The International Centre For Journalists (ICFJ) in collaboration with the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and the Foundation for Legal Aid, Research and Empowerment (FLARE), over the weekend concluded a two-day training on investigative journalism for Gambian journalists at the GPU's Secretariat, in Fajara. The training was designed among other things, to offer journalists the requisite skills so that they can responsibly cover stories of investigation.

Speaking at the event, Alieu Sagnia, the national coordinator for ICFJ, described the training as relevant and timely, noting that it is meant to set the ball rolling because the training is the 2nd of its kind. He disclosed that the training would also mark the end of ICFJ's training programmes in country.

According to him, the training was designed to equip journalists with the relevant knowledge and skills so that their efforts to do investigative stories would not be hindered.For his part, Madi Jobateh, the representative of FLARE, indicated that investigative journalism involves lots of dangers considering the wide range of critical issues one may cover during the course. "In investigative journalism in most cases, you deal with very sensitive issues so you cannot miss quote," he emphasised. He added that investigative journalism is a fundamental tool to ensure transparent andgood governance.

Gibairu Janneh, the executive director of GPU, reminded participants that the training was going to be the last for ICFJ, while noting that thethey are now equiped with the knowledge to face the challenges thatlie ahead of them. Commenting on the importance of investigative journalism, Janneh said, it ensures good governance, accountability and transparency among others. "In doing so, you are bound to face lots of challenges," he stressed.