President Jammeh aids two young artists

In yet another demonstration of his generosity and encouragement of skillful youths, the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, yesterday afternoon donated a brand new Mitsubishi pick-up, and a cash amount of D200,000 to one Tijan Jallow, an enterprising young Gambian artist.

The gesture is meant to empower and enhance the work of Tijan, and it came shortly after the Gambian leader received two portraits of himself, done by the young artist. Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the Cabinet Room, President Jammeh commended Jallow for exploring his natural talent, describing the boy’s work as “a good work of art.” He noted that he had noticed Tijan’s artistic work on places like the Abuko Abateur, but that he had never thought those were the works of such a young Gambian individual.

Professor Jammeh went on to describe Tijan as an exemplary artist, saying that he is a source of inspiration to any genuine and patriotic youth who wants to earn something. At this juncture, President Jammeh expressed his government’s interest in such talented youth who are ready to explore their talents for their own development and, by extention, for the country.

“I wish all young people think the same way as Tijan; stay in the country and earn their living,” the president remarked, while elaborating on the deplorable attitude of Gambian youth who choose to venture onto treacherous journeys for so-called greener pastures. He said that Gambian youths can make better and more decent earnings in their country if they want to, adding that the hard work that can make them rich in Europe can equally make them rich in The Gambia.

The worst enemy of the Gambian youths, Professor Jammeh pointed out, is the fact that they tend to downcplay the significance of clean and enterprising skills. He added that what is bad is for them is to engage in illegal ventures such as drug trading and stealing. He reiterated the need for the youths to take the initiative and venture into decent skilled ventures, saying that if foreigners can come to the country and succeed, “there is no reason why the citizens cannot.” While calling on the Gambian youths to strive hard, President Jammeh also urged them to nurture faith in the supremacy of Allah. He then commended Sallah Secka, the uncle of Tijan, who accompanied the young artist to State House, for his support of the young artist.

For his part, Tijan Jallow hailed President Jammeh for his generosity and the importance he attaches to the development and empowerment of the Gambian youths. He told President Jammeh that he has been an artist for quite a while, noting that the products he uses to produce his works are mainly local. Tijan also told the Gambian leader about the work he did at the Abuko Abateur, but was quick to note that that work was not meant to get something from the president, but that it was a move meant to promote and sell his skills.

Tijan however noted that he could have left the country for greener pastures, but that he had decided to stay and make a living in the country.  Sallah Secka, Tijan’s uncle, expressed similar sentiments and commended President Jammeh for such a benevolent gesture.  The secretary of state for youth and sports, Sheriff Gomez, joined the previous speakers in commending President Jammeh for the benevolence. He hailed Tijan for the good work. Expressing his department’s resolve to help skillful Gambian youths, the youth and sports secretary of state also noted that there are many talented Gambian youths like Tijan, but they lack resources to materialise their dreams.

Nancy Njie, the secretary of state for Tourism and Culture, expressed her department’s commitment to associate with such talents for national development. The secretaries of state for Local Government and Lands, and Forestry and the Environment, Ismaila Sambou and Momodou Kotu Cham respectively, described Tijan’s work as good, and urged him to develop his skills.

President Jammeh gives to Neneh Jali Suso
In a separate engagement at State House, the Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, also donated a cash amount of D100,000 to Neneh Jali Suso, a rising Gambian Afro-manding musician from Brikama, who presented with a DVD clip she had produced for the president.

Speaking at the presentation, President Jammeh described Jali Suso as a source of inspiration to young people, and urged her to cherish her career. However, the president used the opportunity to call on Gambian musicians to sing what is original, noting that imitating someone’s music could be very misleading. He noted that a musician who imitates will find it difficult to progress ahead of the one who is being imitated.

Speaking earlier, Neneh Jali Susso commended President Jammeh for the gesture, noting that the president’s move once again demonstrates his love for Gambian musicians. She told the Gambian leader that it had always been her dream to meet him. Further commending him on behalf of Gambian musicians, the Afro-manding star prayed for the good health, long life and prosperity of the president. She concluded her statement with a song for the president.  

The secretary of state for Basic and Secondary Education, Fatou Lamin Faye, urged Neneh Jali Susso to use the money judiciously in a bid to improve on her career. Karamo Sambou, press officer at State House, introduced both programs, while Dr Njogu Bah, permanent secretary at the office of the president, chaired them.