Curtains Up on Creativity: Inside the Glitz, Glamour, and Glory of NEMCEA 2026
As the curtain descended on two intense days of panel sessions, content trading, and industry networking, an unmistakable electric anticipation filled the air. The fifth edition of the Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA 2026), organised by the Electronic Media Content Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN), reached its crescendo in a glittering celebration of creativity, broadcast standards, and artistic bravery.
NEMCEA has firmly established itself as West Africa’s premier marketplace for discovering, trading, and showcasing television, radio, and digital content. Yet, while the daytime exhibition was strictly business, the awards night belonged entirely to the dreamers, the visionaries, and the technical maestros who bring Nigerian stories to life.
A Vision Forged in Resilience
Opening the gala night under the overarching theme, ‘Elevate your craft, secure your future,’ Adeniji Omirin, President of EMCOAN, reminded the audience that recognizing exceptional talent is essential to building a sustainable creative economy.
“Tonight, however, is about celebrating excellence,” Omirin declared. “It is about recognising the talent, creativity, excellence, and outstanding contribution of those who continue to give life to the story and content that inform, educate, and entertain our nation. Every nominee represents a story of creativity, commitment, and hard work. And to those who will emerge as winners tonight, I say this recognition is not merely an award; it is a call to do more.”
The journey to this landmark fifth edition was built on grit and unwavering determination. Recalling the inception of the awards half a decade ago, Mr Alayande Stephen T., Project Director of NEMCEA 2026, reflected on the foundational ethos behind the ceremony:
“About five years ago, we started this and felt that it is important that we don’t just celebrate our people after, we celebrate them when they are alive.”
Inside the Jury Room: The Search for Brilliance
The integrity of any awards ceremony rests upon the rigor of its judging process, and NEMCEA 2026 was no exception. Adjudicating this year’s competition was an arduous yet inspiring task, as the jury panel deliberated over 119 entries submitted across various broadcast categories.
Unveiling the mechanics behind the final selections, Patience Oghre Imobhio, Head of Jury for NEMCEA 2026, explained the strict benchmark the panel set for every entry:
“Adjudication for this year’s submission was a huge task for my colleagues and I in the jury,” Imobhio revealed. “We looked for originality, technical excellence, and most importantly, the power to move and inspire an audience. We argued and reflected, and ultimately we reached a consensus that we are very much proud of.”
Addressing the room of expectant creatives, she added words of encouragement:
“Out of hundreds of creative works, your work stood out. You pushed boundaries and raised the bar.”
Triumphs, Trophies, and Timeless Wisdom
When the envelope seals were finally broken, applause echoed throughout the hall. The hit drama series We Happy People swept major honors, taking home Best Overall Drama Series, with lead performers Hydra Aneme and Chinyere Wilfred clinching Best Actor and Best Actress respectively. Meanwhile, the gripping production In The Shadow Of A Promise secured Best Short Film, earning Victor Eyike the coveted Best Director trophy.
Beyond the competitive categories, the atmosphere turned reverent as the Industry Pacesetter Award was presented to Nollywood veteran Mr Tade Ogidan. Taking to the podium, Ogidan delivered a heartfelt charge to the younger generation of digital content creators and filmmakers:
“When we were producing ages ago… we were not chasing money; we were chasing excellence at every opportunity,” Ogidan shared, reflecting on the early days of Nigerian television production.
“We were making productions that blew people’s minds at that time. My word of counsel for the young people: keep at it. Have fun while you’re doing it. Don’t just chase the money. The money will chase you when you’ve got it right.”
Securing the Future of Nigerian Content
As winners posed with their trophies and delegates exchanged congratulations, the mood was one of triumphant optimism. NEMCEA 2026 proved that Nigeria’s media landscape is not merely expanding in volume, but maturing in technical brilliance, storytelling depth, and commercial responsibility.
By celebrating living legends alongside emerging talents, EMCOAN has set a golden standard—ensuring that as long as Nigerian stories are told, the brilliant minds behind them will always have a stage to shine.
Below is the full list of the winners.
NEMCEA 2026 “The Awards” (The 5th Edition) WINNERS
(1) Best Actor – HYDRA ANEME- (We Happy People)
(2) Best Actress – CHINYERE WILFRED*- (We Happy People)
(3) NTA Award For Best Producer – STELLAMARIS DURU (Sand of Time – We Happy People)
(4) Best Director – VICTOR EYIKE (In The Shadow Of A Promise)
(5) Best Overall Drama Series –WE HAPPY PEOPLE
(6) Best Cooking Show – KILANSE
(7) NTA Award For Best Entertainment Show – SPLASH9JA
(8) Best Children/ Teen Show – *WILD AWAKE
(9) Best Short Film – *IN THE SHADOW OF A PROMISE
(10) Best Documentary– I’M PSYCHED
(11) Best Sports Show – SPORT PIZZA
(12) Best Culture/ Tourism Show – YORUBA GBAYI
(13) Best Talk Show – MATA MUYI MAGANA
(14) Best Talk Show (Radio) – THE AIMS PODCAST ON POLYGYNY
(15) Best Health Show (Radio)– LIFE AND LIVING
(16) Best Content Channel (International) – ZEE WORLD
(17) Industry Pacesetter Award – *MR. TADE OGIDAN
(18) Industry Pacesetter Award – CHIEF EMEKA OSSAI
(19) Industry Pacesetter Award (Posthumous) – PA ADEOYE ROLUGA
(20) Best AI/Animation – FAMILY SECRET
(21) Best Drama Series (International) – TWIST OF FATE (ZEE WORLD)
(22) Best Production Design (International) – DANCE NAIJA DANCE (ZEE WORLD)
(23) Best Technical Quality (International) -ANA’S REVENGE (TELEMUNDO)
(24) Award Of Excellence For Creative Industry Support – ZEE ENTERTAINMENT AFRICA (ZEE WORLD)
25) Award Of Excellence For Insurance Support To The Creative Industry – STANDARD INSURANCE CONSULTANTS LTD.
(26) Award Of Excellence For Financial Inclusion Support To The Creative Industry – LAPO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED
(27) ARCON Award For Outstanding Customer Service Agency – PLUS ACUITY MEDIA
(28) ARCON Award Of Excellence In Payment Discipline – MEDIAFUSE DENTSU
(29) Special Jury Mention(Single Entry) – On Air Personality (Radio) – JOAN MBANEFO OLOGEH
(30) Special Jury Mention (Single Entry) -Best Entertainment Show (Radio) – ZEE ZONE RADIO SHOW (HIV KNOW YOUR STATUS)
