The YNaija Prize

The YNaija Prize is for media and storytelling brilliance. For those whose work redefined the way Nigeria sees itself – and each other. The award has 20 categories and 10 awardees per category. The categories include:

1. The YNaija Writing Prize

This prize celebrates exceptional written storytelling across forms, from essays and op-eds to creative nonfiction. It recognizes writers whose words shape public opinion, provoke thought, and elevate conversations about Nigeria and the world.

2. The Interviewer’s Prize

This prize honors the art of conversation, recognizing journalists, hosts, and creators who draw out depth, vulnerability, and insight through their interviews, whether in print, digital, or broadcast formats.

3. The Reviewer’s Prize

This category celebrates critics and reviewers who enrich public discourse on film, music, literature, fashion, and culture. It rewards sharp analysis, originality, and authority in evaluating creative work.

4. The Blog Prize

Recognizing outstanding independent blogs or digital platforms that consistently deliver unique, engaging, and culturally relevant content. This prize highlights the power of personal voice and perspective in shaping digital culture.

5. The YouTuber Prize

This award celebrates creators using video storytelling to educate, entertain, or inspire. From lifestyle and commentary to documentary and news, it honors consistency, creativity, and impact.

6. The Social Media Prize

This prize honors individuals or collectives who use social platforms as a powerful medium for storytelling, commentary, or cultural expression from viral trends to social advocacy.

7. The Magazine Prize

Recognizing print or digital magazines that demonstrate editorial excellence, visual innovation, and cultural relevance. It honors teams or editors curating stories that define and reflect the spirit of the times.

8. The Radio Host Prize

This category celebrates on-air personalities whose voices shape radio culture, blending entertainment, journalism, and connection. It honors hosts who captivate, inform, and influence public conversation.

9. The TV Host Prize

Honoring television presenters who bring stories to life with charisma and depth. From talk shows and entertainment programs to current affairs and cultural storytelling.

10. The Podcast Prize

This award celebrates podcasters who use audio storytelling to explore ideas, culture, and community. It recognizes strong production, storytelling, and impact across genres.

11. The Photography Prize

Recognizing photographers whose visual narratives document, inspire, or challenge perspectives. It celebrates technical mastery, emotional depth, and storytelling through imagery.

12. The Innovation Prize

This category honors groundbreaking projects or creators redefining media and storytelling through technology, new formats, or experimental ideas that shape the future of communication.

13. The Newsletter Prize

This prize celebrates newsletter writers and curators who use email as a medium for deep, consistent engagement – offering thought leadership, curation, or analysis that builds loyal communities.

14. The Media Event Prize

This prize recognizes live events, festivals, forums, conferences, and summits that shape public conversation, elevate storytelling, or offer culturally transformative experiences.

15. The Investigative Journalism Prize

This award honors journalists and teams uncovering truth through rigorous, fearless reporting – exposing injustice, holding power accountable, and driving social change.

16. The TV Prize

Celebrating outstanding television programs that demonstrate excellence in production, storytelling, and cultural resonance across drama, documentary, or entertainment genres.

17. The Radio Prize

Recognizing radio programs that deliver engaging storytelling, insightful commentary, or creative sound design. It honors content that captures the intimacy and power of radio.

18. The Newspaper Prize

This prize honors excellence in print or digital newspapers that uphold high journalistic standards, impactful reporting, and editorial leadership shaping public understanding.

19. The Platform Prize

Recognizing digital or multimedia platforms that serve as influential spaces for news, commentary, or cultural expression shaping national and global conversations.

20. The Hall of Fame

Each year, ten legendary figures are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their lifelong contributions to storytelling, journalism, and media in Nigeria and beyond. They represent enduring excellence, influence, and inspiration.