DAME AWARDS
Judges
THE DAME JUDGES
DAME has a rich pool of accomplished individuals from where the annual panel of judges is drawn. Our judges include:
Ayo Olonode, a Nigerian Media Professional and researcher in communication and media studies. A first-class graduate of Mass Communication from Lead City University, Ibadan, he has over the last 15 years produced contents for print and broadcast media. Olonode has developed a real passion for storytelling and understands the power of ethical and fact-based writing in reengineering society through public information, shaping public discourse, and stimulating accountability. He had served as a Senior Special Assistant (Media) in Osun State and currently a strategic partner at Thinkspira Consulting Limited, a communications management company.
Bisi Olawunmi, FNGE, a Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at Adeleke University. He was previously at Bowen University. Formerly, he served as a correspondent for the News Agency of Nigeria in Washington DC and later worked with Voice of Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Bunmi Sofola, Columnist. She is Nigeria’s longest running columnist. The face behind two weekly columns in Vanguard, ‘Yours Sincerely’ and ‘Dear Bunmi’, she is the knowledgeable columnist who discusses issues many would only whisper behind closed doors.
Efiom Asuquo., Book Editor. Former broadcaster and insurer. A 1978 graduate of English of the University of Ibadan, Ms. Efiom Asuquo’s foray into broadcasting commenced at Rima Radio, Sokoto under the NYSC scheme. Thereafter she worked as a Producer with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). She later joined National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria and qualified as a chartered insurer. In addition to bagging a master’s in public administration, she became a Chartered Insurer. She voluntarily retired after about 20 years and proceeded to Watertown, MA., USA and acquired a diploma in Floral Design. She once served as the Administrator Nigeria Society for the Blind. for a year. Currently she is a member of the Board of Management of ANWAB (Anglo Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind) and is serving her second tenure as the current Vice Chairman of the Association. Passionate about hymns and seeking to sustain and revive the culture, she is a Trustee of the Glorious Hymn Assembly.
She serves as a Book editor with Diamond Publications.
Emiko Aruofor, FRPA, CEO Pulsar Advertising. He brings to bear decades of experience in marketing communications. He attended Lagos Business School and Ghana Institute of Journalism and worked in broadcasting prior to entering the fields of advertising and marketing communications.
Femi Babatunde, PhD, a versatile researcher, writer, and strategic communicator across academia, media, and the public sector. Holding a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Ibadan, with master’s degrees in mass communication and applied psychology, Dr. Babatunde brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to his work, combining analytical rigour with narrative clarity. Dr. Babatunde’s writings have appeared in prominent national and international media outlets, and he has contributed to several books, offering both intellectual substance and editorial guidance. His career has seen him lead impactful communication efforts in various leadership roles. As Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson at the Technical University, Ibadan, and later as Senior Special Assistant on Research, Documentation, and Media to the Governor of Osun State, he played a pivotal role in shaping narratives, developing high-level content, and chronicling government milestones.
Feyi Smith, Executive Secretary, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and interim secretary of the Media Standards and Complaints Council of Nigeria. Feyi Smith is a veteran of the journalism profession with speciality in political reporting. His reportorial exploits spanned the First and Second Republics, where he covered the Lagos State seat of government, the National Assembly and the 1988 Constituent Assembly in part. He later covered Dodan Barracks (the then seat of the Federal Military Government), as the State House Correspondent. He also served as the Political Correspondent attached to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was an Editor of Sunday Champion and City Editor of The Punch.
Kenny Adamson, a graduate of Fine Art from the famous Yaba College of Technology. He was for many years a celebrated newspaper cartoonist. He is a well-respected sculptor and painter whose works adorn many homes and public places.
Kunle Ogedengbe, PhD, FNIPR, Author and Public Relations Specialist. He has had a distinguished career in Journalism, Public Relations and the academia. He has worked with such organisations as MTN, Diamond Publications. He was a lecturer in Mass Communication at Elizade University, a senior lecturer at Trinity University, where he taught Journalism and Media Studies, Public Relations, Advertising. He has received several awards and honours, including the Special Merit Award (NYSC) and multiple commendation certificates from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Dr. Ogedengbe has also published numerous books and articles on topics related to public relations and media. They include “Media of Public Relations” (2004), “Principles and Practice of Community Relations” (2007), “Advertology” (2010): Co-authored with Wole Adamolekun and Cornelius B. Pratt, “Issues in PR” (2005): co-authored with Wole Adamolekun and Cornelius B. Pratt, “Introduction to Public Relations and Advertising: The Beginner’s Guide” (2019): co-authored with Wole Adamolekun and Cornelius B. Pratt
Lola Akande, PhD, Author, Academic. She is a prolific author and a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos. She teaches African literature in the Department of English at the University of Lagos. Akande has published several novels and a collection of short stories, including the award-winning “What It Takes” and her latest novel, “The Truth about Sadia,” which is endorsed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Her works often explore themes such as feminist activism, cultural studies, and postcolonial studies.
Muda Ganiyu, Writer, Teacher. He is a journalist, writer, teacher, editor, publisher, and copywriter. A former Editor of the Nigerian Tribune, he was also the Head of Department of Mass Communication at Lagos State Polytechnic. He is the author of “Timeless Wisdom for Modern Managers: Leadership Strategies of Prophet Muhammad”.
Muyiwa Adetiba, Veteran journalist. He once published Prime People, Vintage People, Crown Prince and City Mail. Previously, he edited Vanguard and conducted notable interviews for The Punch. He is also known for his insightful columns on current affairs.
Nosa Owens Ibie, PhD, Professor of Mass Communications at Caleb University, Ikota-Ikorodu. He is the immediate past Vice Chancellor and had previously served as the Dean of Communication. He has also worked with the World Health Organisation and the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research. He is a Trustee of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals, which he previously served as the pioneer General Secretary.
Anthony Oluwatoyin Iyare, FNGE, serial editor. He is a four-time editor of different publications such as the Daily Times; The Post Express, Midweek; National Interest, Sunday; and Business Times. His special area of work includes Media, Environment, Development, Gender, International Relations and Government Business. A 1984 graduate of Political Science of the University of Ife, he earned a postgraduate diploma in International Relations in 1987. He was at different times an Assistant Editor in Platform, Newswatch and Timesweek magazines and has been Foreign, Features and Political Editor. A former columnist at The Punch and co-author of a book titled “The 11 Day Siege: Gains and Challenges of Women’s Non-Violent Struggles in Niger Delta,” he published the country’s pioneer online newspaper, The Gleaner News Online, which debuted in November 2003 as its Editor-in-Chief. Iyare has consulted on Media and Development to several local and international organizations. He is a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) where he’s been an active member for over 20 years. He’s also a member of the Global Investigative Journalists Association and the World Editors Forum.
Victoria Ibanga, PhD, Publisher, Administrator. She has had a fascinating career in the media. She is the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Next Edition Online. A former Woman Editor at Daily Champion, she later served as the managing editor (business development and projects). A Visiting Fellow of Freedom House in the United States, she has served as the General Secretary and National Treasurer of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Wale Sokunbi, Editor and Administrator. She has been a journalist all her working life. Her career path has taken her through National Concord where she served as a features writer, Media Review where she was the editor, and Daily Sun, where she was a columnist and editorial page editor. She holds degrees in in English and Mass Communication.
Taiwo Obileye, Actor, Producer, Broadcaster and linguist. He retired from the Nigerian Television Authority as an Assistant Director in the programmes directorate. He has appeared in scores of films and television shows. Some of his notable works include: Fifty (2015) where he played the role of Tola’s Father; Hills and Valleys (2011) where he portrayed Chief Badmus 2; Beautifool (2021), Chief Daddy (2018) and The Governor (2016) where he was cast as Chief Momoh-Alli.
Tinu Odugbemi, Editor, Administrator. She has worked as a print journalist, advertising practitioner, and broadcaster. She cut her journalistic teeth at Concord where she was a features writer, Woman editor, and Editor, Community Concord in Rivers State. A former chairperson of the Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, she runs an NGO, Head high International, which caters to the needs of widows and orphans. She holds degrees in Mass Communication, Industrial Relations and Education. She is also a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, Poet and Author. He has been a journalist, and leader writer on many newspapers’ editorial boards. Educated at the University of Ife, Ile Ife, he began his journalism career in the mid-1980s as a Researcher/Reporter for the African Guardian magazine in Lagos. He crossed over to ThisWeek in 1987 as a writer. He served on the editorial boards of AM News, Post Express newspaper, and The Union newspaper. He was also a founding consultant for THISDAY newspaper. In 2008, he was shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing for his short story “Cemetery of Life” Uzoatu has published several works, including two novels, “Satan’s Story” and “The Missing Link,” two plays, “Doctor of Football” and “A Play of Ghosts,” a collection of poems titled “God of Poetry,” and a creative nonfiction volume “How Not To Be A Nigerian”.
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