Noble initiatives are distinguishable not only by how they are conceived or who conceived them, but also for what they are conceived for. In other words, the choices of societal problems such initiatives are set to tackle tell them apart from those that aim at merely solving individual concerns. And the latter should be the key determinant in supporting programs that seeks to raise fund.

Two very important and worthy missions are under way currently, the July 22nd Scholarship Pageant and the Root-Homecoming Festival. It is for these reasons that The Gambia is once again in the spotlight.

Indeed, there have already been many similar initiatives, all in the name of promoting a segment or two of this needy society of ours. But initiatives that are sanctioned for the absolute benefit of the people they are aimed at are hard to come by. Such are the July 22nd Scholarship Pageant and the Roots Homecoming Festival. The brainchild of His Excellency, President Jammeh, both occasions have incredible implications on the lives of the people of this country. While the Roots Festival aims at reconnecting lost generations, the Scholarship Pageant seeks to take a unique form of supporting education for the girl child of this country.

These latest ideas reiterate the fact that President Jammeh never relents in coming up with thoughts of pushing the country where he wants it to be. His innovative initiatives always portray the degree of his concern for the people, especially the women and the youth. The women folks, for one, have always been at the forefront of the development priorities of his government, since the inception of the Second Republic.

 This is largely because of their undisputable show of readiness to partake in nation building. And, thanks to Allah, all of government-steered initiatives aimed at promoting the cause of women have been so productive that the status of the Gambian woman is admired by citizens of countries even far beyond the sub-region. Such is inline with the 'Gambian dream', where our nation will be the envy of all nations, big or small.

This scholarship pageant will not only propagate for articulateness among these contesting young girls, but, given the rationale behind it, it will promote increase awareness on development in the country since July 22nd, 1994, which is of fundamental importance in the history of this country. And,most important, the pageant will promote a culture of social responsibility among the young girls who are partaking in the contest.

And the packages for the lucky winners are just enormous. With your support, no matter the size, you will be helping change the life of generations of Gambians. Remember the adage that if you educate the woman, you are educating a whole nation.  

With the Roots Homecoming Festival, the country, apart from reconnecting long lost Africans, also seeks to promote Gambian culture. Already the impact is being felt. Today there are an unenviable number of diasporans making their home in this country, thanks to the call by his Excellency, and the fact that he gave them the enabling environment to stay.

The other day on GRTS, a first time visitor who is here for the forthcoming Festival said: "I have waited long, for 55 years, to touch down on the land of my ancestors". That statement of his was an unequivocal vindication of the original idea of coming up with such a homecoming initiative. And there is also the economic aspect of it. Government as well as the ordinary citizens, stands to benefit immensely from the exchange. And who does the credit of all of these go to if not the intuitive Gambia leader, President Yahya Jammeh.

As citizens and inhabitants of the country we all call home, regardless of our original nationality or any other considerations, all we need to do is give a helping hand to him. And there is no better way of doing this than by supporting development initiative programs as noble as these. The Daily Observer wishes to recognize the tireless effort of SoS Fatou Lamin Faye, in the course of the past few weeks. We do pray that other institutions follow the footsteps of The Gambia National Lottery in fulfilling their pledge of supporting the pageant.