has conferred a posthumous award on the former Assistant Editor (Arts), Nation newspaper, Evelyn Osagie.
The Director-General of NCC, Dr John Asein, disclosed this in a statement released by the commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The maiden award initiated by the pioneer Director-General of NCC, Moses Ekpo is tagged: ` Innovative Copyright Reporting’.
The ‘Innovative Copyright Reporting’ is an annual award aim at recognising journalists and media institutions that demonstrated excellence, integrity, and innovation in copyright reporting.
Asein expressed hope that the award, comprising a commemorative plaque and a cash prize would inspire a new generation of journalists to pursue excellence, curiosity, and courage in telling Nigeria’s copyright story.
He described Osagie’s journalism as thoughtful, accurate and people-centred, noting that her work consistently amplified the voices of creators and translated complex copyright issues with clarity, integrity, and empathy.
According to him, the prize also affirms the indispensable role of responsible journalism in shaping public understanding and informing policy outcomes within the creative economy.
Also speaking, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the pioneer Director-General of the NCC, Moses Ekpo, thanked the Nation newspaper for its longstanding support to the commission.
He also appreciated the newspaper for its consistent promotion of copyright awareness.
He noted that the award reflected the enduring partnership between the media and the copyright community in advancing respect for creativity and the rule of law.
The Director of the NCC Lagos Office, Lynda Alphaeus, commended Osagie’s contributions to copyright education among children, particularly her support for the strengthening of Copyright Clubs in schools.
Responding on behalf of the newspaper, Mr Adeniyi Adesina, an editor, thanked the NCC DG and team for honouring their late colleague and reaffirmed the Nation’s continued support for the commission’s mandate and programmes.
Accepting the Prize on behalf of her family, Evelyn’s sister, Ms Patience Osagie thanked the NCC for the noble gesture and for demonstrating its love for the creative writers.
She said the gesture showed that her sister’s efforts were not in vain.
The award honours her outstanding commitment to Nigeria’s creative sector, distinctive and incisive reporting style, as well as her sustained support for the Commission’s enforcement initiatives.
The honour is also for her exceptional courage in exposing the dangers of piracy while deepening public understanding of copyright.
NAN also reports that Osagie died on Aug. 17 and until her death, she was with ‘The Nation’ newspaper. (NAN)