THIS year’s edition of the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) begins on Friday in Ada, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.

The programme, which will be hosted by the state governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, will be used to present various awards of excellence to journalists and media professionals who have distinguished themselves in their career.

Vice President Goodluck Jonathan is expected as the special guest of honour. Dignitaries from across the country are expected at the award.

While confirming the readiness of the state government to host participants at the award programme, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, said “guests will be treated to a lunch by the Governor Oyinlola on arrival on Friday afternoon, followed by courtesy calls on the Ataoja of Osogbo and the Olona of Ada.”

On Saturday, participants would tour the main campus of the state university, a plastic manufacturing company in Osogbo and other areas in the state.

Also, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman, Mr. Fatai Akinbade, said, would host the participants in his palace for a lunch on Saturday, while the grand finale would be on Sunday at the MicCom Gold Hotel Resort, Ada.