This year’s festival held under the theme- "Unity in Diversity", celebrates the unique and rich cultural heritage and unity in the Foni region.
FARD, a non-political association, in the recent past has undertaken series of activities geared towards bettering the lives and people of Foni especially in the areas of education, healthcare and social welfare.
Also, the three-day event, which drew participants from far and wide and was marked with an exciting lineup of activities designed to celebrate and showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Initially, the event opened on Friday 3rd January 2025 with traditional wrestling competitions and a music carnival, with the energetic youth of Foni Bintang.
On Saturday 4th January 2025, which also marked the climax of the fest witnessed some scintillating cultural performances featuring captivating ‘kumpo dance’; the sacred Jola ‘Butusob’ and other displays of Foni’s diverse traditions and cuisines.
At the event, Fakebba Kujabie, chairman of FARD, explained that the agency is a non-political organisation formed to contribute to the development of Foni.
The idea to form FARD, he said, was conceived by few individuals, who sold the idea to others and was accepted.
‘The purpose of this agency is to unite the people of Foni and to work towards the development of the area.’
Kujabie maintained that as a community-based organization, the agency has in the past intervened in a number of activities from education, health, youth empowerment and other youth empowerment initiatives.
This festival, he added, is meant to bring people together and to showcase dying-out cultural activities.
Momodou Lamin Jobarteh, chief of Foni Bintang, underscored the importance of the event, which he said, was conceived by patriotic Gambians to contribute to national development.
He expressed his continuous support towards the initiative, calling the need for all to embrace the initiative.
He acknowledged that the people of Foni have been renowned for their accommodation and reception to visitors and thus called on all to unite for the development of the area.
While acknowledging the fact that politics come and go, Chief Jobarteh maintained that the relations and bonds of friends that binds them should always remain for the development of Foni.
Bakary K. Badjie, National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang, while calling on the people to embrace unity, reminded that them to be mindful of politics as it comes and goes but that the relations remain.
He challenged members to be committed to promoting the diverse culture and traditions in the area, which he said is a pride.
Madam Cecilia Baldeh-Saho, who was the guest speaker, acknowledged the importance of event, further highlighting the need for all to play a role in promoting the country’s diverse cultures.
She equally described the theme as apt in view of the ethnic composition of Foni and the need to promote our rich cultural heritage.
She expressed concern in the way and manner some of the country’s rich culture and traditions are fading away, while highlighting the need for all to play a role in reviving ‘our rich cultural heritage.
Ousman Badjie, FARD’s health secretary, who presented the document, revealed that the plan which outlines key thematic areas: health and nutrition, water hygiene and sanitation, agriculture, youth development, arts, culture, education, and peacebuilding
Again, this year’s festival marked a significant milestone as FARD executive presented the agency’s 10-year strategic plan document to Abdou Jobe, minister for Tourism and Culture.
This year’s fest, according to many, not only serves as a platform to celebrate the unique cultural diversity in Foni, but also created that ambience for the people to put behind their past differences and celebrate unity through culture.
Yusupha Keita, country rep ITC, expressed delight to be associated with the festival and as sponsors, they will continue to support such laudable events to support local communities.
