27th Edition of the Communication Night: First Lady Dominique Ouattara Receives Journalist Elvis Gouza, Winner of the 2025 CNS Award

The First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, received journalist Elvis Gouza, an environmental issues specialist at the online media outlet Linfodrome.net, in an audience on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at her offices in Cocody.

Winner of the 2025 CNS-RAMEDE CI Award for the fight against child labor, Elvis Gouza distinguished himself at the 27th edition of the Nuit des Ebony with his report titled “Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry: Community Service Groups, an Alternative to Child Labor.” The piece was praised for its relevance and the depth of its analysis of a major issue in Côte d’Ivoire.

During the event, the First Lady officially presented the winner with the prize of one million CFA francs. On this occasion, she congratulated the journalist on the quality of his work, highlighting innovative solutions for the protection of children in cocoa-producing areas.

Mr. Elvis Gouza expressed his gratitude and pride: “As the recipient of the special award at Ebony 2025, I am proud to have been received today by the First Lady. We know what she stands for in the fight against child labor. When a high-ranking official of the First Lady’s stature receives you, it evokes a sense of joy, pride, and gratitude toward her. I am very happy and satisfied.”

The journalist also reflected on the significance of this recognition in his professional life: “There are topics we write about as journalists, but we don’t get applause for them. But today, I am being received by the First Lady regarding the issue of child labor. As I said, it is a source of pride and joy. And at the same time, I welcome her advice. It is an encouragement to do more because the fight continues. But beyond all that, it is Côte d’Ivoire that must polish its image on the international stage.”

Addressing his fellow journalists, Mr. Elvis Gouza called for greater commitment to issues related to the fight against child labor: “I want to reassure my fellow journalists who are still hesitant, encouraging them to take an interest in this issue. It will benefit our careers as journalists. To be honest, I never imagined I’d find myself standing before the First Lady. But thanks to my work, I did. So why not others? This is my call for journalists to take a greater interest in this issue. It feels good, and my year is a success!”

It should be noted that this meeting once again underscores the essential role of the media in raising awareness and promoting initiatives aimed at eradicating child labor in Côte d’Ivoire.