Foreign Affairs Ex-Spokesman, Ebienfa Wins Media Diplomat of the Year at Bayelsa Media Awards.

By Owolola Adebola

Former spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimieibi Imomotimi Ebienfa, has won the Media Diplomat of the Year Award at the 13th Bayelsa Media Awards, in recognition of his contributions to strategic communication, public diplomacy and the projection of Nigeria’s foreign policy positions.

The award was presented at the Bayelsa Media Awards’ special anniversary edition marking 30 years of Bayelsa State’s creation, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

The organisers said Ebienfa emerged from a review of young Bayelsans whose professional accomplishments have helped project the state and its people beyond Nigeria’s borders.

They cited his strategic use of the media as a diplomatic tool, advocacy for Bayelsa and Ijaw interests in national discourse, and professionalism in communicating sensitive political and international issues.

Describing him as a “true Media Diplomat,” the organisers said his work demonstrated the growing importance of strategic communication in bridging government, the media and the international community.

The recognition highlights the role of media diplomacy in shaping public perception, communicating government policies and strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with foreign audiences.

Reacting to the award, Ebienfa described the honour as both an encouragement and a call to greater responsibility in the practice of strategic communication.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Media Diplomat of the Year 2026 award from the organisers of the Bayelsa Media Award at its 13th edition. I regard this recognition as both an encouragement and a call to greater responsibility in the practice of strategic communication and media diplomacy,” he said.

He noted that his service as spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave him the opportunity to communicate Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, engage with journalists and articulate the country’s positions on regional and international developments.

According to him, diplomacy is not limited to negotiations and official engagements but also depends on clear, credible and timely communication to ensure that government policies and national positions are properly understood at home and abroad.

Ebienfa added that professional media engagement was increasingly vital in an interconnected world where public perception, information management and international communication influence relations among nations.

He stressed that credible communication helps build public trust, counter misinformation, promote mutual understanding and project Nigeria’s interests and values internationally.

The former spokesperson thanked the award organisers, media practitioners, colleagues in the foreign service, mentors, friends and associates who contributed to his professional journey.

He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting professionalism, accuracy, accountability and constructive engagement in public communication and diplomacy, dedicating the award to professionals who use communication to advance peace, understanding and cooperation among nations.
Ebienfa was represented at the ceremony by his foster son, Mr. Woyengiowoi Precious Michael.

The Bayelsa Media Awards recognises individuals and organisations whose contributions have advanced media practice, public service and development in the state.