Nightwatch Newspaper, established in July 2017 by Graphics/Layout Specialist, Emmanuel Christian Thorli, quite recently bagged four awards for its contribution to Sierra Leone’s Media landscape after having served for just two years and more.
The first of such awards was given by Diaspora Focus Development a very reputable organization founded overseas that works assiduously to support illustrious men, women and institutions that contribute meaningfully towards the development of Sierra Leone.
At their Diaspora Focus National Development Awards and the crowning of Miss Diaspora Focus at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Freetown on 7th December 2019, the group stated that after supervising a very credible voting process followed up by a thorough scrutiny and background by their board, they were pleased to announce that nightwatch Newspaper won the PRINT MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR, 2019.
The two years and five months old Newspaper was nominated by the public for the prestigious award alongside Standard Times, Concord Times, Calabash, Awoko, Awareness Times and AYV Newspapers.
On the same day, popular Sierra Leonean journalist and former Public Affairs Secretary SLAJ, Edward Marrah, also during the inaugural awards night for his foundation, ‘’Edward Marrah Foundation,’’ also recognized nighwatch newspaper at the said event attended by popular Sierra Leonean Musician and legend, Jimmy B, Sierra Leone’s film star, Tee Jay Cole and many more Sierra Leonean stars such as Makmuday, Wahid and Cee Jay.
Sierra Leone’s Ombudsman, Leon Jenkins Johnston Junior was the keynote speaker.
Nightwatch Newspaper was awarded alongside credible institutions including Street Child Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Library Board etc.
News Vendor Association Award, FASTEST GROWING NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR 2019
On the 15th of December 2019, it was the turn of the Newspaper Sellers, “The Vendors.”
At their annual dance and awards night, the Association also awarded the nightwatch Newspaper as the “FASTEST GROWING NEWSPAPER FOR 2019”.
They described nightwatch as the fastest growing newspaper due to the fact that it has been able to quickly match the old and established newspapers in terms of circulation, content and otherwise.
Its Managing Editor and Proprietor, Emmanuel Christian Thorli while responding to the three awards for his young newspaper, stated that he is dedicating the awards to the Almighty God, his staff and readers.
He recounted that it was very challenging when he started the paper which was originally published once a week, twice a week, thrice a week and ultimately became a daily.
He stated that it has always been his dream while working for the management of almost all old newspapers in the media landscape to have his own medium and that many have underrated and do not believe in his dream but now it is a reality.
The Managing Editor thanked those who supported him through, especially his wife who supported him through thick and thin.
He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to some senior mentors, especially those whom he has worked with and also helped him in registering the paper.
He dedicated his trials and challenges while working for others in the field as largely the reasons for his success in his two years and five months adventure.
The Managing Editor noted that he is still yet to arrive at his destination which is to make the establishment one of the best and biggest in the country.
He concluded by saying that his paper will not side with anything political party and will continue to create the agenda setting for all rights issues and also by being the voice of the voiceless.