The awards came on the heels of the outstanding efforts by these two men towards the success of the Hydara Family during and after Deyda Hydara's life.
The Deyda Hydara Family was also commended by the Gambia Press Union (GPU) for being part of sponsors of this year's National Journalism Awards.
Handing over the awards on behalf of the Deyda Hydara family, Baba Hydara, the eldest son of Deyda Hydara, expressed gratitude to the GPU for the their "collaboration, tenacity and support over the years".
"In our quest for Justice for my father, I can attest to the fact that a lot of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society members rallied around us. However there have been certain individuals who stood out and took the extra mile to raise enough awareness to get us here," said Baba Hydara, who is also co-publisher of The Point.
He remarked further: "Pa Nderry Mbai went out of his way day in day out and promised not to rest until justice is served.
"DA Jawo has been there and joined other Journalists from the onset as the then GPU president. When he wrote the Living Mirror he was still in The Gambia and risked his life writing that book.
"Pap Saine is not just a colleague, he had been there not only at work but stood as a father to all of us, and steps in when the occasion arises."
In his remarks after receiving the award, Pap Saine, who together with Baba Hydara now holding the fort at The Point, said: “I am quite overwhelmed to receive Deyda Hydara Family’s award in recognition of my invaluable contribution in the fight to attain justice for Deyda Hydara my childhood friend and my companion in defence of press freedom.
“My sincere thanks to Mrs Maria Hydara and Family for such honour. I will continue his [Deyda Hydara’s] legacy with the Editorial Good Morning Mr President.”
Demba Ali Jawo, while receiving the award, said it came as a big surprise to him. He hailed the Hydara family for the award, as he described Deyda as “a honest and dignified man who deserved not to be killed”.
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