In a drive to building vibrant society, young people should always be at the forefront to lead the army to the success field. In doing so, they need to inspire by young role models, who young people can look up to and use as compass to trace their right direction.

The pace at which young people in this country are climbing up the ladder in the different fields and positions is encouraging and commendable. Who says we are the future leaders? We are not only future leaders but present associate leaders. But come what may, time and hour runs through the roughest day.

In this and subsequent editions, we shall future the profile of some young Gambians in positions who have excel in difference spheres of life. It is our hope that their successes will inspire other young Gambians to live a more productive life.

1. Name – Pa Malick Ceesay

Workplace- National Youth Council

Position- Executive Secretary

Educational Background- (Muslim High School) WASSCE

D.O.B- 23rd January

Reason behind success- The reason behind my success is hard work, discipline, patient and respect for authority.

2. Name- Mambanyick Njie

Workplace- Department of State for Youth and Sports

Position- Permanent Secretary

Educational Background- Gambia High School (GCE ‘O’ Level), Certificate in mass communication (Senegal)

D.O.B- 22nd November

Reason behind success- Its all about determination and knowing what you want. I am patriotic and love my country coupled with my open mindedness. I develop good relationship with people and have set principles. This principle is what has been guiding me throughout this period.

3. Name- Ebrima Jaw Manneh

Position- Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Workplace- Daily Observer

Educational Background- Gambia Senior Secondary School (WASSCE), African Virtual University an Indiana university of Pennsylvania (Diploma in Journalism), West African Leadership Training institute, Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone (certificate in peacebuilding and conflict resolution), Management Development Institute, MDI (Certificate in Management), Business Training center (Advance certificates in English Proficiency and IT), Gambia Media Training Centre (Certificate in Basic Journalism)

D.O.B- 3rd February

Reason behind success- Success, I think that is relative. Maybe it’s my vintage, as the complexities of life confront us with trials and tribulations. But actually, I think it’s faith and self-determination. Unwavering diligence … and consistency on a cause.

You have to believe in yourself and exploit every means, including your instinct to discover that talent God has given you. But the discovery of potential or talent sometimes eludes us and we are forced to wrangle and waggle to the extent of losing faith in life.

Coming from a poor background, my life has been tortured and battered at some stage, faith and determination have been the juggernaut of my little success. Of course my parents have contributed immensely to this and few other people who have transformed me to what I am today.

4. Name- Hon Alhagie S.K Seedy Njie

Position- National Assembly Member

Workplace- National Assemble

Educational Background- Nustrat Senior Secondary School (WASSCE), Management Development Institute, MDI (Diploma in Management)

D.O.B - 6th October 1986

Reason behind success- The reason behind my success is Commitment, determination, hard work perseverance, and loyalty.

5. Name- Fatim Badjie

Position- Senior Communication Officer

Workplace- Comium Gambia Limited

Educational Background- Gambian Senior Secondary School (WASSCE) Tennessee State University (B.A Communications), Certificate in producing (Public TV Station, TN)

D.O.B- November 13th

Reason behind success- Well, I would honestly want to say that, first of all the most influential part of a growing success is the fact that God has blessed me over the years with parents who have given me the opportunity to maximize my potentials and I would like to say that I’ve not had silver spoon in my mouth all throughout. I really worked very hard to get to where I am.

I went for a four-year university programme at Tennessee, USA, and I graduated without scholarship. You can imagine how much I had to work in order to make ends meet. I would like to say that the reason why I am the way I am is because of the circumstances I have been put through and my determination to achieve it with discipline.