Nigerian Scholar Davies Abienekpen Earns Dual International Honors for Digital Media Innovation and Mental Health Advocacy.

Davies Abienekpen, a rising Nigerian talent pursuing postgraduate studies in Digital Media and Communications at Teesside University, UK, has been internationally recognized with two prestigious awards for his outstanding contributions to digital media and mental health advocacy.

His first accolade, the Gold Recognition Award at the 2025 Voluncheers Awards, celebrated his transformative leadership as Chair of Teesside University’s Podcast and Radio Society. Under his guidance, the society flourished, empowering students to hone their broadcasting skills, explore audio storytelling, and find their creative voices through podcasting.

Adding to this achievement, Davies was crowned the 2024/25 Global Perspectives Award winner at Teesside University’s Emerging Talent Degree Showcase, hosted by the School of Arts and Creative Industries. Sponsored by Sticks and Stone Studio, this honor highlights students whose creative projects demonstrate worldwide significance and societal impact—a testament to Davies’ visionary work in bridging digital media with meaningful advocacy.

These dual distinctions underscore Davies’ dedication to fostering innovation, amplifying voices, and driving positive change on a global scale—all while excelling as an international student. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring creatives and advocates worldwide.

Reflecting on the honours, Davies expressed deep gratitude, describing his journey as one driven by purpose and passion.

“If anyone had told me I would receive two awards in one academic year, I wouldn’t have believed it. These recognitions are not just mine, they belong to every voice we’ve amplified, every student I’ve mentored, and every story we’ve shared,” he said.

Beyond his academic and extracurricular achievements, Davies is the founder of Davies Bridge, a social impact platform dedicated to using media and storytelling to normalise conversations around mental health among African youths, particularly within the Diaspora. Through podcasts, workshops, and media advocacy, the initiative seeks to close the gap in emotional literacy and promote help-seeking behaviour among young people.