The authorities at The Gambia Press Union are at an advanced stage in preparations for the hosting of the first edition of the West African Journalist Association (WAJA) Excellence awards.

As indicated in a press release sent in from the executive of the Union, the Kairaba Beach Hotel will be the venue for the awards, which will be presented to the three best print, radio and TV journalists from the sub-region. The theme of the conference would be: "Conflict prevention, peace and human rights."

This ceremony will be held on the back of a three-day (October 14th-16th) sub-regional workshop on the same theme, and it will focus on, amongst other things, improving and broadening the understanding and perspectives of print and broadcast journalists on human rights, conflict prevention and peace issues.

The conference is expected to draw thirty (30) participants from the fifteen (15) ECOWAS member countries and the Republic of Mauritania.

According to the release, the steering committee of the WAJA capacity building project, based in Bamako, Mali, will also be meeting in Banjul to discuss the plan of action and budget for 2009. The activities, supported by the African Capacity Building Foundation, are organised by the Gambia Press Union in collaboration with the West African Journalists Association, the release concluded.

Mrs. Mama Saidy Drammeh of Jahally Madina in the Central River Region has recently received a brand new Suzuki motorbike for emerging as the best farmer in Central River Rice Growers Cooperative Society in Madina Umfaly.

Jainaba Sillah of Jahally Madina came second and was awarded nine bags of fertilizer, while the third best farmer award went to Jainaba Sillah of the same village who received seven bags of fertilizer. Other prizes went to seven other farmers from Darsilami, Wellingara, and Boiram.

This is no doubt a way of recognising the hard work embarked upon by these individuals and encouraging others to re-double their efforts in the endeavour for food self-sufficiency.

Also at the society’s annual general meeting recently in Brikamaba, the Action Aid Country Director Dr. Kuje Manneh Jallow presented a Mercedes Benz truck to the society. All these actions, we welcome and we would want to encourage the relevant authorities introduce many of such societies and give them the necessary support.

Anyone working towards the dream of food self-sufficiency in this country should be provided with the needed necessary support.

Taiwan Technical Mission has been supporting in many areas, but the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the National Agricultural Development Agency (NADA) should make sure that seeds and fertiliser are available to the farmers, all round the year, at affordable prices, even if it need to be subsidised. They must also be given on time and also adequately build the capacities of our farmers.

We also urge them to train more extension workers, if possible at village level to support and help co-ordinate the works and initiatives of the farmers.

We believe that if there are more of such societies across the country, with right vital support, the country would surely be, in the very near future, attaining food self-sufficiency.

The Point newspaper and other companies and institutions in the Gambia were recently awarded certificates of appreciation in recognition of their valuable contribution to UNICEF Check Out for Challenge 2008. The presentations were made a ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel.

Speaking during the handing over of certificates, a senior member of staff at the Sheraton Hotel, Mrs. Haddy Jeng, thanked all those who contributed immensely to UNICEF Check Out for Children Challenge 2008. She said The Gambia as a nation has benefited from the proceeds of the Sheraton Group Fundraising Campaigns and Check Out for Children long before the opening of the Sheraton Gambia. “As conscientious and caring citizens we now have the opportunity to experience that glow of pride and feel especially proud of our own personal contribution to UNICEF programmes. As partners, we are convinced that your generous support and unflinching endorsement of Check Out for Children Challenge 2008 will guarantee a resounding success,” she said.

For her part, the UNICEF representative in The Gambia, Mrs. Min Whee Kang, thanked those companies and institutions for their contribution to Check Out for Children 2008. She said that this idea will improve the lives of children in The Gambia and is the aim of UNICEF to see children being well protected.

According to the UNICEF representative, over USD$50,000 has been contributed annually by partners through UNICEF and some of this money is going to UNICEF in the UK. She concluded by saying that money will come back to countries like The Gambia.

The Gambia’s only musical doctor, Dr Olugander, has been  awarded  the 2007 reggae song award with his track titled “Run Da Place”.

Dr Olugander is one of the leading reggae artiste in the country. He is well known for his versatile skills and stage
performance.

Olugander was among 21 other personalities who received various prestigious awards.

Organised by Joluv Arts Entertainment based in United Kingdom in collaboration with Gambia Talents Promotions in Atlanta, the
award night was designed to reward and promote distinguished Gambians who have made tremendous efforts in their respective
areas.

In an interview with What’s On, Dr Olugander said it was a pleasure to have received an award which he described as worthy
and timely.

“This award shows how my fans like my music because without them I can’t do anything. There is this proverb which says “the
greatness of a king depends on the number of people he rules,” he said.

He thanked the organisers and cooperate sponsors like Africell for their support to the  development of The Gambian music
industry. by Assan Sallah

The Gambia’s only musical doctor, Dr Olugander, has been  awarded  the 2007 reggae song award with his track titled “Run Da
Place”.

Dr Olugander is one of the leading reggae artiste in the country. He is well known for his versatile skills and stage
performance.

Olugander was among 21 other personalities who received various prestigious awards.

Organised by Joluv Arts Entertainment based in United Kingdom in collaboration with Gambia Talents Promotions in Atlanta, the
award night was designed to reward and promote distinguished Gambians who have made tremendous efforts in their respective
areas.

In an interview with What’s On, Dr Olugander said it was a pleasure to have received an award which he described as worthy
and timely.

“This award shows how my fans like my music because without them I can’t do anything. There is this proverb which says “the
greatness of a king depends on the number of people he rules,” he said.

He thanked the organisers and cooperate sponsors like Africell for their support to the development of The Gambian music
industry.

All is set for Miss Willies 2008

Preparations are currently on high gear for the annual Miss Willies beauty pageant contest slated for Saturday 28th March,
2008 at Lamin Village.

Organised by Champion Sounds Promotions, the day is designed to showcase the country’s  rich cultural heritage and to further
strengthen peace and oneness through entertainment.

Speaking to What’s On, DJ  Lamin Cham of Champion Sounds Promotions said  six beautiful  young ladies would contest in the
event . According to him the day is expected to be graced by high profile personalities.

“This beauty  pageant contest will also witness live performances by various top Gambian artists, among them, Chamajeng,
Sambou Suso aka the golden voice of Manding, Lamarana Jallow, among others,” he said.

According to him, it is going to be a fun-filled event in the history of Miss Willies.