ECOWAS Celebrates Journalistic Excellence Across West Africa — Five Nigerians Among Honorees.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has honoured twelve outstanding journalists at the inaugural ECOWAS Excellence Awards for Journalists, held at the prestigious Coco Ocean Resort in Banjul, The Gambia. The ceremony, part of the organisation’s 50th anniversary celebrations, underscored the vital role of journalism in advancing regional integration, democratic governance, and people-centred development.
The awards, spanning across television, radio, print, and digital categories, recognized journalistic excellence that aligns with ECOWAS’s Vision 2050 — a roadmap for inclusive growth, peace, and prosperity in West Africa.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, commended the honourees for their courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to truth.
“Through your work, you give voice to the voiceless and power to the public,” she said.
“These awards reaffirm our commitment to a resilient media ecosystem and highlight journalism’s indispensable role in our regional journey.”
Mrs. French emphasized that the awards are not only a recognition of individual talent, but also a call to deepen collaboration between ECOWAS and the media in shaping a shared regional narrative.
The awards come at a time when media practitioners across the region face significant hurdles — from shrinking civic spaces to threats against press freedom. Nonetheless, the selected journalists stood out for their professionalism, ethical standards, and commitment to public service.
Among the twelve award recipients, five are from Nigeria:
Marcelina Ezekhome – Radio
Raymond Enoch Nyayiti – Online Journalism
Solomon Odeniyi – Print
Paul Ejime – Print
Emmanuel Ukpo – Online Journalism
Others hailed from The Gambia, Benin, and various ECOWAS member states — showcasing the depth and diversity of West Africa’s media landscape.
The call for entries opened between February 20 and March 20, 2025, inviting submissions across multiple categories including photography and videography. The jury received a wealth of entries, each reflecting the region’s dynamic challenges and triumphs.
Dignitaries in attendance included, The Chief of Staff to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Abdoul Kolley (representing the President),
The Permanent Secretary of The Gambia’s Ministry of Information,
The Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia
Members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, academia, and the press
The night featured vibrant cultural performances and music, celebrating the creative spirit that unites West Africa beyond borders.
In a moving address, Mr. Abdoulaie Gassama, Chair of the Jury, reflected on the significance of the awards and the journey behind them:
“We are here to celebrate more than individual achievement — we honour a shared commitment to journalism’s highest ideals: truth, clarity, integrity, and impact,” he said.
“The media has the power to build understanding and connect communities. This year’s winners have transformed stories into instruments of change. You have reminded us that journalism is not only about reporting — it is about empowering.”
Mr. Gassama acknowledged the intensity of the review process, which involved rigorous evaluation of entries that gave voice to the marginalized, illuminated critical issues, and advanced regional consciousness.
“The world we face is not without difficulty. Yet through storytelling, we can turn obstacles into opportunities — for peace, for growth, and for unity. Let us raise the standard, inspire the next generation, and uphold the ideals of ECOWAS Vision 2050.”
As ECOWAS continues to champion regional integration and inclusive development, the inaugural Media Excellence Awards send a powerful message: a free, ethical, and informed press is not just desirable — it is essential.
With every compelling article, broadcast, or report, journalists are helping to build the West Africa we envision — one story at a time.
