Latest news with #regional integration
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates media excellence in Banjul: twelve journalists honoured at the 2025 award of excellence across West Africa
In a landmark tribute to journalistic excellence, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hosted the inaugural edition of the ECOWAS Award of Excellence for Journalists on 25 July 2025 in Banjul, The Gambia. The prestigious ceremony brought together leading media professionals, government officials, and regional stakeholders to honour twelve exceptional journalists whose work advances peace, democracy, and regional integration, in alignment with ECOWAS Vision 2050. The award ceremony was held as part of ECOWAS' 50th anniversary and forms a core element of its commitment to strengthening governance, accountability, and citizen engagement through a vibrant and ethical media landscape. From investigative reporting to digital storytelling, the awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions to building public trust and amplifying community voices across West Africa. In her welcome remarks, H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, praised the laureates for their originality, courage, and determination: 'As we celebrate 50 years of ECOWAS, we honour the journalists who are narrating our transformation—your words carry the voice of our people and the vision of our future.' Delivering a special message on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Hon. Abdoul Kolley, Director of Cabinet, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to media as a pillar of democratic resilience and participatory development: 'In the framework of Vision 2050 and the 4×4 Strategic Objectives, ECOWAS continues to count on media professionals as indispensable partners in promoting inclusive, informed, and peaceful societies.' Speaking on behalf of the Government of The Gambia, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting, commended the regional effort and emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and regional institutions: 'This award is more than a recognition—it is a collective declaration of our belief in ethical journalism as a force for good and an engine of integration.' The awards ceremony featured vibrant performances by the Gambia Art Troupe and the official announcement of laureates in four categories: Broadcast Television, Broadcast Radio, Print Media, and Online Media. Each category honoured a Winner, a First Runner-Up, and a Second Runner-Up. The selection process, led by a seven-member independent jury chaired by Mr. Abdoulie Gassama, underscored transparency and merit-based recognition. The emotional testimonies of the awardees highlighted the challenges and triumphs of journalism in the region. Twelve journalists from across West Africa were honoured in four competitive categories — Television, Radio, Print, and Online. In the Television category, Benin's Yewoueda Djotan took home the top prize, followed by Nigeria's Marcelina Ozekhore. For Radio, the award went to The Gambia's Sankuleh Janko, with Ernest Agbotan and Serge Fanou from Benin, and Tiago Seide from Guinea-Bissau, all recognised in the third position. In the Print category, Nigeria's Paul Egime emerged as the winner, followed by compatriot Solomon Odeniyi and Senegal's Oumar Ndiaye. Finally, the Online category celebrated Nigeria's Emmanuel Onwuka Ukpo as winner, with Kodjo Simon Akpagana of Togo and Nigeria's Enoch Nyayiti Raymond taking second and third place respectively. With five of the twelve awards, Nigeria stood out as the most represented country among this year's laureates. A symbolic Signature Wall Ceremony concluded the evening, where dignitaries and media representatives pledged to uphold media ethics and information integrity across the ECOWAS region. Development partners, particularly from Germany, expressed strong support for this new initiative as part of broader efforts to promote regional stability and democratic culture. The ECOWAS Excellence Awards for Journalists were established to celebrate media professionals whose work fosters informed citizenship, strengthens accountability, and reflects the shared aspirations of the region. This initiative reinforces the ECOWAS Vision 2050 objective of building 'an ECOWAS of the People,' where peace, integration, and prosperity are communicated with integrity, courage, and truth. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
24-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
East African Community (EAC) Secretary General concludes official visit to Uganda with ket strategic engagements
The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Hon. Veronica Nduva, concluded a three-day official visit to the Republic of Uganda, marked by high-level engagements aimed at strengthening regional integration and enhancing cooperation. During the visit, the Secretary General, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House in Entebbe. The two discussed key regional integration priorities, including the need for deeper cooperation among EAC Partner States. President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to the EAC integration agenda and emphasised the importance of intra-regional trade and shared infrastructure in achieving economic prosperity across the bloc. At a different occasion, the Secretary General officiated the closing ceremony of the EAC Capacity Building Program for Women and Youth in Fisheries, a regional initiative designed to empower women and youth with skills, knowledge, and resources to participate more effectively in the fisheries value-chain. The event highlighted the EAC's commitment to inclusive economic development, particularly in supporting marginalised groups through sustainable fisheries. 'This program is a demonstration of our resolve to empower women and youth, who form the backbone of our region's socio-economic development. Investing in them means investing in the future of our communities,' Hon. Nduva remarked during the ceremony. During the visit, the Secretary General also visited the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) headquarters in Jinja, Uganda. She was briefed on ongoing projects aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries management, research, and cross-border collaboration in Lake Victoria. Hon. Nduva emphasized the importance of science-based policy development, environmental sustainability, and the role of LVFO in driving the EAC's Blue Economy strategy. 'The LVFO remains a critical institution for sustainable fisheries management in the region. It is imperative that we continue to support its work to ensure food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation,' Hon. Nduva said, underscoring the EAC's commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries and environmental conservation in the Lake Victoria Basin. The Secretary General's visit to the Republic of Uganda served to reaffirm the EAC Secretariat's support for Partner States in their efforts to realise the goals of the EAC Treaty, particularly in the areas of economic development, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
LBCI
18-07-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Lebanon, Jordan discuss new paths for shared economic growth
President of the Lebanese Economic, Social, and Environmental Council, Charles Arbid, met with Jordanian Ambassador Walid Al-Hadid to discuss strengthening economic cooperation and regional integration between the two countries. According to a statement from the council, the meeting aimed to build on the strong relationship between Lebanon's and Jordan's economic councils. Discussions focused on joint projects and initiatives of mutual interest, with a primary emphasis on developing integrated efforts to support sustainable development and productive sectors in both countries. Ambassador Al-Hadid reiterated Jordan's support for Lebanon's economic stability and stressed the importance of regional integration as a catalyst for growth. Arbid, in turn, praised the strong ties between the two countries and reaffirmed the council's readiness to collaborate across various levels.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Uganda: President Museveni Meets East African Community (EAC) Secretary General
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met and held fruitful discussions with the Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), H.E. Veronica M. Nduva, at State House, Entebbe. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest aimed at strengthening regional integration and cooperation among EAC member states. The meeting was also attended by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.
South China Morning Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China must ‘play long game' with trade partners as ‘US looks like the big bully': analysts
With US President Donald Trump sending more tariff letters to trade partners, Beijing has stepped up efforts – like rallying its own trade partners – to collectively push back against Washington's trade protectionism. The world's second-largest economy will provide considerable development opportunities – from broader market access to greater regional integration – while being mindful of US threats, according to statements this week following a string of overseas visits by Chinese officials. Some analysts say the comments suggest that Beijing is embracing an increasingly pragmatic approach, rather than just strongly worded warnings, as it fortifies itself for another round of talks with Washington early next month. 'China needs to project a firm diplomatic stance to declare its principles, while this should be coupled with actions that offer tangible benefits to its neighbouring trade partners,' said Chen Fengying, a senior fellow at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. 'The US will inevitably impose additional tariffs on transshipped goods,' Chen said. 'So, it is crucial for China to play the long game with its neighbours and gradually build a more unified regional market.'
