The outgoing executives of the Young Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (YJAG)) recently officially handed over the mantle of leadership to the new executives at a ceremony held at its new office situated in Churchill’s town.
Speaking at the official handing over ceremony, the outgoing YJAG Secretary General Sulayman Ceesay described the handing over as historic for the second time it has been done in the history of the association.
He urged the new executives to live up to expectation by promoting the agenda of YJAG at all times without fear or favor.
According to him, YJAG was about to die but due to the dedication of few individuals, they were able to bring it back to its feet to serve its purpose.
He assured the new executives that they are ever ready to render their services anytime the need arises. He suggested for Constitutional review to suit the interest of all members, and collaboration with institutions.
The outgoing YJAG President Nfamara Jawneh said they believe in democracy at YJAG level that is the reason of this handover of power.
“In our case, we fulfill that by conveying a congress which ushered in new executive, as we believe that you could do more than the previous executive that is the reason we pass the baton of leadership to you to take us to another level,” he said.
He advised the new executives to maintain the independence of YJAG, open doors for partnership, but that should not be done to kill the institution.
“Advocate for the general welfare of all young journalists for better working condition, work in unison, engage all by bringing on board all young journalists, mobilize resources and develop more project proposals,” YJAG founding member said.
“We will never dictate you people, but our doors will always be open for any kind of support that we can offer to you,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the YJAG new President Kebba Jeffang commended the outgoing executive for their strive in keeping the institution a better one.
“We will soon draft an action plan, to review the constitution and we are all committed to make YJAG viable to serve its purpose; that is advocating good working condition for young ones,” he said.
He noted that YJAG executives will meet with all stakeholders in the media and dialogue with them in mapping out the way forward.
About YJAG
The Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG) is an independent non-profit making organization. The association was formed by a group of young journalist with foresight and vision who thought it wise to come together to promote mutual understanding and the general wellbeing of young journalists in the country. The association is legally registered with the Attorney General’s Chamber on 16th September, 2007.
YJAG has members from both the print and electronic media houses nationwide, as well as aspiring journalists from press clubs of senior secondary schools. The objectives of the association includes promoting unity among young journalists in the country, provide capacity building, and addressing the welfare of its members, among others. The association is also tasked with the responsibility to facilitate the recruitment of aspiring journalists into the profession.
