The Gambia Press Union will Thursday October 16th host the first edition of the West African Journalist Association (WAJA) Excellence Awards 2008 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, a news release from the GPU reveals.

The awards, the release stated, which will be presented to the three best print, radio and TV journalists from the sub-region is on the theme ‘Conflict Prevention, Peace and Human Rights’.

According to the release, the ceremony will be held on the back of a three day (October 14th – 16th0 sub-regional workshop on the same theme.

“The workshop will focus on amongst other things improving and broadcasting the understanding and perspectives of print and broadcast journalists on human rights, conflict prevention and peace issues and, will draw thirty (30) participants from the fifteen (15) ECOWAS member countries and the Republic of Mauritania.

“Short listed award winners will also take part in the workshop”, the release added.

During this period, the release went on, the steering committee of the WAJA capacity building project based in Bamako will also be meeting in Banjul to discuss the plan of action and budget for 2009.

“The activities, supported by the African Capacity Building Foundation, are organised by the Gambia Press Union in collaboration with the West African Journalist Association”, the release concludes.