SOUQ News TV, Nigeria’s pioneering business, economic, and development television station, has won the ‘SME-Centric Television Station of the Year’ Award at the 2024 Nigeria National SME Business Awards, organised by the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
The TV station was presented the award at the fourth annual ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The award recognises SOUQ News TV’s instrumental role in shaping the narrative around SMEs’ economic contributions and providing them with a national platform for increased exposure.
Over the past year of operations, SOUQ News TV – a member of FemyWalsh Limited – has carved out a distinct niche for itself by offering extensive coverage and innovative programming dedicated particularly to SMEs, the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. This award emphasises the station’s critical role in creating the national debate around SMEs’ economic contributions and providing them with a platform to acquire nationwide prominence.
The Nigeria National SME Business Awards was attended by representatives of the Lagos and Ogun State governors, fellow awardees from the private and public sectors such as Wema Bank, Providus Bank, Fate Foundation, Jiji Nigeria, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, among others.
According to ASBON President, Dr. Femi Egbesola, the prestigious accolade was in recognition of SOUQ News TV for its exceptional commitment to supporting and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.
“The innovative solutions, unwavering dedication, and outstanding services in the SME sector by SOUQ News have set a commendable standard in the industry,” he stated.
In his acceptance speech, Vice President of FemyWalsh Limited, Dr. Idahosa Osamhanze, expressed delight at the recognition, describing it as an indication of SOUQ News TV’s unique and impactful coverage and reportage.
“In an industry where business and economy news are not typically covered by television stations, SOUQ News is determined to use media to develop Nigeria and Africa’s economies by shaping policy through its coverage, highlighting positive business stories, and developing narratives that are beneficial to business owners,” he said.
SOUQ News TV Chief Operating Officer, Jide Taiwo, added that the award was testament to the vision of the founder, Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, to establish a media company that caters exclusively to the business community, and that it is a spur to do more great work.
“It’s a popular saying that the reward of hard work is more hard work, and this award tells us that we have an opportunity to do more.”
SOUQ News TV is a digital satellite broadcast station, licensed for operations in Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its focus is business, development and the economy.