The Young Journalists' Association of The Gambia (YJAG) on Wednesday, 16th September, held its first congress, marking the steping down of the outgoing executive, as well as the election of a new executive for the association.

After a tough and well contested election, Assan Sallah, editor at the Daily Observer newspaper, emerged president, Aminata Sanneh went unopposed as the 1st vice president, Mamadou Edrissa Njie, of the Gambia News and Report Magazine, as the 2nd vice president, Abdourahman Sallah of The Point newspaper as the secretary general, Demba Kandeh as the public relations officer, Modou S Joof of the Voice newspaper as the assistant secretary, Haddijatou Jawara of the Business Digest, as the Treasurer and Mama Faal of West Coast Radio, as the Auditor.

The congress which coincided with association's 2nd anniversary, was held at the Gambia Press Union head office in Bakau. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nfamara Jawneh, the outgoing President of YJAG, noted that the day is a day of reflection on the achievements and constraints that the association faced during the past two years. "Despite our collective achievements, there is a need to also inculcate a  spirit of responsible journalism in young journalists," he said.

According to him, YJAG was founded on the 16th of September, 2007 and has a countrywide membership from both the print and electronic media, between the ages of 18 and 30. He added that YJAG seeks to promote mutual understanding among young Gambian journalists, to provide young journalists with training opportunities, to address the general welfare of its members, to facilitate the recruitment of students into the field of  journalism and  as well  complement the efforts of the Gambia Press Union in promoting press freedom, among others.

He also noted that the role of a vibrant and free press in the socio-economic development of any country cannot be over-emphasised. For his part, Sam Sarr, the editor of Foroyaa Newspaper congratulated YJAG for the work they have been doing since its inception up to date. He urged all journalists to have passion for the profession, adding that journalism have a future in The Gambia.  "Life is full of challenges, if you have difficulties  just persist," he remarked.

Pap Saine, proprietor/managing editor of The Point Newspaper, also congratulated YJAG for  their good work despite all the challenges that they have been facing. The veteran journalist advised the young jourmalists to be committed, dedicated and give a good name to the profession. He therefore appealed to all young journalists to be united and become committed members of their association. The Board chairperson of YJAG, Amie Bojang -Sissoho, also expressed similar  sentiments  and urged YJAG to promote freedom of expression in a respectful manner. She implored on the young journalists to build on their capacities and always strive  to work hard.

The YJAG board chairperson assured the journalists of her support and advice at all times. She finally commended the outgoing executive for their hard work. Njaimeh Bah-Sonko of GRTS, who is also an outgoing executive member,delivered the vote of thanks. Certificates were presented to the outgoing executive members,  diplomats and companies who sponsored the association's activities, notably Gamcel, Taiwanese embassy, US embassy, YJAG board members, among others.