YJAG President, Mr. Modou S. Joof |
“The Board is meant to advise on fund raising
activities, including identifying opportunities especially those most relevant
to the focus areas of the Association,” YJAG President Mr. Modou S. Joof said
on Thursday. “Act as a sounding board, that is, (listening to our ideas and
opinions and tell whether they think they are good or not).”
Mr. Joof said the appointment of the Board as
approved by the General Membership of YJAG is based on their credibility,
wisdom and their unarguable commitment to the service of humanity in their
various areas of work and involvement.
The Board is also expected to providing strategic
guidance and thoughtful advice to the Association; to promote and provide
strategic direction for the development of the Association; to help link the
Association to potential donors; and partake in the Association’s activities.
“We hope their involvement with YJAG during this
period, though short, will be of immense help to the executive committee’s
determination to put the Association on sound footing and ensuring continuity,”
said Mr. Joof who was elected in October 2011.
He said the Association knows the Board has nothing
to prove to YJAG, the Gambia or the world regarding their ability to help put
YJAG where it aims to be, as their records are there to speak for themselves.
He hopes that both YJAG and the Board will work
closely as “one family” towards achieving their common but fundamental goals.
Mr. Joof commended previous board members for their
hard work, dedication and commitment to the course of the Association, saying: “We really appreciated their assistance and encouragement
for putting the association on the right path to achieving our worthwhile
goals.”
To the incoming Board, he thanked them for accepting
to serve the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia.
While noting YJAG’s tremendous contribution to the
development of the media in Gambia, especially on capacity building and news
reportage, he said: “Some of its members are holding key decision-making
positions across media platforms in the country.”
Very important
The association is very important as it gives
continuity as far as journalism in Gambia is concerned, observed Mr. Sam Sarr,
a board member and managing editor of Foroyaa.
Giving the remarks of the Board Chair on behalf of
Mr. Njundu Drammeh, national coordinator Child Protection Alliance (CPA), Mr.
Sarr, described YJAG as the future of journalism in the Gambia.
“Without the growth and development of young
journalists in the Gambia, there will no future for journalism in the Gambia,”
he said.
He said: “The role given to us as board members is
very important and at the same time very heavy and a burden on us, because we
are to help the association to grow so that journalism will have a better
future in the Gambia.”
We are duty bound to give you all the support and
guidance you need in order to follow the right path, he said.
Study hard
“Study hard, read hard and report right,” Mrs. Ngui
Mboob-Janneh, YJAG board member and secretary of Female Lawyers Association of
the Gambia, said. “Be sure of your facts before you report them; know the laws
that govern your profession.”
She noted journalism is a very important profession
that every sector in society needs. As journalists you should be bold, strong
and know what you want and always be prepared.
Read hard, and train extensively, do not work alone
and do not rush, you should know one single work or publication can change
someone’s life for either the negative or positive, she said.
While pledging hers and her association’s support to
YJAG, she advised young journalists to be responsible and be mindful of the
laws that govern journalism.
Mr. Bai Emil Touray, President of GPU and YJAG board
member gave his full backing to the young journalists.
He said the Union’s doors are open to YJAG, but
warns that the association, being one of the most progressive affiliates to the
GPU, must remain true o its aims and objectives.
He also pledges the GPU will take full charge of
printing a proposed newsletter of YJAG.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Union, Secretary
General Mr. Gibairu Janneh, hails the composition of the new YJAG board, but
warns that its executive committee should not be too complacent to the extent
of becoming lazy.
The executive committee is the decision-making body
of the association and does not have to sit back thinking the board will do the
job for them, Secretary Janneh warns.
The event was chaired by Mr. Assan Sallah, the
immediate past president of YJAG. The vote of thanks was delivered my Ms.
Mariam Saine, YJAG 2nd Vice President, and was attended by media
chiefs.
SOURCE: The Voice
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