Nigerian journalist and media professional, Rita Okoye, has added another major honour to her journalism career after emerging as the Best Creative Entertainment Writer of the Year at the 2026 Top Society Magazine Awards.
The award was presented at a colourful ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, and organised by Isaac Ifeanyi Agwazim, publisher of Top Society Magazine.
Okoye, a versatile journalist with extensive experience in entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion reporting, was recognised for her contribution to creative journalism and her consistent work telling compelling stories in Nigeria’s entertainment and lifestyle industry.
Reacting to the honour, Okoye described the award as an encouragement to remain committed to responsible and impactful journalism.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award. For me, it is not just a recognition of what I have done, but also an encouragement to keep telling stories that matter. I dedicate this award to everyone who has believed in my work, supported me and continues to encourage me. It inspires me to do more, improve continuously and remain committed to telling authentic Nigerian stories with depth, balance and integrity,” she gushed.
The ceremony attracted notable personalities from the business, religious, entertainment and public sectors.
Among those present were Dr Tajudeen Ishola Mohammed, MD/CEO of M&D Suits and Foramot Technologies, who received the Businessman of the Year award; Pastor Anthony Obinna-Ibe, PhD, Pastor in Charge of Province, RCCG YP 7, who received the Transformational Leadership Award; and Pastor Olufemi Oyetund, National Youth Pastor, RCCG, who represented Pastor (Dr.) Babasola Olukoya, PhD, recipient of the Outstanding Youth Development Icon of the Year award.
Otunba Layi Taylor also represented His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, the Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Otun Ekiti.
Other award recipients included Prof. Daniel K. Olukoya, Dr Peters Nwago, Dr Oluwasegun M. Musa, CP Tijani Fatai, Nura Ibrahim Miko, actress Cynthia Agholor, actor Jude Orhorha and Amb—Cornell Udofia, among others.
The latest recognition adds to Okoye’s growing list of journalism honours. She previously won the Entertainment Writer of the Year award at the 13th edition of the Nigeria Media Nite-Out Awards.
Over the years, Okoye, who is the current Entertainment Editor of Daily Sun Newspapers, has built a reputation for covering some of Nigeria’s most influential personalities and developments across the entertainment and creative industries. Her work spans incisive interviews, celebrity profiles, entertainment news, lifestyle features, and human-interest stories.