ECOWAS Celebrates Journalistic Brilliance in a Landmark Award Ceremony in Banjul-Twelve West African Journalists Recognised for Advancing Peace, Democracy, and Integration.
By Raymond Enoch
In a historic celebration marking 50 years of regional unity and progress, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) honoured twelve outstanding journalists at the inaugural ECOWAS Award of Excellence for Journalists, held in Banjul, The Gambia.
The prestigious event — part of the ECOWAS @ 50 celebrations — was more than just an award ceremony. It was a declaration of the critical role ethical journalism plays in shaping a united, informed, and peaceful West Africa under the ECOWAS Vision 2050.
Hosted at a vibrant gathering of regional media luminaries, government representatives, and development partners, the ceremony highlighted journalistic courage, originality, and commitment to truth. The celebration featured captivating performances from the Gambia Art Troupe and culminated in a symbolic Signature Wall Ceremony, where dignitaries pledged to uphold the integrity of information and media ethics across the sub-region.
In her rousing welcome, H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, saluted the honourees for being the voices of transformation in a region striving toward inclusive development.
“As we celebrate 50 years of ECOWAS, we honour the journalists who are narrating our transformation—your words carry the voice of our people and the vision of our future,” she declared.
Delivering a message on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Hon. Abdoul Kolley, Director of Cabinet, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting journalism as a cornerstone of democratic resilience and citizen participation.
“ECOWAS continues to count on media professionals as indispensable partners in promoting inclusive, informed, and peaceful societies,” he said.
Adding to the accolades, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, The Gambia’s Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting, underscored the collective significance of to the awards.
“This award is more than a recognition—it is a collective declaration of our belief in ethical journalism as a force for good and an engine of integration.”
Meet the 2025 Laureates of Media Excellence
Selected through a transparent process led by a seven-member independent jury chaired by Mr. Abdoulie Gassama, the winners reflected the rich diversity and journalistic innovation across West Africa. Awards were presented across four categories: Broadcast Television, Broadcast Radio, Print, and Online Media, with winners, first runners-up, and second runners-up recognised in each.
Broadcast Television
Winner: Yewoueda Djotan – Benin
First Runner-Up: Marcelina Ozekhome – Nigeria
Broadcast Radio
Winner: Sankuleh Janko – The Gambia
Second Runners-Up (Joint Award):
Ernest Agbotan – Benin
Serge Fanou – Benin
Tiago Seide – Guinea-Bissau
Print Media
Winner: Paul Egime – Nigeria
First Runner-Up: Solomon Odeniyi – Nigeria
Second Runner-Up: Oumar Ndiaye – Senegal
Online Media
Winner: Emmanuel Onwuka Ukpo – Nigeria
Second Runner-Up: Kodjo Simon Akpagana – Togo
Third Runner-Up: Enoch Nyayiti Raymond – Nigeria
With five awardees, Nigeria emerged as the most represented country, reflecting its strong media presence in the sub-region.
The ECOWAS Award of Excellence for Journalists is designed not only to celebrate excellence but also to affirm the region’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. Supported by development partners, notably from Germany, the initiative is expected to become an annual fixture — promoting journalistic integrity and reinforcing ECOWAS’ foundational principles.
As West Africa continues to navigate complex social and political landscapes, the honourees stand as powerful testaments to journalism’s role in empowering citizens, defending democracy, and building a future that reflects the collective dreams of over 400 million people.
“Their stories are our story,” said one speaker. “And their courage is our commitment to a better West Africa.”
