Mogadishu, 21 January 2018: One – day event marking the Somali National Press Day of Somalia has been convened at SYL hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 21, 2018.
The annual event remembering the 45th anniversary when the first newspaper printed in Somali language on 21 January 1973 was jointly organized by the Somali Media Association (SOMA), the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Somali women Journalists (SWJ), the Somali Independent Media Houses (SIMHA) and the Ministry of Information.
Present at the event were dignitaries from the Vice Prime minister, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Information from the South West State authority, Parliamentarians, media organizations and civil society organizations.
The main aim of the event was to mark the 45th anniversary when the first Somali newspaper written in Somali language was printed and circulated on January 21, 1973.
The event also was used as occasion to sign agreement on improving the quality of journalists in Somalia.
Mr. Said Abdisalam, veteran Somali journalists have presented the history of the printing Somali newspaper in the Somali language 45 years ago.
“The publishing of a newspaper in Somali language was significant and has taken major role in promoting the use of Somali language in education and preserving the culture.” Mr. Said told the gathering.
Mr. Mohamed Osman Makaran, the Acting Chairperson of the Somali Media Association (SOMA) in his speech appreciated the organizers of the event and pointed out the significance of marking the Somali Media Day.
MR. Farah Omar Nur, head of NUSOJ Training Sector presented a short documentary on the history of the Somali Newspaper and the role of the Ministry of information. He expressed how they are pleased to observe the Media day and suggested to reform and strengthens the Somali language.
Mr. Dini Mohamed Dini, Chairperson of the Somalia South and Central Non State Actors (SOSCENSA) mentioned that the writing of the Somali language was one of the main things inherited from the previous government and stressed the need to strengthen the use of the Somali language.
Abdirahman Omar Osman , the appointed Governor and Mayor of Mogadishu in his speech at the occasion has praised the significance of observing the Media day and the signing of the agreement for developing the Somali journalist.
H.E. Mahdi Mohamed Guuleed, the Vice Prime Minister of Somalia has appreciated the media organizations for signifying this year’s event of the Somali Information Day.
In conclusion, Mr. Mahdi suggested cooperation between the government and the media for improving what is of interest for both sides which is empowering the institutions and the media to eventually stand up jointly in defense of the media.
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SOMA is an association under which at least 40 media based in Puntland, Galmudug , Hirshabelle, Banadir Jubbaland and South West of Somalia are united
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