By Queen Kunde
In a landmark celebration of journalistic excellence, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has honored twelve distinguished journalists including five Nigerians at the inaugural ECOWAS Journalists Excellence Awards held at the prestigious Coco Ocean Hotel, Banjul, The Gambia.
The awards ceremony, part of activities marking ECOWAS\@50, spotlighted media professionals whose storytelling has significantly contributed to regional integration, transparency, democratic values, and public awareness of ECOWAS initiatives.
Presenting the awards on behalf of ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, Chief of Staff Mr. Kolley emphasized the indispensable role of journalists as “agents of accountability, defenders of democracy, and catalysts for social change.”
“The story of ECOWAS cannot be told without the storytellers the journalists who document our progress, question our shortcomings, and elevate the voices of our citizens,” Kolley said, applauding the over 200 submissions received from across West Africa.
Representing the Hon. Minister of Information of The Gambia, the Permanent Secretary congratulated the winners, affirming The Gambia’s unwavering support for press freedom, ethical journalism, and regional cooperation.
The prestigious award recognizes excellence in six categories radio, television, print, online journalism, photography, and videography with entries judged by an independent seven-member jury led by veteran Gambian communications expert, Mr. Abdoulie Gassama.
“We are here to celebrate a shared commitment to the highest ideals of journalism — truth, clarity, integrity, and impact,” Gassama stated, adding that the honorees had “turned stories into instruments of change.”
ECOWAS Permanent Representative to The Gambia, Mrs. Miatta Lily French, described the awardees as “voices for the voiceless,” commending their originality, tenacity, and dedication to public service.
Nigerian Journalists Shine
Among the twelve journalists honored, five Nigerians were recognized for their impactful contributions:
- Marcelina Ezekhome – Radio
- Raymond Enoch Nyayiti – Online
- Solomon Odeniyi – Print
- Paul Ejime – Print
- Emmanuel Ukpo – Online
Other awardees hailed from across the region, including The Gambia’s Sankulleh Janko and Benin Republic’s Alexandria DJotan, representing a broad tapestry of West African media excellence.
The ECOWAS Journalists Excellence Award was created to reinforce the Commission’s vision of a peaceful, integrated, and people-centered region, in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050. It also affirms the institution’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, ethical, and forward-looking media landscape across its member states.
The evening closed with colorful cultural performances that celebrated the region’s unity in diversity, capping off a night of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to truth-telling across West Africa.
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