Editorial

Friday 25th May, 2012, marked the 47th birthday of our dear President, Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh. The occasion is another joyous celebration; another opportunity to celebrate the birth of a revolutionary agent of change; another opportunity to reflect on a personality of epic influence on generations of Gambians, Africans and the people of the world at large. 

The 47th birthday of the Gambian leader so to speak is a fulfillment of a promise nature held for this generation of ours from creation. His ascension was as certain as the impact he was destined to make on this world. So, President Jammeh’s reign should not be seen as a mere chance, rather, it should be seen as a historical destiny. And that, for those of you who don’t know the man himself, or know him only from a distance, is how the man views his historical mission to leave a legacy of heroic leadership, vision and development for this nation and for Africa as a whole.

17 years on, since July 22nd, we live in the heart of this reality; even if not for anything, but the enforced level of hope that keeps life going in The Gambia, is a drive towards self-actualization for its people. There is absolutely no point in endeavouring to list the line of achievements we have been enjoying so far. They are apparent, except if you do not want to see them.

We therefore wish to seize this opportunity to assure President Jammeh that we recognise the fact that in him we are blessed with a leader whose utmost concern is the improvement of the lives of the citizenry; a leader who jealously defends the country's right to development and constantly endeavours to transform his good words into action.

Your sense of patriotism and strength, with which you have served this country for decades now, unconditionally, remains a source of pride for Gambians both at home and abroad, and it will remain so for generations to come. The Board, Management and Staff of the Observer Company wish to join all peace-loving Gambians and non-Gambians in wishing you a happy 47th birthday anniversary and many, many more returns.

We pray that the Almighty Allah continues to guide and protect you and grant you success in your endeavour for national development. We also wish to use this occasion to call on Gambians to remain united in support of your vision, along the lines of the aspirations of our forefathers, and reflect not only on the achievement of the individual, but that of the whole nation.