President Adama Barrow has arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit, marking a significant opportunity for engagement with the Gambian diaspora.
On Saturday, the President was welcomed by Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development, before meeting with Gambians living in Nigeria. During the gathering, community members commended President Barrow for his leadership and development efforts, particularly in expanding vocational and technical education in The Gambia. Mr. Saikou Juwara emphasized the positive impact of these initiatives in equipping students with skills and creating job opportunities.
Discussions at the event also focused on key diaspora concerns. Kaduna State Representative Sarjo Jamana advocated for introducing diaspora voting into The Gambia’s electoral process. President Barrow acknowledged the importance of the proposal but noted that its implementation depends on the National Assembly.
Other issues raised included the need for enhanced identity card and passport services. Ansumana Tunkara, the Gambian consular representative in Togo, called for the provision of fingerprint collection machines for database creation. In the same vein, Gambian Consul in Ghana, Mr. Eddy, requested the expedited appointment of an honorary consul for Ghana. The Foreign Minister, Mr. Mamadou Tangara, assured attendees that the Ministry is awaiting approval for the consul’s appointment from the Ghanaian authorities.
Ambassador Muhammed Papa Njie of Nigeria thanked President Barrow for engaging with the diaspora and encouraged Gambians in Nigeria to register for a new digital platform designed to streamline communication within the community.
In closing, President Barrow urged the youth to invest in their country and take active roles as agents of change. He also announced plans for the issuance of inclusive identity cards to better serve all Gambians.
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