Renowned International Media and Communication Specialist, Paul Ejime, has emerged winner of the ECOWAS Maiden Journalist Excellence Award in Print Journalism, adding another prestigious recognition to his decades-long career in journalism and public affairs.
The award was conferred during a colourful ceremony held on July 25, 2025, in Banjul, The Gambia, as part of activities marking the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The award was organized by the ECOWAS Commission’s Communication Directorate to honour excellence across five media categories: Print, Television, Radio, Online, and Photojournalism.
A seven-member jury comprising top multimedia professionals from Benin, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Nigeria, and The Gambia reviewed more than 200 entries from across the region. Twelve journalists were eventually recognized for their compelling storytelling, accuracy, and impactful reporting on the successes, challenges, and transformation driven by ECOWAS since its founding by the Treaty of Lagos on May 28, 1975.
Jury Chairman, Abdoulie Gassama, a communications expert and university lecturer, said the awards aimed to promote professional and ethical journalism, while fostering regional integration, democracy, peace, and socioeconomic development.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray represented by his Chief of Staff, Abdou Kolley praised the role of journalists in advancing democracy and transparency across West Africa.
“Journalists are not just chroniclers of events, they are agents of accountability, defenders of democracy, and catalysts for social change,” Touray stated.
“This award reaffirms ECOWAS’ deep respect for press freedom and the belief in responsible journalism to shape a better future.”
The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services of The Gambia, Ismaila Ceesay, in a goodwill message delivered by Permanent Secretary Kodou Jaban, hailed Gambia’s hosting of the event as symbolic of the country’s progress from dictatorship to media freedom.
In her remarks, ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, Miata French, highlighted the award’s significance in strengthening collaboration between ECOWAS and the media for sustainable development, peace, and good governance.
Ejime, a respected war correspondent and publisher of pglobalmedia.com, received his award from Madam French. Speaking at the ceremony, he described the recognition as a culmination of “dedication, perseverance, hard work, team spirit and professionalism.”He dedicated the award to his wife, Chiedu, and their children, acknowledging their unwavering support during his years covering conflict zones in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“Governments and regional institutions must see the media as partners in progress and development,” Ejime said, urging greater collaboration with journalists in shaping the future of West Africa.
With a career spanning over four decades, Ejime started as a Lagos Correspondent for Agence France-Presse (AFP) in 1983, later serving as Principal Diplomatic Correspondent for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and West Africa Bureau Chief for PANAPRESS. He has also worked with the BBC, Voice of America (VOA), WHO, ECOWAS Commission, EU, GIZ, SIDA, and other international organisations.
Just last month, he was inducted into Nigeria’s National Development Hall of Fame, alongside Maj. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), and is also a recipient of the West Africa Icon Award (WAIA) 2024.
A Chevening scholar and advocate of development journalism, Ejime remains a vocal voice on governance, democracy, and media ethics, contributing regularly to policy dialogues and regional media platforms.
Other winners at the ceremony hailed from Nigeria (5), Benin (3), Senegal, Gambia, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau. The ECOWAS Commission President and the Gambian Minister of Information also received awards for their support to the media.
The award gala was attended by diplomats, media professionals, government officials, and civil society leaders, including Nigeria’s High Commissioner to The Gambia, Ambassador Muhammed Manu, and featured cultural performances, documentaries on ECOWAS milestones, and celebration of regional unity through the power of the press.
