By Ikenna Asomba
LAGOS—NO fewer than 53 journalists who met the prescribed benchmark of 70 per cent total average score will be awarded in various categories at the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Media Merit Award, NMMA, taking place in Owerri, Imo State,from  Friday, October 31 to  November 2, 2014.

Speaking at the NMMA Lagos secretariat, during the presentation of the assessed 2013 submitted entries to the Mr. Vincent Maduka-led Board of Trustees, veteran mass communication teacher and Chairman, Panel of Assessors, PoA, for NMMA awards, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, who noted that for the first time in the last five years, winners are declared for all the 53 NMMA award categories, however, said this marked a general improvement in the entries assessed.

He said: “A total of 1, 307 eligible entries were received from 886 entrants. 1,124 entries from 774 entrants were received in the Print categories, 97 entries came in from 79 entrants in the Radio categories and 86 entries were received from 63 entrants in the Television categories.”

“These submissions of entries reflect the confidence of the entrants on the quality of their works to meet the standard of excellence prescribed by the NMMA Trust.”