Bai Bai Sesay, Editor of the Independent Observer Newspaper, has been recognized with a Media Excellence Award, announced by the Scholar Media Award Team. Mr. Sesay expressed surprise at the honor, stating, "To be honest, I was completely taken by surprise. I was not expecting this recognition. Moments like this remind you that people are paying attention even when you believe they are not. I receive it with gratitude and humility." He attributed the achievement to "Allah Subhannah Wa Ta’alaa" and dedicated the recognition to his colleagues at the Independent Observer Newspaper, SLAJ, the Guild of Editors, IMC, partners, news vendors, and the people of Sierra Leone.
Award Recognition Details
The award acknowledges outstanding contributions to journalism and an unwavering commitment to truth, accountability, and professional reporting within Sierra Leone. This recognition notes efforts to uphold journalistic standards in the country. The Scholar Media Award Team confirmed that the upcoming presentation ceremony for the accolade will take place in Nairobi, Kenya. This event will gather recipients and stakeholders to celebrate media excellence.
Sesay's Humble Response
Bai Bai Sesay, Editor of the Independent Observer Newspaper, expressed surprise at being named the recipient of the Media Excellence Award. "To be honest, I was completely taken by surprise. I was not expecting this recognition," Sesay stated, adding, "Moments like this remind you that people are paying attention even when you believe they are not. I receive it with gratitude and humility." Sesay attributed the achievement to divine guidance. "First and foremost, I thank Allah Subhannah Wa Ta’alaa because every achievement belongs to Him," he said.
The formal presentation of the Media Excellence Award is scheduled for August 7, 2026. Sesay extended his appreciation to key media institutions, stating, "This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to my colleagues at the Independent Observer Newspaper, to SLAJ, the Guild of Editors, IMC, our partners, news vendors and the people of Sierra Leone whose trust gives meaning to our work." He concluded, "I accept this honour with humility and pray Allah continues to guide us in the service of truth and our nation."
Dedication and Gratitude
Bai Bai Sesay described the Media Excellence Award as both unexpected and deeply humbling. "To be honest, I was completely taken by surprise. I was not expecting this recognition," Sesay stated, adding, "Moments like this remind you that people are paying attention even when you believe they are not. I receive it with gratitude and humility." Sesay attributed the achievement to divine guidance, saying, "First and foremost, I thank Allah Subhannah Wa Ta’alaa because every achievement belongs to Him."
He dedicated the recognition to his colleagues at the Independent Observer Newspaper. Sesay emphasized, "This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to my colleagues at the Independent Observer Newspaper, to SLAJ, the Guild of Editors, IMC, our partners, news vendors and the people of Sierra Leone whose trust gives meaning to our work." Sesay also paid tribute to newspaper vendors across the country, concluding, "I accept this honour with humility and pray Allah continues to guide us in the service of truth and our nation."
Presentation Ceremony
The award organizers, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will host the upcoming presentation ceremony. The event is set to gather recipients and other stakeholders from the media industry.
