The Young Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (YJAG) on Saturday inaugurated its Advisory Board at a ceremony held at the Gambia Press Union (GPU) office, located along the Garba Jahumpa Road in Bakau.

The ten-member board, which  has Amie Bojang–Sissoho of the Gamcotrap as the chairperson, includes such notables as Abdoulie John, deputy editor-in–chief of the Daily Observer;  Pap Saine, managing editor of The Point newspaper; and Ndey Tapha Sosseh, GPU president.

In his welcome remarks, Ahmed Alota of The Point newspaper on behalf of the GPU president (Ndey Tapha Sosseh), congratulated the board members for accepting the job. He then appealed to them to guide, advise and support the association so as to enable them to achieve their aims and objectives. Alota, who was the master of ceremony, also seized the opportunity to underscore the importance of reading, writing and commitment in the field of journalism and urged the young journalists to work hard. He also spoke at length on the risks, challenges and disadvantages involved in the field of journalism.

In her inaugural speech, Amie Bojang-Sissoho, said she was proud to be chosen as the board chairperson. The veteran broadcaster cum gender activist also called on the young journalists to strive hard despite the challenges faced.  She expressed delight at the participation of girls in the media. She reminded the young journalists about the ethics of the profession and urged them to read extensively and know what journalism is all about.

The YJAG board chairperson also congratulated her colleagues for accepting the challenge. For his part, Sam Sarr, editor of the Foroyaa newspaper, expressed gratitude to YJAG for giving him the opportunity to serve on the board. He commended the young journalists for their achievements since the inception of the organisation in 2007.

Sarr encouraged the young journalists to work hard and also reminded them about the ethics of professionalism. Nfamara Jawneh, president of YJAG, thanked the board members for accepting the challenge, which is all geared towards empowering young people especially those in the media (young journalists). Jawneh outlined the role of the advisory board and informed the gathering that the membership of the board is renewable after two years.  He expressed optimism that the board will work with YJAG to promote the welfare of young journalists in The Gambia.

In a similar vein, Demba Kandeh, secretary general of YJAG gave a brief history of the association, its aims and objectives and membership status. He went on to highlight the association’s achievements since its inception in September 2007. Jainaba Nyang–Njie, Abdoulie John, Njundu Drammeh, and Lawyer Edu Gomez, all board members of YJAG,  expressed their willingness to support YJAG.The ceremony was attended by members of the association.