Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – The President of the Gambia Sports Journalists Association, Omar Jarju, has called for greater government support for sports journalists in Guinea-Bissau, describing the media as a key pillar in the development of national sports.
Jarju made the appeal on Monday during a courtesy visit to Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Social Communication, Abduramane Turé, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between sports journalists and government institutions.
During the meeting, the Gambian sports journalist leader stressed the importance of supporting the Forum of Sports Journalists in Guinea-Bissau, saying stronger and more stable media institutions would contribute significantly to the growth of sports in the country.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Jarju said the visit was aimed at deepening ties between the Guinean government and the sports journalism community while promoting regional cooperation through sports diplomacy.
“What politics sometimes fails to do, sport can promote, as everyone practices sports diplomacy today,” Jarju said. “Guinea-Bissau is a great country, and the stability of journalists is essential for the development of sport.”
He added that he was encouraged by the minister’s openness and willingness to support the Forum of Sports Journalists, particularly in the area of professional training.
Jarju further disclosed that The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal intend to strengthen cooperation in sports journalism as part of broader regional integration efforts.
Meanwhile, the President of the Guinea-Bissau Sports Journalists Forum, Idjé da Costa, called for sports journalists to be included in official government delegations attending international sporting competitions.
Da Costa said the Minister of Social Communication had pledged support for both local and international training programmes aimed at improving the professionalism, transparency, and ethical standards of journalists in Guinea-Bissau.
According to him, the cooperation agreement recently signed between the communication ministries of The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau would also create opportunities for capacity building, especially in investigative journalism.
“We have received full support for the training of journalists, especially in the area of investigative journalism,” he said, adding that sports journalists would be integrated into future training initiatives.
Da Costa further revealed that the Forum plans to submit concrete proposals to the ministry for joint programmes focusing on media development, including training in sports commentary and language proficiency in Portuguese, French, and English.
The meeting underscored growing efforts by West African sports journalists to strengthen regional collaboration and improve professional standards through government partnerships and training initiatives.
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