National press council award to promote excellence

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Dear friends from the media,

I am pleased to attend this afternoon the 9^th Edition of the National Press Council Award, which rewards the best media organizations in Côte d’Ivoire.

I would like to extend my greetings to the members of the Government attending this ceremony, particularly to Mr Bruno KONÉ, Minister of Communication,

of the Digital Economy and the Post Office, who is honoring us today with his presence to this important event.

I also extend my greetings to the high level officials who have agreed to witness this ceremony and to give their support. My greetings also go to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco who has joined us this afternoon.

It is a great pleasure for me to address my fraternal greetings to Mr Raphaël LAKPE, President of the National Press Council (CNP) recently changed to National Press Authority, as well as to all members of this regulatory body.

I would also like to offer my greetings to the administrative and political authorities, especially to Mr ABY Raoul, Mayor of Marcory, for receiving us in his  beautiful commune.

I welcome the presence of media officials, as well as our friends from the print media, the broadcast media and the international media. Your great mobilization bears witness to the importance given to excellence in Côte d’Ivoire.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The CNP Award was launched since 2006, by the National Press Council to reward the nominees who have distinguished themselves through their professionalism and their work during the year.

This award presented to the most deserving media bodies, allows the ANP to promote a real enthusiasm among pressmen in order to achieve effective engagement and good results.

It also aims to promote excellence and leadership, as recommended by my dear husband, the President of the Republic.

This distinction is indeed a better way to promote values ​​of ethics and deontology in the media. Thus, The ANP urges national news organizations to develop press professions in Côte d’Ivoire.

I, personnally, encourage the promotion of these values ​​which are essential to the development of our country. That is why I have responded favourably to the invitation of my brother Raphaël LAKPE and have agreed to sponsor this 9^th edition of the CNP Award for the promotion of excellence.

I would like to congratulate Mr Raphaël LAKPE, President of the National Press Authority, for his effort to improve the reputation of  pressmen and enhance the quality of their work.

Dear Brother, you have successfully achieved your mission as the head of the ANP, and today’s celebration crowns your work in the most beautiful way. I would like to congratulate you for the efforts made and achievements accomplished under your leadership. You deserve a round of applause.

I would also like to congratulate the Minister of Communication, Bruno KONE, for his outstanding work in developing an independent, free and efficient media in our country.

Excellency, your implication has made the media more and more professional.

Dear nominees,

We will proceed in a few moments, to the presentation of the CNP Awards for the promotion of Excellence, which are a great way of formally recognizing the excellent work you have accomplished so far. I would like to congratulate you for your passionate commitment to your profession  and urge you to continue in this direction.

Dear winners,

I would like to congratulate you on the decorations that have just been awarded to you today, and to thank you for the excellent work done. You can be proud of it!

Dear media professionals,

I would finally like to urge you to continue in your effort to enhance the reputation of  media in Côte d’Ivoire.

It is your responsibility to provide adequate information to our population. It is important for you to be aware of it, in order to make the best possible use of your skills when you carry out your duties.

My warmest congratulations to you all.

Thank you.