Touray tasks ECOWAS media excellence award jury on thorough job

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Omar Touray, has urged the members of the jury assessing the entries for the inaugural ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Media Excellence Award to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation process.

Touray made this call during the opening ceremony of the ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards 2025 Jury Deliberation Meeting, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday. The event, themed “50 Years of ECOWAS – Honouring the Voices That Tell Our Story,” marks the first edition of the prestigious awards.

Represented by his Special Advisor on Economic Affairs, Mr. Mambureh Njie, Touray stressed that the jury’s task was not just about awarding accolades but about building a lasting legacy for ECOWAS as it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“As you undertake this responsibility, I encourage you to uphold the highest standards of evaluation, guided by the principles of objectivity, impartiality, and merit,” Touray said, urging the jury members to assess each entry with fairness, consistency, and a regional perspective.

He further emphasized that ethical journalism, rooted in truth and integrity, is key to rewarding excellence in the craft. “Excellence in journalism recognizes storytelling that informs, inspires, and transforms,” he added.

Touray acknowledged the significant role the media has played in ECOWAS’ journey, especially in promoting democracy, good governance, peace, and regional integration over the past five decades.

He reiterated that the Media Excellence Award was not only about celebrating journalistic achievement but also reaffirming ECOWAS’ commitment to a dynamic, responsible, and free media landscape.

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Earlier, the Chairman of the Jury, Mr. Abdoulie Gassama, expressed his commitment to approaching the task with diligence, impartiality, and deep respect for the work of journalists.

Gassama highlighted the significance of the jury’s responsibility in recognizing journalists who have shown exceptional skill, creativity, and dedication.

“We are here to review submissions that represent the best of the media industry.

They showcase the power of media to inform, inspire, and challenge,” Gassama said, emphasizing the principles of impact, integrity, innovation, accuracy, fairness, ethics, and craftsmanship that would guide the jury’s assessment.

The jury, which comprises notable media figures from across West Africa, is tasked with reviewing submissions in various categories, including television, radio, print, online, and photography.

The jury members also pledged to ensure that the selection process is transparent and free from conflicts of interest, ensuring fairness in recognizing outstanding journalism.

The meeting marks a significant step in celebrating media professionals who have made significant contributions to regional integration, democratic governance, and the empowerment of the West African community.

CREDITS : NAN