ECOWAS President Dr Omar Alieu Touray Urges Jury to Uphold Integrity at Inaugural Media Excellence Awards Meeting in Abuja.
By Raymond Enoch
In a call for thoroughness and fairness, ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Touray tasked the jury of the inaugural ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards with the responsibility of a meticulous evaluation process during the opening of the awards jury meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday.
The meeting, themed “50 Years of ECOWAS – Honouring the Voices That Tell Our Story,” marks a significant milestone in recognizing the role of journalism in West Africa.
The awards, launched as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the ECOWAS community, highlight the critical role media has played in shaping the regional bloc’s journey toward peace, democracy, and regional integration.
Represented by his Special Advisor on Economic Affairs, Mr. Mambureh Njie, Dr. Touray emphasized that the media has been a pivotal partner in ECOWAS’ achievements. He stated that the awards were not merely an accolade but a part of the legacy ECOWAS aims to build for the next 50 years.
“Ethical responsibilities reward journalism rooted in truth and integrity. Excellence in craft recognizes storytelling that informs, inspires, and transforms,” Dr. Touray said, underscoring the values of objectivity, impartiality, and merit in evaluating each submission.
Touray also highlighted the significant role that journalists and media practitioners have played in not only reporting but shaping the story of ECOWAS. From tackling regional challenges to championing its successes, the media has been crucial in providing a voice to the organization’s mission.
The newly-formed jury, which comprises a distinguished panel of professionals from across the region, took an oath of impartiality and commitment to excellence. In his remarks, the Chairman of the jury, Mr. Abdoulie Gassama of The Gambia, expressed confidence in the jury’s capacity to handle the important task at hand. He emphasized that the entries would be evaluated based on their impact, integrity, innovation, accuracy, fairness, and overall craftsmanship.
“We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity, creativity, and impactful storytelling,” Gassama said, noting that the entries being reviewed represent the pinnacle of the media industry in the region.
Mr. Joel Ahofodji, the ECOWAS Director Information and Communications, also spoke at the event, providing an overview of the jury’s responsibilities. He assured the public that the process would be transparent, free of conflicts of interest, and fair to all participants.
The distinguished jury panel includes Gassama (Gambia), Paul Douakoutche (Benin), Ms. Filomena Silva (Cape Verde), Mr. Bamba Mafoumgbe (Ivory Coast), Dr. Ibrahim Awal (Ghana), Mrs. Yemi Kolapo (Nigeria), and Dr. Adrienne Diop (Senegal), who is a former spokesperson for the ECOWAS Commission.
The ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards are set to become a cornerstone in recognizing the power of the media in promoting democracy, regional integration, and good governance, with the winners to be celebrated later this year.
