By Mama A. Touray
Teachers and students of Nusrat Senior Secondary School (NSSS) over the weekend gathered to celebrate pre-independence that saw the presence of officials from the armed forces, at program held in the school campus, Bundung.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mamadi Ceesay, principal of Nusrat Senior Secondary School urged the students to take their studies seriously, adding the school prepares future leaders.
“It has become a tradition in our school to have pre-independence celebration of The Gambia in the school before 18th February and it is important because it helps us to educate our students about the significance of nationhood in our student’s mindset to know that independence comes with great responsibilities.
“Nusrat High is a school where future leaders are prepared for the development of a nation; the students who are the future leaders therefore will take every effort in their education to acquire knowledge and skill and make the dreams of the independence a reality,” he encouraged the gathering.
Amadou Gaye, teacher and coordinator of the Government and History club, called on Gambians to unite for peace and development, adding the nation forefathers embraced unity to achieve independence for the country.
Representing the army chief, Ousman Gomez, Brigadier General and Commander of The Gambia Armed Forces spoke on the role of the army in promoting peace, stability, and national unity.
“Security affects not only the satisfaction of human aspirations but also the fundamental issue of national survival, it is only under a secure environment that individuals within the State can engage in productive activities to meet their needs,” he said.
“Similarly, it is under a conducive atmosphere that the State can mobilize its human material resources for meaningful national development, hence no nation can attain any meaningful development and greatness without internal peace and security,” he added.
He continued that “it is not only a role that the Gambia Armed forces should play in promoting peace, stability, and national unity but it is duty bond on the military to provide these services to the citizens of every country. Looking at these key words peace, stability and unity one may realize that they are closely interrelated but we must note that without peace it is almost impossible to achieve stability and unity. These have been the core business of the military, it is therefore duty bound on the Gambia armed Forces to firmly hold this country together thus we are the protectors of our sovereignty.”
