The Western Region of The Gambia on Saturday celebrated The Gambia's 45th Independence Anniversary in a colourful ceremony held in Sibanor in Foni.
 
Speaking at the occasion on behalf of His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, the president of the Republic of The Gambia, the governor of the Region, Lamin Sanneh said the day is a moment of reflection on what the people of The Gambia should do better with added vigour and perseverance to move the country forward to attain the Vision 2020 blueprint. He stressed it should be a collective effort for all Gambians towards overcoming the daunting challenges of nation building.
 
Governor Sanneh further stressed that without "honesty and patriotism" no nation can achieve rapid sustainable development. "I wish to reiterate the need for all of us to inculcate and demonstrate a more practical show of honesty and selfless service to the country and infinite love of our dear motherland, The Gambia," he stated.
 
The governor said that to build a modern nation that is better than others, Gambians must be ready to put their faith in God first and put the country's interest above individual interest. He urged Gambians to imitate the Japanese, the Chinese and the Singaporeans who worked very hard with small salaries before their countries got to where they are today.
 
Governor Sanneh said what The Gambia achieved during 45 years of nationhood is far above what the colonial masters had achieved for a period of 400 years. "We have seen the difference between The Gambia's 400 years under British rule, The Gambia's 30 years after independence and 15 years after the July 22nd 1994 Revolution," he noted. He pointed out that if Gambians come together with honesty and work hard, the country could surpass Great Britain in five years to come by the will of Allah.
 
On behalf of the president of the Republic, Governor Sanneh thanked all those countries that support The Gambia as it marches towards becoming a glorious and peaceful nation where poverty and destitution would be history. The occasion was attended by the paramount chief of The Gambia, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly, students, and teachers. Sering Momodou Joof of the Brikama Area Council chaired the occasion while the army band provided entertainment.