Banjul Set to Host ECOWAS Maiden Media Excellence Awards on July 25th ,2025.

By Raymond Enoch

The Gambian capital of Banjul is poised to make history on Friday, July 25, 2025, as it hosts the maiden edition of the ECOWAS Media Excellence Award for Journalists, an initiative that marks a milestone in both regional journalism and the celebration of ECOWAS’s 50-year journey.

The official award ceremony, scheduled for 5:00 PM, will be held under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. The event is being organised by the Directorate of Communication of the ECOWAS Commission, and is designed to honour 12 exceptional journalists from across the 15 ECOWAS Member States.

Winners were meticulously selected from hundreds of entries spanning television, radio, print, and online media, showcasing powerful, compelling stories that reflect the positive impact of ECOWAS programmes and initiatives on the lives of millions of West Africans. From grassroots development projects to regional peacekeeping efforts, the winning stories bring to life the shared aspirations of the region’s people.

This historic event is more than an award ceremony—it is a statement. At the heart of the celebration is a bold recognition of media’s pivotal role in regional integration, democratic governance, and socio-economic development.

The awards come as part of ECOWAS’s golden jubilee celebrations, a year-long commemoration of five decades of partnership, peacebuilding, and progress across West Africa. The timing couldn’t be more symbolic: as the regional bloc reflects on its past achievements, it also shines a spotlight on the storytellers who shape public opinion and foster accountability.

“Journalists are not just observers; they are essential actors in our integration journey,” said a senior ECOWAS official. “With this award, we honour their courage, their craft, and their commitment to truth.”

Dignitaries, media leaders, civil society actors, and members of the diplomatic corps are expected to attend what promises to be a landmark evening in West African media history. The spotlight will be firmly on Banjul, a city fast becoming a hub for regional diplomacy and now, journalistic excellence.

As West Africa navigates an increasingly complex information landscape, the ECOWAS Media Excellence Award sends a clear and timely message: excellence in journalism is not just valued—it is vital.