The newly elected President of the Gambia Sports Journalists Association, Sainabou Kujabi, has promised the association that she will live up to expectations, more so that members have demonstrated their trust in her by voting her president of the national sports journalists association for the next three years.
Kujabi, who has served the association for two consecutive terms as its general secretary, faced a tough battle against Nanama Keita in the race to claim the SJAG top position during the October 2nd Congress held at the B.O Semega Janneh Olympic Hall at the Serrekunda East Mini Stadium.
But The Pointsport editor emerged the winner at the expense of fellow sports editor Nanama Keita of the Daily Observer Newspaper as she bagged a total of 34 votes in the process.
The elated Kujabi, who has worked tirelessly to raise the standards of the sports association during her tenure as general secretary, could not hide her delight and satisfaction shortly after she was announced the winner in a free and fair election.
"Let me first applaud the members of the NSC for diligently seeing through the election which has given me the touch to lead our noble association," says Kujabi, who continues to enjoy the backing of members of the association.
She also thanked the association's honorary life president, Mr Pap Saine, for his moral support and sage advice to the association and young journalists over the years.
"To you ladies and gentlemen, I sincerely express my profound gratitude for the trust and confidence you have bestowed on me by electing me your president," she said, adding: "I promise to live up to expectations."
Ms Kujabi was however quick to admit that without the support of members of the association, the road to achieving good success would be difficult.
"I therefore challenge you all to take ownership of SJAG; put me and my executive to task and more importantly put yourselves on board the train to our journey to higher heights," she said.
"Let me at this juncture inform those coming newly into the executive that a big task lies ahead. We are entrusted to lead the affairs of SJAG so we must sacrifice everything to ensure success is attained."
Kujabi, who was confirmed the first female to lead the sports journalists association of The Gambia, said she considers herself a servant. "I am your servant," she said. "SJAG must grow and we must unite, we must collaborate among ourselves and our partners."
Kujabi also used the platform to challenge the association to work hard to be recognised both countrywide and internationally, adding that the association would also forge partnership with sister organisations abroad for the good of its members.
She also advised the newly executive members to do everything possible to build the capacities of the association's members.
The country has witnessed a significant improvement in the number of young ladies joining the profession in recent years. This is a testimony to show that
Kujabi, in her acceptance speech implored the association to continue to encourage more female journalists to also show interest in sports journalism.
She concluded her speech by encouraging members of the association to pay their dues regularly and to look out for ways to raise funds.