Africa-Press – Gambia. Janjanbureh lawmaker and former government critic, Hon. Omar Jatto Jammeh, has acknowledged tangible progress in The Gambia following President Adama Barrow’s recent State of the Nation Address (SoNA).
Speaking in the National Assembly, Jatto urged parliamentarians to take stock of ongoing government initiatives and support measures aimed at national development.
Describing the SoNA report as “a reflection of a government working quietly, steadily, and deliberately to improve the lives of our people,” he emphasized that nation-building is a collective responsibility and highlighted parliament’s role in approving budgets and providing oversight for development projects.
Drawing from his Central River Region constituency, Jatto recounted his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he distributed food to vulnerable communities in Raniero and observed the challenges they faced in accessing basic services.
He noted improvements in road connectivity and support for local tourism, which have created opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Jatto also stressed the importance of engaging youth in agro-entrepreneurship, citing the Government Skills Initiative (GSI) in the North Bank region as a model for nationwide replication.
He called on relevant ministries to fast-track the Youth and Sports Bill and review existing legislation, including the Immigration and Prison Officers Acts, to address persistent challenges such as unemployment, migration, and outdated regulations.
“Agro-entrepreneurship is key if we truly want to feed the nation, and our young people must serve as driving forces in this development,” Jatto said, urging decentralization of initiatives to maximize regional impact.
In conclusion, the lawmaker commended the government’s consistent efforts, noting that while challenges remain, the SoNA report provides a roadmap for steady national progress.
