Smile Train Nigeria has presented awards to three journalists for distinguishing themselves in creating awareness about cleft lip and palate through their reports.
The awards ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday was part of activities at the National Surgical, Obstetrics, Anaesthesia and Nursing Plan for Nigeria and Cleft Stakeholders Forum.
Journalists Gyang Bere of The Sun Newspaper, Adenike Adebowale-Tambe of Premium Times and Waliat Musa of The Guardian Newspaper emerged winners, first and second runners up respectively.
Winners were awarded cash prices of $600, $400 and $300 respectively.
Vice President and Regional Director Africa of Smile Train, Nkeiruka Obi, in a remark, said the Cleft Awareness Media Awards (CAMA) was instituted to recognize and appreciate the work of journalists in creating awareness about cleft lip and palate, which affects children.
According to the organisers, this year, 32 entries were received and judged using the Media Content Analysis Tool (MCAT).
She commended all stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in their respective areas right from the first forum that was held, towards achieving set goals, even as the pledged the organisation’s continued support.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of an award of excellence to Smile Train Nigeria by the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) in collaboration with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) for its support to the society.
NSA President, Dr Busola Alage-Briggs, who made the presentation, commended Smile Train Nigeria for its commitment and support to the association, towards ensuring safe surgeries for all children born with cleft.
