Nigeria Dominates at ECOWAS Excellence Awards as Regional Media Champions Media Integrity and Democratic Values

The ECOWAS Excellence Awards for Journalists celebrated outstanding media professionals who have made significant contributions to promoting transparency, accountability, and regional unity within West Africa. Highlighting the power of the press to foster informed citizenship and uphold democratic principles, this year’s awards showcased exemplary journalistic work from across the ECOWAS region. In the Online category, Nigeria’s Emmanuel Onwuka Ukpo emerged as the winner, with Kodjo Simon Akpagana of Togo and Nigeria’s Enoch Nyayiti Raymond securing second and third places respectively. Nigeria stood out as the most represented country among the laureates, clinching five of the twelve awards.

The evening concluded with a symbolic Signature Wall Ceremony, where dignitaries and media representatives committed to upholding media ethics and ensuring information integrity throughout the ECOWAS region. Development partners, notably from Germany, voiced strong support for this initiative, recognizing it as a vital part of broader efforts to promote regional stability and a democratic culture.

Established to honor journalists whose work strengthens accountability and mirrors the collective aspirations of West African communities, the ECOWAS Excellence Awards embody the Vision 2050 goal of building “an ECOWAS of the People.” This vision aspires to a region where peace, integration, and prosperity are conveyed with integrity, courage, and truth.