The Reporter of the Month Award is sponsored by a former Daily Observer newspaper deputy editor-in-chief and marketing manager who is now based in the United States. The purpose of the award is to encourage reporters of the paper to do more and to reduce heavy load on editors in the course of editing and to encourage effective reporting.
Receiving the award, Mr Faye said he was taken by surprise by the award, adding that it will encourage him to work harder and diligently.
He pointed out that it is not easy for someone to have his/her work recognized by others, noting that one should have dedication and commitment to his/her works.
The veteran journalist advised young journalists, especially his trainees to be serious with their work and to sacrifice for society. He also advised them to always verify their facts and come up with balanced stories.
He thanked the management and staff of the paper and the sponsor for the award as well as for their cooperation and support.
“Credit goes to the government for creating an enabling environment for press freedom and freedom of expression,” he said.
Meanwhile, Journalist Dawda Faye has written three novels and won the 2011 best health journalist award by The Gambia Press Union.