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OFAD commemorates decade of existence

Jan 31, 2011, 1:02 PM | Article By: Yusuf Ceesay

The Organization for Feature Development (OFAD), based in Sancha Sulley Jobe, on 29 January 2011 commemorated its tenth anniversary.

The celebration was held at Sanchaba Lower Basic School in the Kombo North, West Coast Region.

The founded in 2000 in the Sanchaba Sulay Jobe, OFAD seeks to promote networking for national development.

Speaking on the occasion, the outgoing chairperson of OFAD, Yusupha Drammeh, said that the day marked another milestone in the history of the organisation. Mr Drammeh said the day was a moment of celebrating success, adding that their organisation has proven to be a real voluntary body serving the community and beyond.

"As youths, we believe in real change towards development," he said.

He added that in the past, OFAD had embarked on different activities which included capacity building programmes on issues such as public speaking skills and gender-based violence.

OFAD has come up with different activities over the years some of which could not be implemented due to lack of funds, he said.

He also used the occasion to appeal for support from the public to enable them realise their aspirations.

Alfusainey Gano, the founding father of the organisation, says OFAD is a registered organisation that has done a lot of development work in Kombo North and other parts of the country.

"OFAD is well exposed at both regional and international level thanks to its pro-activeness," Mr Gano said.

Some of the trained members are now contributing their quota to national development at various levels of national duty, such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He praised the National Assembly Member of Kombo North, Hon. Adama Cham, and all their partners for supporting the association.

Isatou Sowe Jallow, a member of OFAD, stated that the organisation consists of energetic youths who are committed to nation building. She spoke about the organisation’s strength, challenges and the opportunities 

In his solidarity statement, Fabakary Kelley, the chairperson of National Youth Council, urged young people to desist from substance abuse and illegal migration.

He also implored on elders to always care for the youths.

Delivering the key note address on the occasion, Hon. Adama Cham of Kombo North, thanked the youth group for their achievements.

Hon. Cham challenged young people to make the best use of the assets at their disposal.

He commended the outgoing executives for "a job well done" while urging the new executive to work together with the outgoing one.

At the end of the ceremony, certificates were given to the outgoing committee members for their efforts in developing the organisation.

The youth group also elected a new executive body which include Sainabou Jahateh, chairperson; Lamin Jerju, vice chairperson; Tumani Touray, secretary general; Awa Kah, assistant secretary general; Nyanya Byai, treasurer; Amadou Gano, public relations officer; Lamin Fatty, auditor; and Yusupha Drammeh, programme officer.