In
a classic speech laced with references to African intellectual heritage, Holy
Scripture and personal anecdotes, former Presidential Affairs Minister Momodou
Sabally has inspired African youth leaders to find their purpose in life and
embrace faith and the culture of “never-say-die” to uplift themselves, their
communities and nations.
Sabally
was speaking as Chief Guest at the official launching of the African Youth
Action Network’s “Create Your Own Story Campaign” at the University of Ilorin,
Kwara State, in Nigeria on 6th May 2017.
“You
see, everyday is a good day; and everyday is but a page for YOU to write YOUR
OWN STORY. Will your story be good or not? The answer to this question has
several determinants; but the one foolproof answer I shall tell you is: it all
depends on your mindset...” Sabally told his audience of African University
students and professors to rapturous applause.
Quoting
African literary giant Chinua Achebe, Sabally said, “… It is only the story
that can continue beyond the war and the warrior. It is the story that outlives
the sound of war-drums and the exploits of brave fighters. It is the story […]
that saves our progeny from blundering like blind beggars into the spikes of
the cactus fence.”
He
then took the audience through his life story, growing up in The Gambian from a
poor family and taking the path of education for empowerment. He narrated his
experience of being the Valedictorian of the first ever batch of graduates to
attain university education on home soil and then explained his trajectory as a
career economist who worked at both The Gambia’s Central Bank and Ministry of
Finance at managerial levels.
Sabally
then concluded with a rendition of his rise to the pinnacle of The Gambia’s
Civil Service as Minister of Presidential Affairs, Secretary General, and
Minister responsible for the Civil Service. He also told the excited crowd,
that interrupted his speech with resounding applause, about his fall from grace
and going to jail three times while stoically standing his ground to defend his
innocence and at the same time writing for local and international publications
to inspire tens of thousands of young people at home and abroad.
He
advised the youths to remain persistent and to never give up in spite of the
challenges that are sure to show up in their path to self-fulfillment and
authentic community service.
Other
speakers at the forum were Professor Adamu Sesay and Dr Mahfouz A. Adeyemi,
both from the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of
Ilorin; Professor M.O Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for International
Education, University of Ilorin; and Dr Adeniji Abdullahi, President of the
Association of Nigerian Authors and member of the Pan African Writers’
Association.
Source:
Press Release
