The immediate past Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimieibi Imomotimi Ebienfa, has been honoured with the prestigious Media Diplomat of the Year Award at the 13th edition of the Bayelsa Media Awards (BMA) and Bayelsa @ 30 Special Anniversary Edition, held on Thursday 8, September 2026 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The award was presented to Ebienfa at a ceremony celebrating outstanding Bayelsans whose contributions have projected the state positively in the diplomatic, political and media spheres.
According to the organisers, Ebienfa was selected following a review of young Bayelsans who have distinguished themselves in projecting the image and interests of Bayelsa State beyond its shores.
The award specifically recognises his astute use of the media as a tool for diplomacy, eloquent representation of Bayelsa and Ijaw interests in national discourse, professionalism in handling sensitive political communications, and growing influence as a bridge between the media, government and the international community.
In presenting the honour, the organisers described Ebienfa as a “true Media Diplomat”, noting his articulate, strategic and influential approach to public communication and diplomacy.
The organisers further noted that his contributions exemplify a new generation of Ijaw diplomacy characterised by intelligence, composure and respect, particularly at a time when Bayelsa is marking 30 years of statehood and seeking effective voices to tell its story to the wider world.
The recognition adds to Ebienfa’s record of public service and professional engagement in international affairs and strategic communications, following his service as Spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the occasion, the award organisers expressed confidence that the recognition would encourage continued excellence in the use of media and strategic communication to advance diplomacy, public understanding and the interests of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
The Bayelsa Media Awards is an annual platform recognising individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to the media, public service and development of Bayelsa State.
The immediate past Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, expressed appreciation to the organisers of the Bayelsa Media Award for the honour and described the recognition as a testament to the importance of strategic communication, professional integrity and media engagement in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and strengthening the country’s image before the international community.
He said the award was particularly significant given the critical role of public communication in explaining government policies, promoting diplomatic relations and ensuring that Nigeria’s positions on regional and international issues are effectively communicated to both domestic and foreign audiences.
According to him, “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.
“Serving as Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided me with the opportunity to contribute to the communication of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, engage with the media and help articulate the country’s positions on issues of regional and international importance. That experience reinforced my conviction that effective diplomacy depends not only on negotiations and official engagements but also on clear, credible and timely communication.”
The former Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson noted that media diplomacy had become increasingly important in an interconnected world where public perception, information management and international engagement significantly influence relations among nations.
He stressed that professional communication remained essential to building public trust, countering misinformation, promoting mutual understanding and projecting Nigeria’s interests and values on the global stage.
Mr. Ebienfa commended the organisers of the Bayelsa Media Award for recognising excellence and creating a platform to celebrate individuals whose professional contributions have made meaningful impacts in the media and communication landscape.
He also expressed appreciation to media practitioners, colleagues in the foreign service, mentors, friends and associates who supported his professional journey, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful results in public communication and diplomacy.
While describing the award as a personal milestone, he said it also reflected the collective importance of the institutions, professionals and stakeholders working to strengthen Nigeria’s public diplomacy and international engagement.
He added that the recognition would further motivate him to uphold the principles of professionalism, accuracy, accountability and constructive engagement in his future endeavours.
The immediate past spokesperson reaffirmed his commitment to promoting effective communication, strengthening media diplomacy and contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s image, advancing its national interests and deepening its engagement with the international community.
He dedicated the award to all professionals who continue to deploy communication as an instrument for promoting understanding, peace and cooperation among peoples and nations.
Mr. Ebienfa was represented at the event by his foster son, Mr. Woyengiowoi Precious Michael.