Nigeria’s best HIV/AIDS reporters were officially honoured in December 2003 by the 3rd annual Red Ribbon Awards, which recognise excellence in HIV/AIDS reporting. A total of 19 awards were handed out to journalists throughout the country.

"The award is growing both in popularity and prestige. In terms of the numbers of entries we received, this edition was indeed an improvement. No less than 55 entries were received as against less than 30 entries for the second edition," said Kingsley Obom-Egbulem, Information Resource Officer at Journalists Against AIDS -Nigeria, hosts of the award.

Print media scored well in the event, with Augusta Akparanta-Emenogu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) winning the prize for best news reporting, while Ebere Ahanihu of "The Guardian" won the prize for best feature article on HIV/AIDS.

Wilson Akwaowo of KokoComics was awarded the prize for best individual cartoon for the second year running, and Chioma Umeha of the "Sunday Champion" won the prize for best reporting on gender, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.

Femi Kolawole of "The Week" magazine took two awards: One for best individual reporting (magazine) and best overall reporting on stigma and discrimination prizes.

Relatively new to the journalism profession (he joined "The Week" in 2001), Kolawole has adopted a compassionate approach to reporting on the subject, "I believe HIV infection can be preventedif people are properly enlightened. As amedia practitioner, Ibelieve I am in a privileged position to inform the over 120 million Nigerians of ways of protecting themselves, and why they must show care, concern and love to PLWHAs (People Living With AIDS) rather than stigmatising them," he said.

Each entry required the submission of 3 articles, and winners in the individual categories were awarded N40,000 (Approximately 230 Euro).

For more information about the awards, contact Kingsley Obom-Egbulem via telephone on 234-1-7731457, or via email: kingsley@nigeria-aids.org