ECOWAS Strengthens Media Ties in Guinea Bissau: Ambassador Ukaeje Engages Minister for Greater Visibility
By Raymond Enoch
In a strategic move to amplify the visibility of ECOWAS Commission programs and activities in Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, paid a courtesy visit to the country’s Minister of Communication, Mr. Florentino Dias, January 29, 2025.
The high-level discussion centered on strengthening collaboration between ECOWAS and Guinea Bissau’s media institutions to ensure wider awareness and deeper public engagement in the regional bloc’s initiatives.
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Ambassador Ukaeje emphasized the vital role of the media in bridging the gap between ECOWAS and the citizens of its member states. She noted that effective reportage of ECOWAS’ interventions—from peacebuilding and economic integration to youth empowerment—would foster greater public participation and ownership of regional development efforts.
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“The media is a crucial partner in achieving ECOWAS’ mandate,” Ambassador Ukaeje remarked. “Visibility is not just about information dissemination; it’s about making ECOWAS relatable and accessible to the people it serves. We must ensure that Guinea Bissau fully leverages this partnership for the benefit of its citizens.”
Minister Dias welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the importance of media engagement in projecting the impact of ECOWAS-led projects. However, he pointed out the challenges faced by Guinea Bissau’s media landscape, including limited resources, technical gaps, and the need for capacity-building among journalists.
In response, Ambassador Ukaeje assured the Minister of ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting its member states in addressing these challenges. She highlighted that 2025 marks ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary—a milestone that presents an opportunity to reinforce the regional bloc’s presence in Guinea Bissau through improved communication strategies and media partnerships.
“Our 50th anniversary is a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to our founding principles,” she added. “ECOWAS stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Communication to enhance public awareness of the organization’s contributions to Guinea Bissau’s growth and development.”
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The meeting ended with an agreement to explore concrete steps for strengthening ECOWAS-media collaboration in the country, including potential training programs, content-sharing initiatives, and infrastructure support.
As ECOWAS marks its golden jubilee, this renewed focus on visibility and media engagement in Guinea Bissau signals a broader commitment to deepening regional integration through effective communicationn.