Ghanian video journalist Ernest Dele Aglunu scooped top honours in the Global South Video News Awards, held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi.

The inaugural awards were aimed at recognising journalists of the Global South whose work is reshaping the narrative around the south.

Hosted by the irrepressible and vibrant Arabic TV personality and Egyptian national, Mae Maxwell, the first-ever Global South Video News Awards kicked off in style.

"Hello everybody, I am your host tonight, and I am honoured for the very first Global South News Media Awards. Who is excited?"

Stories coming out of the global south are shaping the world narrative, and the inaugural video news awards, hosted by the Abu Dhabi-based Viory News Agency, are in recognition of the work of video journalists of the global south.

Viory's Africa Distribution Lead, Alexander Kobia, took the stage, saying the awards represent a significant milestone in celebration and recognition of video journalism from the global south on the international stage. 

Kobia pointed out that the awards are particularly relevant in an age of real-time content, rapid development and new challenges around misinformation.

"In this environment, the value of verified exclusive on-the-ground video journalism is at its peak; people want the truth as it unfolds, captured, checked and shared in the moment." 

In the category "Best Camera Work", recognising visual mastery, the award went to Argentine video journalist Maxi Jonas for his story, Thousands of Whales, while the category of most creative shot was won by Enrique Ortiz from Ecuador for his story, Raiding a Cartel Stronghold. 
Accompanying police on this raid, Ortiz had a camera mounted onto a rifle, catching powerful first-hand shots. 

The award was presented by the Chief Executive Officer of the African Union of Broadcasting, Gregor Ndjaka; SABA President and nbc Director General, Stanley Similo; and Head of TV and Radio News of the Korean Broadcasting System, Cedric Anye. 

"Under pressure is when your creativity explodes," exclaimed Enrique Ortiz, winner of the Most Creative Shot category. 

In the 'Exclusive lens award' category, Palestinian journalist Mashed Al Jarousha won the award for his work in the story, 'Homecoming amid devastation'.
UAE content creator Shad Alabdhouli accepted the award on behalf of Al Jarousha.

The highlight of the award ceremony followed, and it was Ernest Kwame Dela Aglanu from Ghana who took top honours in the 'Vital footage award' category, with his story '100 years of Dignity' about a World War Two veteran, Joseph Ashitu Hammond, who celebrated his 100th birthday in May.

"He fought for the British Empire then, but when they returned, they were promised a lot of things, including housing, pension, good living and opportunities, but when they were discharged in 1946, when they came back home for 2 years, nothing happened, so somebody had to go beg to survive, so they decided to send a petition to the governor then to help them as they were promised, but when they went, unfortunately, 3 of them were shot; they were killed, so that particular incident in 1948 triggered other incidents which eventually led to Ghana's independence from the British," says Aglanu.

Infusing creativity and mastery, UAE-based creative artist and storyteller Hind Khlafait added further to an already sumptuous award ceremony.

"This is the power of the global south, rising united and unafraid."

DJ Eliah concluded the awards ceremony and predictably had the audience stomping their feet.
The full awards ceremony will be broadcast on NBC 1 on Sunday afternoon at 17h00.