Ordinarily, both Dr Momadou Tangara and Badou Jack are
worlds apart: the former is a scholar while the latter is an athlete. Tangara
has just been entrusted with the headship of NAOSU (National Authority System
Unit), the body that oversees all European Commission-funded programmes and
projects in the Gambia.
By contrast, Badou Jack is a boxer who has just made history as the first
Gambian ever to win an Olympic boxing qualification. But they have two things
in common nonetheless. One, they are both Gambians. Two, they are high
achievers who have through their outstanding accomplishments brought glory to
the Gambia.
Tangara, 42, holds a doctorate degree in semiology from the University
of Limoges,
where he achieved the highest distinction. A polyglot, he speaks English,
French and Spanish fluently. Having worked as programme officer and rapporteur
of the European Commission at the Office of the Director General for
Development, he is expected to be able to give a good account of himself in his
new and challenging job.
We would have him know that this is a job that demands
utmost integrity because it "serves as a bridge between the Gambia
and her largest donor - the EC". Besides, Tangara will have to show uncommon
resourcefulness, diplomacy, adroitness and wits in order to do the right thing
all the time in the best interest of the Gambia.
We are proud of him and wish him the best of luck in his new challenge.
Unlike Tangara who is quite known to many of us, Badou Jack
burst into the national consciousness by his exploits as a first-rate boxer not
too long ago. Before his discovery, Badou Jack, born to a Gambian father and a
Swedish mother, had represented Sweden
in the World Championship in 2007. Under the influence of the Gambia Olympic
Committee, Badou Jack agreed to "change his sporting allegiance to the Gambia".
To clinch the Olympic qualification, the young pugilist got the better of the
South African champion Masana Manganyi, knocked Nigeria's
Danuuloko Ekele sideways and then made the DR Congo's Herry Saliku Biembe to
bite the dust. We are certain that Badou Jack will bring greater glory to the Gambia
this summer in Beijing.
These two most recent success stories should serve as an
inspiration to young Gambians that there is always a room at the top for
anybody who exerts themselves - it is discipline, determination and diligence
that count.
"The louder he talked of his honour, the faster we counted
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Ralph Waldo Emerson
