Celebrate Excellence
Twenty-five categories honouring the people and institutions whose work defined the year — from broadcasters and creators to schools, banks and builders.
Innovators of the South South
The SSMEA Story
The South South Media & Entertainment Awards exists to shine a spotlight on the innovators of Nigeria's South South — the storytellers, institutions and changemakers of Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
The South South is where Nigeria’s stories are told with the most colour — on radio and television, on stage and screen, in classrooms and boardrooms. Yet for too long its brightest voices went uncelebrated on a stage of their own. Veteran broadcast journalist Sammy Wejinya and Oga Sammy Media Productions founded the South South Media & Entertainment Awards to change that — rewarding excellence and improving service delivery across every sector of the region’s economy.
Last December, the awards filled the Atlantic Hall of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt for a night of gold. The 2026 edition is our biggest stage yet: twenty-five categories, an independent nomination process, verified public voting and a ceremonial night of gold in Port Harcourt. Every trophy handed out on 6 December will carry the golden star of the South South — a symbol of the excellence this region exports to the world.
This is more than an award show. It is a platform for the region’s media and entertainment economy — connecting talent with sponsors, institutions with audiences, and the South South with its own reflection.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
“To honour excellence, celebrate impact, and elevate the finest talents shaping the South-South media and entertainment industry.”
The Founder
Mr. Sammy Wejinya
Founder & President, SSMEA
Sammy Wejinya is a broadcast journalist with almost three decades of experience behind the microphone. A proud son of Rivers State, he founded the South South Media & Entertainment Awards with a clear aim: rewarding excellence and improving service delivery across every sector of the Nigerian economy.
A stickler for time and an unapologetic perfectionist, Sammy is always on the lookout for others in a bid to make society a better place. A devout Christian and an avid sports fan — he supports Manchester United, Real Madrid and Rivers United — he is happily married to Grace, and the marriage is blessed with two beautiful daughters, Charis and Chloe.
What We Stand For
Three Pillars
Powered by the Public
SSMEA winners are chosen with the people. Verified public voting puts the region's voice at the centre of every award.
One Night of Gold
A ceremonial evening in Port Harcourt — red carpet, live performances, and the golden star trophies presented on stage. Venue to be announced.
The Night of Gold
Sunday, 6 December 2026
Red carpet 5:00 PM · Event proper 6:00 PM WAT · Venue to be announced · Strictly by invitation
Dress Code: Creative Formal with a Touch of Cultural Elegance
Standard red-carpet glamour blended with the rich heritage of the Niger Delta region.
For Men
A sharp traditional Niger Delta attire — a finely tailored don mali or etibo paired with a rich wrapper, bowler hat and walking cane — or a classic tuxedo with a bold, creative lapel or bow tie.
For Women
A floor-length evening gown featuring structural designs, rich metallics or shimmering fabrics — or an elevated modern-traditional style with creative beadwork, gele or statement coral accessories.
Coming 2027
The Academy
2026 is the pilot. In 2027, SSMEA launches the full Academy — a standing body of distinguished journalists, producers, academics and industry leaders from across the six South South states. The Academy will govern nominations, set category criteria, and pair its jury verdict with the public vote — building the region’s most credible honours system, year after year.