On one of GRTSs interlude of music, an imminent young music superstar hails President Jammeh for his spirit of generosity. "He whoever has you", goes the song, "has surely gotten something invaluable that they cannot afford to lose". Lyrics like these are not uncommon, and often they go with the accompanying testimony of the actual deed of the Samaritan.

And the line of the song of the young singer goes on: "whatever you have, you aim to share it with your people. This is what you do with your wealth, your time, and even your God-given knowledge." The singer cites, as example, the time the president gives to his HIV/AIDS patients. "You could have held it to yourself", the song continues, "and nobody will question you. After all, you are doing it not for any monetary reward.".

Magnanimous gesture!

Magnanimity is quite a priceless temperament that is inseparable from the attributes of a good leader. Those with such inherent attribute are often seen as people's persons, as they are often adored and cherished by their people. Ofcourse it takes a great deal of wit and wisdom to achieve this status, however charismatic a particular leader might be.

For one to be a people's person, they ought to feel part of their people; be with them, listen to them, share their concerns, and demonstrate your urge in redressing their problems. As a matter of fact, it is only when you get so closely involved with your people that you get to know their needs. Such a personality demands a departure from the traditional style of leadership (wherein leaders are masters rather than servants of the people) to one that looks upon everyone as equal, regardless of their status in society.

 Such are the attributes of the Gambian leader, President Jammeh. Thanks to his inexorable taste for culture, he is always sure to be mingling with the common man. His concern for the welfare of Gambians has ensured that he extends his working time beyond the normal, as mentioned in the above song.

Last Thursday, Gambians witnessed yet another magnanimous gesture from the indefatigable leader of this country, a leader that is constantly preoccupied with issues that concern the welfare of his people, as to how to propel their standard of living. This time round, President Jammeh extended his hand, once again, to students; the group of people he has shown no sign of relenting when it comes to their welfare. The donation of twenty (20) buses for the use of students is a downright demonstration of the Gambian leader's stance on education. Of course, this is not the first time. And if his highly spirited remarks are anything to go by, as he, himself, often prefers putting it, the sky is the limit.  

20 buses will go a long way in lessening the problems facing our students with regards to transportation. There is a great lot more room for improvement. Participation by the private sector will make a big difference. If all the stakeholders in the tourism department and business sector taps a little bit from their annual profit, they can equally add one or two more buses, thereby boosting the fleet of buses already available, bringing transport to the doorstep of every Gambians.

As youth, we are also obliged to reciprocate. In fact, our attitude towards these gestures of his determines the effectiveness of his inputs on our welfare. In essence, he is just extending a helping hand to us. It is up to us to utilize the opportunities accorded us. All we need to do is to jealously back up the president in his noble bid to taking the Gambia where it rightly belongs. One very important lesson to be deduced from President Jammeh's speech during the handing over ceremony is discipline. For us to achieve our goals, we must respect authority; our teachers, parents and the elderly.

In the absence of discipline, no one talks of development, as we will be preoccupied with correcting a wrecked society. Situations like April 10 and 11, as the President, himself, mentioned, will be the order of the day. At the level we are now, piece is the most valuable commodity for us. In its absence, we will be going back to where we were before July 1994. And absolutely nobody will be at hand to bail us out.