SPEECH BY ASSAN SALLAH, PRESIDENT OF YJAG ON THE 4th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE ASSOCIATION HELD AT THE KMC MULTI-PURPOSE HALL, KANIFING ON OCTOBER 22ND, 2011.
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| Assan Sallah |
Today marks an important milestone in the annals of the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia. As we celebrate our 4th anniversary which also coincided with the association’s 2nd Congress. I am therefore deeply honoured to give my welcome remarks in this important gathering.
Today is a moment of reflection on our achievements in the past for my executive as it marks the end of term for my executive and the beginning of a new term for the incoming executive. I also want to make it very clear that I am stepping down after serving as president of the association for two years and I will not contest for any position.
However, I would also want to assure the incoming executive that you have my support and can always count on me whenever the need arises. I will still be an honorary member and guide you in our drive to move the association forward.
Mr. Chairman
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen
Each year when we celebrate our anniversary, we choose a theme and discuss on it. The theme for this year’s celebration is; “the role of journalists in elections.”
The theme of the 4th anniversary is indeed timely as we are approaching the 2011 Presidential Elections by next month. May I also use the opportunity to inform this gathering that there will be a training on the role of journalists in elections for members of the association which will be held today immediately after the opening ceremony.
Mr. Chairman
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen
You will all agree with me that elections are the cornerstone of any democracy and the media has a vital role in informing the public about what the politicians are promising and to tell the politicians what ordinary people want, or they do not want, as well as ensuring that elections are free and fair. Therefore the importance of the proposed training on election reporting is also very important.
