The authorities of Kerewan Area Council and Pikine Municipal Council of Mbao in Senegal on Saturday signed Memorandum of Understanding in Kerewan north bank region. The signing of MOU between the two institutions demonstrated their commitment to fostering stronger ties in promoting mutual benefits for the tax payers. The occasion is the first of it kind for the council and it came following a visit by the officials of Kerewan Area Council earlier this year to their counterpart in Mbao Senegal.
The signing of MOU was witnessed by high power delegation from Senegal and headed by the Lord Mayor Abdoulaye Pouye of Mbao, Coumba Ndoffene Fall of Jamagen Sika Mbao and Ramata Kangi Deputy Mayor of Mbao, councilors and women leaders. Whilst on the Gambian side it was grace by ward councilors, women councilors, community leaders of Kerewan and youth representative to Kerewan Area Council.
The Lord Mayor Abdoulaye Pouye of Mbao Senegal has hailed the level of cooperation between the two institutions, noting that it would help to consolidate the existing cordial relationship between the two head of states in enhancing regional integration. He said the initiative would strengthen south – south cooperation and facilitate exchange of knowledge and experience in advancing the spirit of decentralization and improving lives and livelihood.
Monsieur Lord Mayor Pouye reiterated the cooperation would obviously enhance human and materials resources building to contribute to empowering women and youths. He said the initiative would consolidate the effort of Senegalo – Gambia Permanent Secretariat in bring improving the lives of peoples.
The MOU framework focused on key thematic areas:- Education and training, Health, Social and Environmental issues, Youths and Sport development, Culture and Tourism, trade and economic growth, capacity development, decentralization and foster regional integration.
He thanked Hon. Kebba Jallow ward councilor for Essau for facilitating the linkage and assured of their fullest commitment in strengthen partnership to improve lives of women and youths.
He urged the people to respect leadership of the country, rule of law and promote peace security between peoples and states to bring about sustainable development.
Malamin IL Bojang chairman of Kerewan Area Council described day as historic, noting that it mark another milestone in demonstrating the council commitment to improve human resources of women and youths to effectively participate socio economic development.
Chairman Bojang uses the moment to commended President Adama Barrow and Macky Sall of Senegal for strengthen bilateral relation and leading to the establishment Senegalo – Gambia Secretariat.
Seedy Touray Chief Executive Officer of Kerewan Area Council said the cooperation agreement would help both councils to complement each other development efforts in improving the livelihood.
He said the council attached great important to women and youths empowerment and said he believes it would will contribute to facilitate resource mobilization and to human capital.
Hon. Kebba Jallow Essau wards councilor and the brainchild of linking Mbao Municipal council with Kerewan Area Council, noted that the development of council in responding to the development needs calls for concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
Aji Gass Lowe Women Bureau Focal Person in NBR said women need support to enable them to address some of the development challenges women faced. She said as women leader it is important for them to partner and seek support from development partners to respond to the demand of women within their areas.
Coumba Ndoffene of Jamagen Sika Mbao and Ramata Kangi Deputy Mayor of Mbao reiterated their commitment to the partnership with Kerewan Area Council, noting it would provide a platform were both councils can work towards improving income of women and youths.
However, the partnership is expected to help address high demand of taxpayers, following the change of government.
Alh. Dembo Fula Ceesay community leader on behalf of the community of Kerewan lauded the partnership, noting that Gambia and Senegal shared a lot in commons.
Author: Haruna Kuyateh
