As part of its continued familiarisation with various stake holders the Young Journalists Association of the Gambia (YJAG) had an audience with the Secretary of State for the Interior, the honourable Mr. Ousman Sonko yesterday.  The meeting was held at his office in Banjul and was attended by the Permanent Secretary for the State Department Mr. Yaya Sireh Jallow.

The chair of the meeting was Mr. Demba Kandeh, the Secretary General of the association.  He informed the Secretary of State about the mission of YJAG and also used the opportunity to officially invite the Interior Secretary to the launch ceremony of the fledgling organisation.

For his part Mr. Nfamara Jawneh, the President of YJAG, called for increased security for young journalists in The Gambia and emphasised the significance of the relationship between security and media.  He also told the Secretary that maintaining national security is a cause of concern to YJAG and all journalists in the country for that matter.

In response, SOS Sonko pledged to YJAG representatives his continued support adding that he has an open door policy whereby journalists can always come and confirm their stories if necessary before going to press.  He assured journalists of their security and safety under his supervision and leadership adding that young journalists in particular are very important because they hold in their hands the future of journalism within The Gambia.  “I see journalists as partners in development,” were SOS Sonko’s words as he whole-heartedly encouraged the growth of the association with his support and blessing.

Musa Ndow, 1st Vice President of YJAG, also attended the meeting. Fatoumatta Drammeh, a member of YJAG, thanked the Secretary for receiving them and this concluded the meeting. In another development at the YJAG general meeting on Monday it was announced that the official launch ceremony of the Young Journalist body, which was slated for today, has been postponed due to logistical complications.  It will now be held on Friday the 8th of February at NaNa conference hall in Bakau.  YJAG is sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused but looks forward to seeing supporters and invited guests at the ceremony on Friday.