Gambian journalist Ousman A. Marong, General Manager of Niumi FM in rural Essau, has been named one of nine recipients of the 2025 Solutions Journalism West Africa Fellowship.
The regional fellowship supports journalists committed to covering social issues in ways that highlight responses and solutions. It provides training, mentorship, and resources to help fellows tackle development challenges through impactful reporting.
Marong, known for his work on irregular migration and youth empowerment, described the recognition as a boost to his mission.
“This really means a lot to me, and I’m encouraged to push harder for a journalism of necessity,” he said.
In addition to the fellowship, Marong is currently pursuing a specialised online course in Migration Studies with the Global Migration Media Academy in Geneva, Switzerland. He hopes the skills and knowledge he gains will help him address media challenges in The Gambia.
“Let’s be encouraged to go in for international awards and other journalism-related opportunities that uplift us and allow us to do journalism that benefits the world at large,” he urged fellow journalists.
He expressed a strong desire to return from his fellowship in Nigeria with ideas to solve structural issues facing Gambian media.
Marong also called on government institutions, the US Embassy, and UN bodies in the country to decentralise media support beyond the Greater Banjul Area.
“There’s a lot happening in the provinces that needs urgent media attention,” he said, adding that journalists must serve all corners of the country, not just urban areas.
“Responsible journalists are born to make society liveable,” he added.
Marong thanked the Solutions Journalism Network for the opportunity, expressing readiness for the four-month fellowship experience in Nigeria.
