I, your brother Essa Mbye Faal of Sobeyaa, extend warm greetings and best wishes for a joyous and blessed Tobaski – Eid Mubarak to the entire Muslim Umma and to all our Gambian brothers and sisters of other faiths, especially the Christians.
Traditionally, Tobaski commemorates the sacrifice and renewed devotion of Muslims to God Almighty. While some ( the Jengens, Jagnens and Nyangens) may focus on the abundance of meat and vibrant attires that characterize Tobaski, it is also a time to reflect and pray for the departed, incarcerated, and sick. Let us not forget to offer a prayer for the Gambian youths seeking better opportunities through perilous journeys; may they achieve their aims with the help of the Almighty.
Tobaski also serves as an occasion to strengthen bonds, repair relationships, and reunite communities. It celebrates how faith transcends individual differences, uniting us in a message of sacrifice and unity. Today, distinctions of UDP, NPP, PDOIS, GDC, SOBEYAA or any other political party fade away as we embrace a collective spirit of love and compassion exemplified by this sacrifice. Let us adopt this spirit beyond special occasions; let it become our way of life.
I therefore seize this opportunity to urge all Gambians, regardless of faith, ethnicity, region, or political affiliation, to unite in serving our beloved nation faithfully and to the best of our individual abilities. Our differences should not divide us. Patriotism demands that we treat each other with utmost respect and dignity, forsaking insults, character attacks, and smear campaigns. Our focus must be on the work at hand of uplifting our nation from poverty and underdevelopment not on petty politicking.
As serious nations do, we must reclaim control of our meager natural resources and safeguard our sovereignty. The exploitation of our marine and petroleum resources raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability. We need answers: What is happening to the so-called oil discoveries in The Gambia?
The problems we face are enormous:
The high cost of living is killing our citizens, necessitating both price and tax reductions, currency stability, and increased food production through sustainable agriculture initiatives. Empowering our youth and women in agriculture can provide economic opportunities and stem the tide of drug abuse and criminal activities fueled by neglect. Our country’s future lies in tilling our land and cultivating a sense of pride and patriotism among all, especially our youth.
The recent OIC meeting underscored our country’s shortcomings in organization, planning, prioritizing, efficiency, and governance. It cannot be gainsaid that corruption, mismanagement, and misplaced priorities hinder our progress and erode public trust.
Our healthcare services require urgent improvement, with a focus on modernization and capacity building to deliver quality care to all citizens.
There is indeed an urgent need for action in all spheres of life in Gambia, (we cannot enumerate all here) but let us not lose hope. SOBEYAA offers a vision for Real Change and a better Gambia. Together, with faith, determination, and unity, we can overcome our challenges and build a brighter future for all Gambians.
May God bless Gambia and its diverse peoples.
With Warmest Regards,
Essa Mbye Faal