24 May 09

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR VIRGIN NIGERIA’S IN FLIGHT MAGAZINE

Lagos Nigeria, 24th May 2009: Virgin Nigeria’s in-flight magazine, Glide, which was introduced to the Nigerian public in the first quarter of 2009 to rave reviews and to the delight of its customers, has now attracted the attention of an international audience.

Tolu who was one of the only two Nigerians on the list of 25 and was selected from entries by 836 journalists from 38 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.

Announcing the finalists, Azubuike Ishiekwene said: "2009 saw a steady, remarkable improvement in the overall quality of the entries. A number of journalists who entered the competition over the last few years took the opportunity to improve their skills, enter again and raise the bar on their previous entries. Many first time entrants also delivered inspiring work that raised the overall quality. The competition was particularly strong in the Health, Sport, Tourism, Environment, TV 60, Radio and Print General News categories. Across the continent - including countries like Rwanda, Ethiopia, Angola and Egypt - we saw entries from young journalists who are determined to make a difference. That is really gratifying."

The winners of the competition will be announced at an Award Ceremony and Gala Evening at The International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa on Saturday 18th July. The hosts for the evening will be Isha Sesay, presenter of CNN weekly programme 'Inside Africa', joined on stage by South African eNews Channel presenter Macfarlane Molele.

Speaking on the Award, Ogunlesi, whose nomination was for the article on Molue Paintings (What the Truck) in Issue 1 of Glide said about the honour, “I am happy to be associated with Glide and with Virgin Nigeria, and thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this project.”

In his reactions, Virgin Nigeria’s CEO, Conrad Clifford, remarked that the airline has always prided itself as a world class airline that represents Nigeria’s spirit to a global audience. “Virgin Nigeria is therefore keenly interested in investing in Nigerians talents and excellence.” Clifford said “The effort that was put into the content and production of a world class magazine that celebrated the best of Nigeria has also proven this. We are immensely proud of and congratulate Mr. Ogunlesi, and I congratulate all the staff of the company who were responsible for making this happen.”

Glide, the in-flight magazine, is presently available on all Virgin Nigeria routes on the airline’s wide domestic and regional route network.