The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has reaffirmed its commitment to journalistic excellence with the launch of the Media Excellence Awards 2025 in Abuja.
At the unveiling ceremony, the Senior Adviser to the ECOWAS President, Mambury Njie, underscored the vital role of media professionals in promoting democracy, peace, and regional integration. He described journalists as the voices that bring truth to the fore and shape public understanding of ECOWAS’ mission across member states.
Njie assured that the awards will follow a transparent and credible selection process guided by ECOWAS’ strong governance standards. He emphasised that the initiative is not just ceremonial but a long-term legacy aimed at fostering impactful storytelling and responsible journalism across West Africa.
The Principal Officer for Information and Communication, Joel Ahofodji, said the event marks a historic milestone for ECOWAS, as it becomes the first media award by the bloc to spotlight journalism rooted in democratic values, human rights, and regional cohesion.
A seven-member jury comprising renowned media experts from Senegal, Nigeria, Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Ghana has been constituted to evaluate submissions based on quality, originality, and impact.
With the theme “50 Years of ECOWAS—Honouring the Voices That Tell Our Story,” the award aims to become an annual tradition celebrating outstanding journalism while reinforcing the media’s indispensable role in shaping a united West Africa.
About the Author
