The Young People in the Media (YPM) recently held its first-ever congress, at the Gambia Teachers Union premises in Kanifing, along the MDI Road, presided over by Mr. Ibrahim Cessay, the National Coordinator of Children for Children Organisation.
The congress which brought together its general membership from various schools within the Greater Banjul areas and Western Region saw the election of new executive to steer the affairs of the organisation for a two-year term.
Master Momodou Secka, a student at the Gambia Methodist Academy was elected as President, replacing Abdou Jatta, who has been at the helm of affairs for two consecutive terms.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Ibrahim Ceesay, thanked the out-going executive for going that far, describing them as pacesetters for generations yet unborn. He said leadership is challenging and calls for commitment, determination and innovation. Cessay noted that the past executive under the leadership of Abdou Jatta has strenuously struggled for the successful implementation of its action plan, by lobbying support both at national and international levels. He urged the new executive to focus more on impact-making programmes rather than activities that will not yield effects.
"Being elected is equal to being tasked," he said.
Hon Abdou Jatta, the outgoing President, who doubles as the Deputy Clerk of the National Youth Parliament of The Gambia, and Speak Africa Youth spokesperson for The Gambia, presented a report on the activities of the organisation, particularly those implemented by the former executive. He calls on the new executive to be very determined, strive forward and excel in their dealings.
Jatta advised the newly elected executive that leadership is a daunting challenge that comes along with lots of responsibilities and expectations. He noted that the bedrock of any organisation is through team work, sincerity, honesty, loyalty and perseverance.
He thanked the government, UNICEF, parents, the media, development partners and the board members of YPM for their relentless and unweaving support to the organisation over the years.
Mrs. Fatou Camara, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of YPM, expressed gratitude to the out-going executive for their dynamism and dedication in maintaining the standards of the organisation at all times. She noted that the past executive has made history and their names will be in the history books of the organisation, adding that they shall be remembered well by generations yet unborn since most of them have ably represented young people of this country at higher levels.
On behalf of the new executive, the President-elect Master Momdou Secka, noted that "being elected as a leader of a group, does not mean that one has authority over everyone or anything that has to do with the people you are leading and not to work towards your own selfish interest, but instead to work in their best interest and see to it that the objectives of the organisation are achieved."
He noted that he and the newly elected executive are ready to work hand-in-glove and see to it that what the organisation stands for what they represent in a more transparent and accountable manner. Secka added that they are ready to continue the work set by the past executive to make remarkable changes in the lives of their fellow young people in The Gambia and the world at large.
The newly elected executive comprises Momdou Secka of the Gambia Methodist Academy as President, Miss Haddijatou Fofana of Gambia Methodist Academy as Vice-President, Modou C Njang as Secretary-General, Alieu A Bah as Assistant Secretary-General, Fallou Ngum of Ndow's Comprehensive Senior Secondary School as Social Secretary, Kaddijotou Jallow of Bakoteh Senior Secondary School as Assistant Social Secretary, Kaddy Jabbie as Information Secretary and Mohammed Sanyang as Treasurer. The out-going executive will form the coordinating body of the organisation that will be determined by the Board of the Directors of the organisation.
