(JollofNews) – President Adama Barrow of the Gambia Wednesday renewed calls for Gambians to close ranks in the face of mounting challenges.
Mr Barrow said unity has been always been a strong trait of Gambians and has enabled them to defeat the 22-year -old dictatorial regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.
He said the Gambia will only become a developed and prosperous nation if Gambians manifest the same spirit of unity.
He expressed optimism about the possibility of progressive trends that would help to propel Gambia into development as China did within 39 years.
The Gambian leader made these remarks at the third TAF Gambia Annual Networking Conference, which is being held from December 27th to 28th at Coral Beach Hotel (Sheraton), in Brufut, some 12 km away from Banjul.
The two-day conference and networking event is centred on the theme “Challenges and Opportunities in the New Gambia,” and brought together renowned inspirational thinkers, entrepreneurs from various fields, activists, youth leaders and good number of Diaspora Gambians.
This year’s event coincides with a new democratic dispensation, which is gradually enabling the tiny West African nation to offer a dynamic and conducive business environment for local and foreign investors.
He commended the CEO of TAF Africa Global, Mustapha Njie, for spearheading an ‘innovative initiative’ .
“We now have an investment-friendly environment backed by the rule of law, an incentive for potential investors,” President Barrow assured.
He said the country is now faced with huge challenges and great opportunities following 22 years of mismanagement by the former regime.
“Believe me, believe me, believe me the Gambia is back,” Mr Barrow added while provoking a wave of applause.
Speaking earlier, the brain behind the initiative, TAF CEO, Mustapha Njie, said he sees quite a number of opportunities, but was quick to acknowledge the fact there are challenges.
“In order to be successful in achieving these opportunities, we need to face these challenges,” he stated.
Mr Njie made it clear that this is part of their corporate social responsibility to give back to Gambians.
“We are creating a soft landing for hundreds of thousands of Gambians who are willing to come back home,” he said.
He then announced the building of a vocational training centre in the Gambia as his newly registered foundation is set to help provide life skills training programs for young Gambians.
“We believe that if we give them a chance, they will excel,” he added
By Abdoulie John
Written Abdoulie JOHN
Education and skills training are the back bones of development, I myself am educated and I have a skills which am currently using as a living I wish the same to all gambian especially young people. My education and skills in building construction started from home Gambia, and now advanced in abroad, thank you Gambia, wish you all the best.
PEACEFUL, PRODUCTIVE AND PROSPEROUS HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL GAMBIANS AND THE GAMBIA. May the Blessings, Providence and Redemptive Power of Allah/God Almighty Envelop the Committed, Dedicated, and Tenacious Citizens of the Gambia and Gambians in 2018 and Beyond. May the President and Presidency, the Legislature and Legislators, the Judiciary and Jurists, the Law Enforcement and Security Apparatus and the Police be Endowed and Infected with a Contagious Sense of Collective, Patriotic, Self-less Sacrifice for the Common Good and National Interest of all Gambians. May the Gambians and Gambia be innoculated against the Assault of Destabilising, Destructive, Ethnic Group Politics. May the Scoundrels of Corruption and Corruptive Practices, of Marginalization and Purgings of Perceived Political Enemies of the Pre and Post Colonial Regimes be Tempered and Modified into Positive Action and Behavior not Destructive Action and Behavior. May the Delinquent adopted Child of Party Party Politics and Regionalism be Counseled and Rehabilitated into Party Politics of the Loyal and Patriotic Opposing Public Servants for all Gambians. In summary, I entreat our Politicians, Businessmen and Women, Civil Servants, NGOS and all Gambians to Endeavor to Make Gambia an Exception to the Rule. The Rule of Fear, Marginalization, Corruption and Corruptive Practices, Impunity, Ethnic Group Politics, Intolerance, Nativism and Regionalism of Divisive Associations of Exclusion instead of the more Desired Inclusive Rule. Gambia is More than the Sum Total of One Ethnic Group or Region. Happy New Year To All Gambians and Friends of the Gambia. Peace and Peaceful Co-exitence Wrapped in Tranquility to the Gambians and the World’s People.