By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
The National Assembly member for Banjul North, Hon Momodou Lamin Biram Bah donated D50,000 to nine qualified Nawettan teams from Banjul North and an Under-15 football tournament at the July 22nd Arch (Never Again Arch) on Friday 1st September 2023. Hon Bah who won his first seat as a Parliamentarian in April 2022 said that supporting the youth “is a commitment from myself as a National Assembly member”. The event was graced by the Lord Mayoress of Banjul Rohey Malick Lowe, the Banjul Central Representative, the Banjul Sports Committee President, the Gambia Press Union President, leaders from Banjul and team representatives who received their donations totalling D5,000 to each of the 10 recipients.
Addressing some 50 spectators at the Arch, the Banjul North representative recalled that “when I was campaigning, I said that I am here to introduce better representation and I don’t take that lightly. That is not possible if I stay at home and come up with solutions without consultations. I must engage my constituency and know what they want and that is how I plan to address the needs and concerns of the people of Banjul North and by extension the entire Gambia”.
The young parliamentarian explained how he supported football teams back in 2022 and together with his team of organisers looked at enhancing their effort in 2023. He noted that most of the teams have constraints when it comes to finance. “This year we will plough back to the constituents of Banjul North an amount of D50,000,” said Hon Bah. He explained that the donations would be shared between nine teams and one individual who has done something exceptional. This individual is Banjul Rapper Chipa Yi whose foundation organises an under-15 football tournament for the children of Banjul.
Rapper Chipa Yi, real name Sheriff Camara told our reporter his motivation for organising the Under-15 football tournament during the summer period is to engage children in sports and to avoid loitering, idleness and being exposed to the streets where they face accidents and other vices.
During his opening speech, Hon Bah thanked numerous individuals who supported him to progress in his career which has allowed him the opportunity to give back to his people. He called for unity and encouraged everyone to maintain unity and togetherness. “I have full belief that with determination and togetherness, all of us can move this Arch” if we stay united, said Hon Bah.
The Lord Mayoress of Banjul Rohey Malick Lowe also addressed the gathering noting that Hon Bah’s efforts were not a surprise because this is something “he has been doing and [also] what he has been preaching. I’m sure many of you will agree that Hon Bah has been a strong supporter of the youth”. He commended Hon Abdoulie Njai of Banjul Central and his Banjul North counterpart for demonstrating togetherness and encouraged them to continue the exceptional collaboration. “You have both shown love for Banjul and by extension The Gambia”, said the Lord Mayoress. She recalled Hon Bah working under her at the Banjul City Council before becoming an Hon Member.
Hon Bah thanked Hon Fatoumatta Njai who he noted was out of town, the President of the Banjul Sports Committee, the Lord Mayoress, Hon Abdoulie Njie of Banjul Central, Mr Njie and many other people who contributed to his career. “Today whenever the Banjul MPs cast their votes on a motion, people know that truly the Banjul Parliamentarians are not playing with Gambians,” said the Banjul North Representative.
The handing-over ceremony was chaired by Councillor Abdoulie Krubally Banjul City Council who also serves as the desk officer for the Banjul North Representative.
