Following his arrival in Abuja, Nigeria, ahead of the 64th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Barrow met with the Gambian delegation in Nigeria and thanked them for welcoming him.
He encouraged them to continue to unite and support each other. Still, he cautioned them always to remember The Gambia as their original home, stating, ” Your address may change, but your origin can never change.” He told them to invest back home and plan for their return.
Responding to their concerns to document their children born to Gambian parents in Nigeria, President Barrow advised them to work through the High Commission’s Office in Abuja to process their documents.
He further advised them to send some children back home to know their origin and history.
On scholarships, the President said about 75% of the UTG students are on scholarship, and his government supports performing and needy students because the future of a country can only be advanced through an enlightened and educated population.
Speaking earlier, Samba Sisawo, an origin of Wuli Jah Kunda in The Gambia and the leader of Gambians in Kanu State, reported that 105 Gambians live in Kanu and raised concerns about the registration of their children as Gambian citizens, renewal of their travel documents and request for scholarships for their children.
Maimuna Singhateh also acknowledged the leadership of President Barrow but reiterated similar concerns.
The delegation came from five States in Nigeria, and President Barrow donated $2000 to their welfare fund.
The meeting was witnessed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Mamadou Tangara and Baboucarr Joof, Chief of Staff Mod K Ceesay, the Gambian High Commissioner, Muhammed Papa Njie, his deputy and staff of the Embassy.
