The Economic Community of West African States has described the media as a strong partner and pillar in the regional body’s 50 years of existence..
This is as the regional body has unveiled a seven member jury for its maiden ECOWAS Journalistic Excellence Award.
ECOWAS was set up in May 1975 as an economic bloc to foster trade and free movement amongst member states, with the aim of improving the lives of its citizens.
The regional bloc will be 50 by May this year and one of the activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee Celebration is the media award, which is meant to celebrate the media.
Speaking at the unveiling of the jury, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said that the media remained a strong partner and pillar in the regional body’s journey towards promoting democracy and good governance, peace and security, regional integration, and overall development and welfare of the community citizens.
Touray who was represented by his Special Advisor, Economic & financial integration and partnerships, Mr. Mambury Njie, stressed that Journalists in West Africa are not merely chroniclers of events but educators, mentors, nation leaders.
He said: “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 development and welfare of our community citizens.
“As we mark 50 years of ECOWAS, it is imperative for us to recognise and celebrate the journalists who have shaped our collective memory and those who have supported our challenges, championed our successes, and given voices to our aspirations.”
He therefore added, “The ECOWAS Media Excellence Award launched as part of our Golden Jubilee Celebration is more than a commission of journalistic achievement. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to fostering a free, dynamic, and responsible media landscape, one that promotes regional integration, democratic governance, peace, and development. Journalists in West Africa are not merely chroniclers of events, they are educators, mentors, and nation leaders.”
He further explained that in this digital age, where apps often copy misinformation, “it is imperative that we recognise and celebrate those who report with integrity, accuracy, and courage.”
Touray also charged members of the jury to uphold the highest standards of evaluation, guided by the principles of objectivity and impartiality.
He added that merit should be upheld while applying a rigorous assessment approach to each entry with fairness and consistency.
“These hours are not just accolades, they are part of a legacy we are building for the next 50 years in our community. And that legacy begins with your dedication to identifying and honouring the best of West African journalism,” he added.
The award, according to the Director of Communication, ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji is instituted as part of the regional body’s 50 anniversary programme.
The categories are print, television, radio, online and photography.
Ahofodji said it aimed at celebrating the media who have been reporting the affairs of the commission.
The Prof. Abdoulie Gassama led jury is expected to review entries by the journalists and pick the eventual winners.
Other members of the jury are Dr. Adrienne DIOP-Senegal; Paul DOUAKOUTCHE -Benin Republic; Ms Filomena SILVA- Cape Verde; Bamba MAFOUMGBE-Cote d’Ivoire; Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed AWAL- Ghana; Mrs. Yemi Kolapo -Nigeria.
He therefore outlined the principles that should be followed in the selection process to include, the impact of the write ups, originality and quality should be taken into consideration.
He added, “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.”
The Chairman of the jury, Prof. Abdoulie Gassama from the Gambia assured the commission that the team will do its utmost best to carry out its assignment.
He said: “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.”
