ECOWAS Hosts a Historic Jury Meeting to Recognize Journalistic Excellence Across West Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
In a historic moment for West African journalism, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is hosting the inaugural coordination meeting of the jury members for the ECOWAS Media Excellence Award in Abuja, Nigeria.
The meeting which runs from the 9th of April to 12th, 2025, is a pivotal gathering that brings together distinguished panel of media experts from across the region to deliberate on the region’s most impactful journalistic works.
The meeting marks a key milestone in ECOWAS’ celebration of its golden jubilee, showcasing the organization’s commitment to fostering media excellence as a critical pillar of peace, democracy, and regional integration. Over the course of four days, the jury members will engage in detailed discussions to evaluate more than 200 entries submitted for the award, which were solicited through a call for submissions earlier this early this year.
These submissions, made in the three official languages of ECOWAS—English, French, and Portuguese—underscore the extensive media engagement within West Africa and the diversity of the region’s journalistic landscape. With entries spanning various issues such as governance, human rights, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, the competition reflects the vital role journalism plays in shaping public dialogue across the region.
The jury panel, which consists of renowned media professionals from different ECOWAS member states, will be chaired by Mr. Abdoulie Gassama, a respected former Deputy Director General of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) and now a lecturer at the University of The Gambia. Under his leadership, the jury is set to carry out a merit-based, impartial evaluation process, ensuring that quality, ethics, innovation, and regional relevance guide their selections.
The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award aims to honor journalists whose work has significantly contributed to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development in West Africa. In doing so, ECOWAS affirms its dedication to supporting a free, independent, and ethical media sector, one that empowers journalists to act as catalysts for positive change and growth in the region.
The meeting is being held at the Stratton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja, and has been organized under the coordination of the ECOWAS Directorate of Communication. The sessions, which will be conducted in all three official languages of the organization, ensure full inclusivity and representation from across the ECOWAS region.
This gathering of experts represents a significant step towards furthering ECOWAS’ long-term vision of strengthening its relationship with the media and empowering journalists as key drivers of regional development. The outcome of this meeting will pave the way for the prestigious award ceremony later this year, where the best of West African journalism will be celebrated.
As ECOWAS continues to embrace the role of the media as an agent of peace and progress, the Media Excellence Award stands as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a robust, independent press in West Africa.
