The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has reiterated its dedication to supporting a media landscape that is free, vibrant, and accountable—key to advancing democratic governance, peace, regional unity, and socio-economic progress.
This renewed commitment was made known by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Toure, during the official launch of the ECOWAS Commission Media Excellence Award held in Abuja, Nigeria. The launch forms part of the activities lined up to mark the organisation’s Golden Jubilee. Dr Toure, who was represented by Mr Mambury Njie, Special Advisor on Economic and Financial Integration and Partnership, emphasised the longstanding importance of the media in West Africa’s journey towards regional integration. “Over the last 50 years, the media has remained a strong partner and pillar in our journey towards promoting democracy and good governance, peace and security, regional integration, and overall welfare of our community citizens. As we mark 50 years of ECOWAS, it is imperative for us to recognize and celebrate the journalists who have shaped our collective memory and those who have reported our challenges, championed our successes, and given voice to our aspirations,” he stressed. The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award aims to honour West African journalists who serve not only as chroniclers of events, but also as educators, watchdogs, and nation builders.
Dr Toure further noted the growing importance of truthful reporting in an age where misinformation competes with facts. He urged the members of the award jury to act with fairness and neutrality in evaluating entries.
“As members of the Jury, your role in this process is pivotal. The submission before you showcased the breadth of journalistic excellence in our region. These stories, challenges inform, empower, and hold institutions accountable. They reflect the realities, hopes, and struggles of our citizens. As you undertake this responsibility, I encourage you to uphold the highest standards of evaluation guided by the following principles. Objectivity and impartiality, let merit lead the way. Rigorous assessment approach each entry with fairness and consistency,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Abdoulaye Gassama, Chairman of the Jury and lecturer at the School of Journalism and Digital Media, University of The Gambia, assured the audience of the jury’s readiness to carry out its task diligently.
“We are tasked with recognising and celebrating those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and commitment to their craft. We, as a seven-member jury, represent a diverse range of expertise and perspectives within the media landscape. This diversity is our strength, ensuring a comprehensive and fair assessment of the entries before us,” he said.
Director of Communication for the ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, welcomed the jury members and highlighted the guiding principles for the selection process. These include originality, quality, and the impact of the journalistic work submitted.
“Our ambition is to make this event an annual activity that ECOWAS launches to build loyalty among the African media, but also and above all to encourage journalists to take an interest in its major achievements and its development programmes, which have a positive impact on the lives of the people of our member states,” he said.
The Commission officially introduced the seven-member jury for the inaugural ECOWAS Journalistic Excellence Award. The categories to be awarded include print, television, radio, online media, and photography.
The jury includes Dr Adrienne Diop (Senegal), Paul Douakoutche (Benin Republic), Ms Filomena Silva (Cape Verde), Bamba Mafoumgbe (Côte d’Ivoire), Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal (Ghana), and Mrs Yemi Kolapo (Nigeria), chaired by Professor Abdoulaye Gassama.
They are expected to assess the entries and determine the winners based on a comprehensive review process.