ECOWAS Celebrates Media Excellence in Banjul: Twelve Journalists Honoured at 2025 Awards
Inaugural ECOWAS Journalism Awards Recognize Outstanding Contributions to West African Development
BANJUL, The Gambia – In a historic celebration of journalistic achievement, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) honored twelve exceptional media professionals at its first-ever ECOWAS Award of Excellence for Journalists on July 25, 2025. The prestigious event, held in Banjul as part of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, recognized reporters whose work significantly contributes to peace, democracy, and regional integration across West Africa.
A Milestone for Regional Journalism
The awards ceremony brought together prominent media figures, government representatives, and regional stakeholders to celebrate journalism that aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to strengthening governance and citizen engagement through ethical, high-quality reporting.
From groundbreaking investigative pieces to innovative digital storytelling, the honored journalists demonstrated how media can build public trust and amplify marginalized voices throughout the region. The awards covered four competitive categories: Broadcast Television, Broadcast Radio, Print Media, and Online Media, with winners, first runners-up, and second runners-up recognized in each.
Leadership Praise for Journalistic Excellence
H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, set the tone in her welcoming remarks: “As we celebrate 50 years of ECOWAS, we honor the journalists who are narrating our transformation—your words carry the voice of our people and the vision of our future.”
Hon. Abdoul Kolley, Director of Cabinet, delivered a special message from ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, emphasizing: “In the framework of Vision 2050 and the 4×4 Strategic Objectives, ECOWAS continues to count on media professionals as indispensable partners in promoting inclusive, informed, and peaceful societies.”
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Gambia’s Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting, highlighted the awards’ broader significance: “This award is more than a recognition—it is a collective declaration of our belief in ethical journalism as a force for good and an engine of integration.”
Meet the 2025 Award Winners
The ceremony revealed an impressive roster of winners from across West Africa:
Broadcast Television Category
- Winner: Yewoueda Djotan (Benin)
- First Runner-Up: Marcelina Ozekhore (Nigeria)
Broadcast Radio Category
- Winner: Sankuleh Janko (The Gambia)
- Third Place: Ernest Agbotan & Serge Fanou (Benin), Tiago Seide (Guinea-Bissau)
Print Media Category
- Winner: Paul Egime (Nigeria)
- First Runner-Up: Solomon Odeniyi (Nigeria)
- Second Runner-Up: Oumar Ndiaye (Senegal)
Online Media Category
- Winner: Emmanuel Onwuka Ukpo (Nigeria)
- First Runner-Up: Kodjo Simon Akpagana (Togo)
- Second Runner-Up: Enoch Nyayiti Raymond (Nigeria)
Nigeria emerged as the most represented nation among laureates, claiming five of the twelve awards—a testament to the country’s vibrant media landscape.
A Celebration of Media’s Vital Role
The evening featured cultural performances by the Gambia Art Troupe and concluded with a symbolic Signature Wall Ceremony, where attendees pledged to uphold media ethics and information integrity across ECOWAS member states. International development partners, particularly from Germany, voiced strong support for this initiative as part of broader efforts to foster regional stability and democratic values.
The ECOWAS Excellence Awards for Journalists represent a significant step toward realizing the organization’s Vision 2050 goal of building “an ECOWAS of the People”—where peace, integration, and prosperity are communicated with journalistic integrity and courage.
For more information about the awards and ECOWAS’ media initiatives, visit ECOWAS official website.