Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCCA) on Friday hosted the closing ceremony of the inaugural Professor Cherno Omar Barry Storytelling Competition, marking a historic moment for the country’s cultural landscape.
The event, themed “Voices of the Smiling Coast,” brought together storytellers from The Gambia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Mr. Mamat Sallah, speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NCCA, welcomed distinguished guests including His Excellency Türker Oba, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, and His Excellency Liu Jin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, as well as media representatives, participants, and members of the high table. He highlighted storytelling as a vital tool for preserving Gambian heritage and emphasized the importance of nurturing this art form for future generations.
Executive Director of the Storytelling Competition, Mr. Franklin Chika Adim, expressed gratitude to all partners, noting that the competition had been in the works for several years. “Storytelling is an age-old tradition, but we are modernizing and rebranding it to become a key cultural asset of The Gambia,” he said. Over the past month, the 11 contestants had undergone intensive workshops in both story writing and oral storytelling, gaining invaluable skills beyond competing for prizes.
Ambassador Türker Oba praised the competition for fostering cultural exchange, noting that storytelling bridges societies and strengthens international friendships. Similarly, Ambassador Liu Jin shared a traditional story from his family, illustrating how storytelling passes lessons and values from one generation to another. Both ambassadors emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting cultural understanding between nations.
Grand Patron of the Competition, Professor Cherno Omar Barry, acknowledged all supporting organizations and participants, particularly Mr. Franklin Chika Adim. “Storytelling is the soul of our continent. Through these voices, we reclaim our narratives and celebrate our diversity,” he said, highlighting the judges and collaborative partners who made the event possible.
Contestants from across the region, including Daniel Umuruka Bangura (Sierra Leone), Magnus Akane (Nigeria), and several young Gambians such as Aisha Jawara, Fatoumata Bojang, and Mariama Jankey John, showcased creativity, skill, and dedication, impressing the audience with their stories.
The ceremony concluded with awards, photos, and applause for the storytellers, who organizers say have ignited a new chapter in Gambian cultural history.
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