On September 27, 2024, the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with the OFAB Rwanda, hosted the OFAB Media Awards to honor Rwandan journalists who have excelled in reporting on the transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology.

The awards ceremony was preceded by a CEO Breakfast Meeting, which convened key stakeholders from REMA, MOE, MINAGRI, and RICA. This meeting facilitated the exchange of knowledge and discussions on GMO policy frameworks, with a particular focus on fostering a biosafety-enabled environment and advancing strategies for the commercialization of GMOs in Rwanda.

During the event, the most outstanding runners-up in Radio and Television were awarded, with the overall winner, crowned Journalist of the Year, being Annonciata Byukusenge, a reporter for The Front Magazine. Pio Mbarushimana won the First Runner-up award in the TV category, while Juventine Muragijemariya, was awarded First Runner-up in the Radio category.

In his keynote address at the awards ceremony, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Director General of RAB, praised the journalists for their commitment to reporting on agriculture, particularly the dynamic and complex field of biotechnology. He underscored the critical role of the media in providing accurate, balanced, and informative coverage, emphasizing that the public relies on these insights to stay informed about agricultural developments and their impact on livelihoods.

"The work of journalists is vital in ensuring that the public has access to reliable information on modern agricultural practices, including biotechnology, which is essential to securing Rwanda's future food security," Dr. Ndabamenye remarked.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including media professionals, business leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives. Together, they celebrated the remarkable contributions of journalists whose insightful, thought-provoking, and impactful stories have highlighted the application of modern biotechnology in agriculture. These reports have not only raised public awareness but have also fostered informed debates about the future of agriculture in Rwanda.