By Fortune Abang
Former Spokesman for Foreign Affairs Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, has bagged the 2026 Media Diplomat of the Year award of excellence under aegis of the 13th Bayelsa Media Award (BMA) and commemoration of Bayelsa@30 Anniversary.
The event was streamed live on Friday during the celebration of Bayelsa 30 years of statehood and outstanding Bayelsans, whose contributions projected the state positively in diplomatic, political and media spheres.
Ebienfa, while receiving the award, described it as an encouragement and a call to greater responsibility in the practice of strategic communication and media diplomacy.
Ebienfa represented by Mr Woyengiowoi Michael, his foster son, said the award would bolster his strategic communication, professionalism, advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and efforts in strengthening the country’s image globally.
”Serving as the ministry’s spokesperson provided me the opportunity to contribute to the communication of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, engage the media and articulate Nigeria’s position on issues of regional and international importance.
”The experience reinforced my conviction that effective diplomacy depends not only on negotiations and official engagements, but also on clear, credible and timely communication,” Ebienfa said.
He stressed the need for sustaining strategic communication to build public trust, counter misinformation, promote mutual understanding, project Nigeria’s interests and values on the global stage.
Ebienfa commended the organisers for celebrating individuals whose professional contributions made meaningful impacts in media and communication landscape.
He said that such would motivate him to uphold professionalism, accuracy, accountability and constructive engagement.
“The award is significant given the critical role of public communication in explaining government policies, promoting diplomatic relations and ensuring Nigeria’s position on regional and international issues are effectively communicated,” he said.
This, according to him, underscores the importance of the media as a tool for diplomacy, eloquent representation of Bayelsa and Ijaw interests in national discourse.
He said this also include professionalism in handling sensitive political communications and growing influence, as a bridge between the media, government and the international community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the BMA is an annual platform that seeks to reward notable individuals and organisations contribution in advancing the state via the media, public service and community development. (NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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