Africa-Press – Gambia. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Friday held its first-ever Prize of Excellence Awards for Journalists, celebrating the contributions of media professionals across the region.
The maiden edition of the prestigious event took place at Coco Ocean Resort on Friday, July 25, 2025, as part of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The landmark event honored 12 journalists from various West African countries for their outstanding work in Print, Radio, Television, and Online journalism. Among them was The Gambia’s very own Sankulleh Janko, who won the Radio Category Award. Janko, a journalist with West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) in Senegal, was recognized for his compelling storytelling and reporting on regional issues, earning the title of Radio Reporter of the Year.
The event was graced by senior ECOWAS officials, government dignitaries, and leading media figures. In her welcome address, H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, described the awards as a “strategic initiative” to strengthen the partnership between ECOWAS and the media. “These awards are not just about recognition, but about promoting regional solidarity, peace, and development,” she noted.
More than 200 entries from 12 member states were submitted, showcasing powerful journalism that captured the essence of West Africa’s integration journey. The selection process was overseen by a seven-member jury made up of seasoned media experts who commended the quality and depth of the submissions.
Representing the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar A. Touray, Hon. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet, emphasized the role of journalists in shaping the region’s narrative. “Journalists are not just chroniclers of events. They are agents of accountability, defenders of democracy, and catalysts for social change,” he said.
Mrs. Isatou Keita, President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), also delivered remarks, describing the night as “a powerful moment for journalism in West Africa.” She stressed the need for continued protection and support for journalists, especially in a region where press freedom is often under threat. “This award is not just recognition, it’s an affirmation of journalism’s critical role in democracy and development,” she said.
Other winners included Paul Ejime, Nigerian international media expert who took home the Print Journalism Award, A Nigeria in the Online Category, and a Beninese journalist, who won the Television Category.
As the evening came to a close, speakers called for the ECOWAS Journalism Awards to become an annual fixture, serving as both recognition of excellence and a platform to strengthen the media ecosystem across the region.
For Sankulleh Janko and The Gambia, the night was more than just a personal triumph it was a proud moment that placed Gambian journalism firmly on the West African media map.
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