Paul Ejime, a distinguished International Media and Communication Specialist and Global Affairs Analyst, has been awarded the inaugural ECOWAS Maiden Journalist Excellence Award in Print Journalism. The prestigious recognition was presented in Banjul on July 25, 2025, as part of the activities commemorating the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary.
The ECOWAS Commission, through its Communication Directorate, organized this pioneering competition across five key media categories: Print, Television, Radio, Online, and Photojournalism. A rigorous selection process saw a seven-member jury of multimedia professionals meticulously assess over 200 entries from across the West African region. Their diligent efforts culminated in the selection of 12 outstanding submissions that, according to Jury Chairman Abdoulie Gassama, โexemplified excellence in reporting, storytelling, and high-impact on the successes, challenges and major achievements of ECOWAS,โ an organization founded by the Treaty of Lagos on May 28, 1975.
Speaking at the event, Gassama, a Communication and Media Specialist and lecturer at the University of Gambia, emphasized that the awards aim to โcelebrate and promote professional, ethical, and impactful Journalism across the West African region.โ He highlighted that this initiative aligns with ECOWASโs core values of โadvancing freedom of expression, access to information, and the consolidation of regional integration through a robust media landscape.โ The recognition, he added, seeks to โpromote high standards in media practice and the crucial role of Journalism in fostering regional integration, democracy, peace and security and socioeconomic development in the region.โ
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, reiterated the crucial role of journalists in societal progress. Represented by his Chief of Staff Abdou Kolley, Touray declared, โJournalists are not just chroniclers of events; they are agents of accountability, defenders of democracy, and catalysts for social change.โ He further stated, โIn a region as diverse as ours, the media fosters understanding, bridges divides, and advances the ideals of good governance and transparency. It is in recognition of this vital role that the ECOWAS Commission launched the Journalists Excellence Awardโฆ to honour outstanding contributions to journalism across our region. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our deep respect for press freedom and our belief in the power of responsible journalism to shape a better future.โ
The Gambian Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Ismaila Ceesay, whose address was delivered by Permanent Secretary Kodou Jaban, noted the significance of Gambia hosting the event. He highlighted it as a testament to the nationโs progress in media freedom, particularly in light of the period of dictatorship it experienced approximately a decade ago. Ceesay pledged The Gambiaโs unwavering commitment to consolidating this progress by fostering a conducive environment for responsible journalism.
Miata French, the ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, underscored the strategic importance of the award, stating, โthis award represents a strategic initiative by the ECOWAS Commission to strengthen collaboration with the media as a key stakeholder in promoting regional integration, peace, security, and stability; good governance; rule of law; economic integration and diversification; human development; social inclusion; sustainable development and environmental management.โ She concluded by emphasizing that โa free, responsible, and ethical press is not a luxury, but a cornerstone of peace, stability, and inclusive development in our region.โ
The jury comprised professionals from diverse West African nations, including Benin, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Cรดte dโIvoire, Senegal, Nigeria, and The Gambia. Out of the 12 awardees, five were from Nigeria, three from Benin, and one each from Senegal, Gambia, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau. In a gesture of appreciation, both the ECOWAS Commission President and the Gambian Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services were also recognized for their support of the media.
Upon receiving his award from Madam French, Ejime urged ECOWAS governments, inter-governmental organizations, institutions, and agencies to collaborate with the media as โpartners in progress and development.โ Speaking to fellow journalists, Ejime, who is the publisher of pglobalmedia.com, described the recognition as a fitting โreward of dedication, perseverance, hard work, team spirit and professionalismโ in what he described as the twilight of his illustrious career.
He dedicated the accolade to his wife, Chiedu, their children, and his entire family, acknowledging their unwavering support, particularly during his time as a War Correspondent covering civil conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Ejimeโs distinguished career includes a recent induction into the National Development Hall of Fame alongside Maj. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeriaโs National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He is also a recipient of the West Africa Icon Award (WAIA) 2024.
A Chevening scholar, Ejime is a fervent advocate of development journalism, dedicated to shaping narratives and influencing policy decisions on governance and democracy in Africa. His contributions extend to enriching the body of knowledge on cutting-edge public information and governance communications strategies.
His extensive journalism journey began in 1983 as the Lagos Correspondent for Agence France-Presse (AFP). He later served as Principal Diplomatic Correspondent/Editor for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a news stringer for the BBC and VOA, and the West Africa Bureau Chief for the Senegal-based Pan-African News Agency (PANAPRESS). As a communication specialist, Ejime has provided high-impact professional services to esteemed international organizations such as the World Health Organizationโs African Programme for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness) Control (WHO/APOC), the ECOWAS Commission, and development partners including the European Union (EU), the German International Development Agency (GIZ), and its Swedish counterpart, SIDA. He was also the pioneer Senior Communication and Advocacy Advisor to the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC).
The vibrant award ceremony, attended by senior government officials, representatives of media and civil society organizations, and diplomats, including the Nigerian High Commissioner to The Gambia, Ambassador Muhammed Manu, featured captivating cultural music and dancing, alongside insightful video presentations showcasing ECOWASโs achievements.