After two years of successful operation in The Gambia, the Brikama-based Yiriwa Development Radio Station last Saturday celebrated their 2nd anniversary at their base in Brikama Sanchaba.

The celebration, marked by scintillating musical performances by the Jobarteh family alongside other renowned artistes was graced by the cross section of the Brikama community including dignitaries, listeners and ambassadors of the Station.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pa Modou Bojang, General Manager of Yiriwa FM, said that Station was initiated by a Gambian Alhaji Basiru Darboe whose dream, he said, is to contribute towards the development of the Gambia. He said that since the inception of the Radio Station they have been in the forefront in airing numerous programmes on health, education, sports, culture and tourism.

He thanked their business partners particularly Africell, Gamcel, Bayba Express and UNFPA.  He further revealed that they are poised to cover the sub region.  

Mr Bojang went on to thank the Secretary of State for Information, Communications and Technology Mrs. Neneh Macdouall Gaye for giving them the opportunity to operate in The Gambia. He also did not forget to shower encomiums on the community of Brikama for their support over the years.

For his part, Abdou Karim Sonko who stepped in for the Information Secy underscored the importance of radio station in the socio-economic development of the country and thus advised the people of Brikama and its satellite areas to make good use of the two radio stations in Brikama- FM B and Yiriwa FM.

The Guest speaker of the occasion, Mr. Momodou Gassama, said radio broadcasting has the potentials to harness the energy of young women and men and gives them skills to contribute to the development of their communities.

He added that radio communication and information dissemination have significant functions to fulfill in supporting and fostering socio-economic , cultural and political development and transformation in African countries.

“Community radio stations are being set up with the purpose of serving the communities in which they reside with information, training, education and entertainment,” he said.