Nigeria Info and Wazobia FM Dominate BON Awards 2026 with Top Honors
Nigeria Info FM and Wazobia FM, two of Nigeria's most influential and enduring radio brands, have once again reinforced their leadership in the broadcasting industry by clinching top honors at the 2026 Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria Awards. The prestigious recognitions underscore the stations' sustained excellence, cultural relevance, and undeniable role in shaping Nigeria's dynamic radio landscape, highlighting their continued impact in a competitive media environment.
Presenter of the Year Award Goes to Nigeria Info FM
Nigeria Info FM's Kofi Bartels emerged as Presenter of the Year for radio, a testament to his authority, credibility, and consistent delivery of intelligent, high-quality public discourse. Known for his analytical depth and engaging style, Bartels has remained a trusted voice in national conversations, setting a benchmark for excellence in broadcast journalism. His win reflects the station's commitment to fostering talent that drives meaningful dialogue and informs the public with accuracy and insight.
Wazobia FM Wins Best Radio Show in Indigenous Language
Wazobia FM also recorded a major milestone, with its flagship programme Calabar Gyels winning Best Radio Show in Indigenous Language. This award highlights the station's unmatched ability to connect with mass audiences through authentic, culturally rooted content delivered in Pidgin English. By embracing local dialects and traditions, Wazobia FM continues to redefine media engagement, making it a cornerstone of Nigeria's broadcasting scene and a model for indigenous-language programming across Africa.
Leadership Reactions and Future Commitments
Reacting to the achievement, General Manager Femi Obong-Daniels described the awards as a reflection of the stations' enduring commitment to excellence and audience engagement. These recognitions are a reflection of who we are as brands – consistent, audience-first, and deeply rooted in the realities of our listeners, he said. As legacy platforms in Nigeria's broadcast industry, we carry the responsibility not just to entertain or inform, but to shape conversations and culture at scale. We remain focused on raising the standard – in content, in talent, and in impact.
Also speaking, CEO Serge Noujaim emphasized that the awards go beyond accolades, representing a legacy of influence and consistency built over time. Nigeria Info and Wazobia are not just radio stations; they are institutions that shape conversations, culture, and audience behavior across Nigeria, he noted. Our focus remains clear – to continue leading from the front and setting the standard for broadcasting in Africa. This vision aligns with their ongoing investments in premium content, talent development, and multi-platform engagement.
Background on the BON Awards and Station Profiles
Organized annually by the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria, the BON Awards remain a benchmark for excellence in the nation's broadcasting sector, celebrating individuals, programmes, and organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation, and industry impact. For Nigeria Info FM and Wazobia FM, these latest wins are not isolated achievements but a continuation of a long-standing track record defined by relevance, reach, and leadership in a highly competitive media environment.
Nigeria Info FM 99.3 is Nigeria's leading talk and news radio station, setting the national agenda through intelligent, balanced, and impactful conversations. As the exclusive radio broadcast partner of the English Premier League in Nigeria, the station blends authoritative public discourse with premium sports content, maintaining a reputation built on trust, depth, and consistency.
Meanwhile, Wazobia FM 95.1 is Africa's pioneering Pidgin English radio station, redefining how media connects with mass-market audiences. Renowned for its cultural authenticity, the station has played a key role in popularizing indigenous-language broadcasting while shaping a unique blend of entertainment, information, and social commentary. Both stations continue to position themselves at the forefront of Nigeria's rapidly evolving media ecosystem, driving innovation and audience engagement across multiple platforms.
