The unveiling of the app was held at The Point office as part of activities marking the 32nd anniversary of newspaper. The occasion also served as a platform to remember late Deyda Hydara, co-founder and managing editor of The Point who was assassinated by the junglers on the orders of former president, Yahya Jammeh.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Baba Hydara, co-publisher of the paper, noted that the Paper takes it very vital to disseminate information from The Gambia to the rest of the world through a mobile application.
Muhammed S. Bah, president of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), who served as the guest speaker for the occasion, said that coming up with the digital mobile application innovation was a good move.
Bah further commented on the launch of the mobile-app, saying it would attract young people who are mainly obsessed with mobile phones and the digital space.
He said due to the launch of the App, The Point would compete both online and offline. He commended Baba Hydara for the foresight and also urged The Point to be more focused and prominent in the exiting media landscape of The Gambia.
M.S. Bah also paid tribute to late Deyda Hydara for being one of the founding fathers of the Gambia Press Union. “He also served as the second president of the GPU which was co-founded by Pap Saine the then secretary general of the GPU,” he recalled, adding that the GPU was established in 1978 and registered in 1979.
He confirmed that it was due to the firm stance of the late Deyda Hydara and Pap Saine in ensuring that there was protection not only for the media but to generally protect freedom of expression and press freedom.
The GPU president described The Point as playing a significant role in the media landscape.
Speaking on the achievements registered by The Point, Pap Saine, co-publisher of the paper, said that it is a team work that moved the institute to the present level.
He paid glowing tribute to the staff of the paper, while reminding them about so many top government officials who have passed through The Point, describing that as an achievement for the institution.
The PointApp means “you can read all our stories, features, analysis, perspectives and opinions through your mobile phone. Whenever we upload an article including Breaking News, one can have easy access to it without going through www.thpoint.gm,” Bekai Njie, editor-in-chief said.
“So basically it's meant to enhance easy access to Point news free of charge.”
