VON’s Cynthia Okere Wins 2024 Media Excellence Award

By Comr Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha
Principal News Editor
Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting House Ikoyi
15th December 2024

In a landmark achievement that underscores the critical role of media in advancing occupational health awareness, Assistant Chief News Producer at Voice of Nigeria (VON), Cynthia Okere, has clinched the prestigious 2024 Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEPHON) Media Excellence Award.

Cynthia Okere was recognized for her exceptional reporting on occupational health, winning the award for Best Occupational Health Report on Radio and Social Media. The announcement was made during the inaugural Media Excellence Awards and 2024 SOEPHON Conference Gala Night, held in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The SOEPHON Media Excellence Award aims to honor journalists who have made significant contributions to raising awareness about workplace health and safety. With a strong commitment to improving occupational health standards, SOEPHON seeks to highlight the efforts of media professionals who bring attention to critical issues affecting workers across Nigeria, particularly in high-risk sectors such as construction, mining, and manufacturing.

The National Public Relations Officer of SOEPHON, Dr. Charles Onigbogi, has expressed the importance of such awards in acknowledging the impact journalists have in advancing occupational health initiatives. “These awardees are instrumental in driving the occupational health agenda and highlighting pressing issues to policymakers,” Dr. Onigbogi said, emphasizing the media’s vital role in advocating for better workplace safety practices.

Cynthia Okere: A Champion for Workers’ Health

Assistant Chief News Producer Okere’s recognition as one of only two recipients of the inaugural Media Excellence Awards in 2024 is a testimony to her dedication to occupational health journalism. Her award-winning work stems from her extensive coverage of a two-day training workshop on occupational health and safety, organized by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Employment in March 2024.

The event, which focused on improving safety standards within Nigeria’s construction industry, served as a critical platform to address the often-overlooked issue of worker protection in this high-risk sector.

Okere’s detailed coverage of the workshop was disseminated across multiple platforms, including VON’s network news, YouTube, the VON website, and various social media channels. Her report reached a wide audience, ensuring that the conversation about occupational health safety extended beyond the event itself and into the homes and workplaces of everyday Nigerians.

SOEPHON commended her for producing a well-circulated report that not only informed but also called for collective action to enforce safety protocols and enhance workers’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

Her report highlighted the urgent need for both employers and employees to prioritize health and safety on the job, with a strong emphasis on collaborative efforts to foster a culture of workplace safety. SOEPHON praised Okere’s work for its ability to influence both public discourse and policymaking, making a compelling case for the enforcement of occupational health regulations.

The Power of Social Media in Occupational Health Advocacy

In a heartfelt interview following the award ceremony, Cynthia Okere expressed her gratitude, describing the recognition as an incredible honor and a reflection of her passion for advocating for safer working conditions.

Okere shared her belief in the transformative power of social media as a tool for positive change, emphasizing how it has enabled her to reach a broader audience with her occupational health reports.

“Thank God for social media, which has made it easier for us to create a positive impact in our environment,” Okere remarked. “Use it wisely and purposefully, not just for monetization. Keep showcasing your work consistently, and one day, your efforts will be recognized.”

Okere’s message serves as a call to action for fellow journalists, encouraging them to leverage digital platforms to amplify their voices and advocate for meaningful societal change.

In an era where misinformation often dominates online spaces, Okere believes that journalists have a unique opportunity to shape narratives, educate the public, and empower citizens to take charge of their own safety and well-being.

SOEPHON’s Role in Shaping Occupational Health Policies

The Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEPHON) plays an indispensable role in advancing workplace safety and environmental health practices in Nigeria.

As the professional body for occupational health practitioners in the country, SOEPHON is dedicated to promoting policies that protect the health and safety of workers, while addressing broader environmental health issues that affect communities across the nation.

Through its research, advocacy, and partnerships with key stakeholders, SOEPHON works tirelessly to raise awareness about occupational health issues and push for improved safety standards in various industries. The organization’s efforts are vital in shaping public policy and influencing legislative changes that can create safer, healthier workplaces for Nigerian workers.

A Milestone for Occupational Health Journalism

Cynthia Okere’s achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to elevate the importance of occupational health and safety in Nigeria.

In a country where workplace safety often takes a backseat to productivity, Okere’s work stands as a beacon of hope for the future of workers’ health. Her achievement highlights the growing importance of media in driving conversations about workers rights and safety, as well as its potential to inspire positive change in society.

Her recognition also serves as a reminder of the powerful role media professionals play in shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions that affect the everyday lives of Nigerians. Through her work, Okere has demonstrated the transformative power of journalism in advocating for the rights of workers, particularly in high-risk sectors, and pushing for improvements in workplace safety and environmental health standards.

As Dr. Charles Onigbogi aptly stated, “The awardees have driven the SOEPHON agenda to policymakers in government circles.” Cynthia Okere’s award-winning report exemplifies the critical role the media plays in ensuring that the voices of workers—often marginalized and unheard—are amplified and given the attention they deserve.

As Nigeria continues to confront challenges related to occupational health and safety, Cynthia Okere’s work serves as a powerful dynamics of the media’s role in advancing the conversation, inspiring action, and ultimately ensuring that workers’ health remains a priority in the nation’s development agenda. Through her efforts, Okere has not only set a new standard for occupational health journalism but has also reinforced the essential role of the media in building a safer, healthier future for Nigeria’s workforce.

Comrade Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha, is Principal News Editor, with Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting House Ikoyi, Lagos & Editor -In -Chief Kanempress Digital Hub.
ibrahimmustapha131@gmail.com 08061692535