NJABA KUNDA, 9TH AUGUST 2026

Theme: "Connecting Communities, Transforming Lives”

The Governor of the West Coast Region, Honourable Cabinet Ministers,
Honourable National Assembly Members,
The Managing Director of the National Road Authority,
Senior Government Officials, Service Chiefs and Other Heads of Public and Private Institutions,
The Chief of Central Baddibu District,
Honourable Councillors and Local Government Representatives, Religious Leaders,
Alkalolu and Community Elders,
Members of the Business Community,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been two remarkable days for us in the North Bank Region! After laying foundation stones across five communities in the region, we gathered in Kuntaya yesterday. Today, here we are in Njaba Kunda, not to lay additional foundation stones but to celebrate the successful completion of another national project.

With great excitement and expectation for a much brighter future for Gambians, we have laid the foundation stones for a hundred-kilometre (100Km) Road Project in Daru Rilwan and Tankonjala respectively.

Significantly still, we have just inaugurated the sixteen-kilometre (16Km) Bani-Salikeni Road Project. That road is now complete and open for service to the people.

This series of undertakings is not just about the physical construction of roads; it is about service delivery, conditions of living, and creating avenues for development. It is also about keeping faith with the people of the North Bank Region as citizens of this beloved country. That explains the justification for celebration. The Bani-Salikeni Road highlights what is attainable if we remain focused, determined, and united. This is what my government is committed to doing for this nation. The new road will extensively improve access to various social services, boost economic activity, and enhance security and safety.

Let me explain that the North Bank Region is receiving unprecedented attention from my administration because the people here deserve due recognition, after decades of isolation.

Consequently, I am proud to say that, so far, we have launched projects in Barra, Bakalarr, Jurunku, Ndugu Kebbeh, Kerr Omar, Daru Rilwan, and Tankonjala. All these have been accomplished within just two days. The moment now belongs to Bani-Salikeni.

These activities are not a mere coincidence. They are results of a strategic approach designed to advance the cause of all Gambians. Our goal is to systematically transform every corner of this region, and we are gradually making good on our promises.

I reassure all those who live in and around Daru Rilwan and Tankonjala that the foundation stone for this Road Project is a promise of a golden period of connectivity and opportunity. It also signifies that your time for recognition and progress has come to result in lasting change for the better.

Putting all these into perspective for the people on the Bani-Salikeni stretch and the surrounding communities, the road we are inaugurating today is an opening to a brighter future for all of you.

The projects belong to the people of the North Bank, for you and your progeny. I urge you, therefore, to value and utilise them wisely. I advise you to take ownership of them, protect them, and maintain them. Utilise every project that comes your way to build a better life for yourselves and your children.

We believe that development is about partnerships. The Government provides the infrastructure, but the people must provide the required stewardship. The solution for both parties lies in uniting as one people, one region, and one Gambia.

I call on the youth to take advantage of the opportunities available to you through the infrastructure at your disposal. New roads bring new businesses, new customers, and new possibilities; therefore, be entrepreneurial and innovative and be the change you wish to see.

I assure you all that there are more roads and bridges to build and more communities to connect. Today, however, it is time to celebrate progress, to thank the Almighty for our achievements, and to recognise the resilience and patience of the people of this region.

I commend you, the National Road Authority and our contractors, for your dedication. We urge you to continue delivering quality work that will withstand the test of time.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we gather here in Njaba Kunda this evening, let us reflect further on how far we have come and look forward to the journey ahead. The North Bank Region is rising, just as The Gambia is.

To attain our goals, let us continue to work together in peace, unity, and determination to build the nation of our pride.

Thank you for your attention.