Ngoneh is the daughter of late veteran journalist, Swaebou Conateh, and interestingly, she graduated from the same university as her dad did in 1968, also being the first Gambian to earn a university degree in journalism and mass communications.
In her speech during the graduation ceremony held at the Kansas University on 9 December, 2023, Ngoneh said her dad paved the way for her in that university. “My roots in this prestigious institution run deep, and I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride as I look at this sea of talented individuals who are about to embark on the next chapter of their lives”.
She went on to advise her friends and graduating colleagues to carry the legacy of their institution, expressing the hope that with the skills and resilience that they had acquired, they would overcome the challenges ahead of them. “We are not just graduates; we are architects of the future, builders of dreams, and creators of change,” she posited.
Ngoneh stated that as they stand on the brink of a new adventure, “let’s embrace with open hearts and curious minds. Dare to dream big, work hard and never forget the lessons learnt within these hallowed walls.”
Speaking to our reporter after the graduation ceremony, Ngoneh said she is looking forward to contributing towards the development of The Gambia, and her mission is to contribute to infrastructural development.
“Continuing to develop the nation will require everyone’s expertise, especially my generation,” she said. She added that she was open to consultancies with companies and agencies that have the same values, morals and goals of development.
“The Gambia is very dear to my heart and it will bring me so much joy to be part of projects geared towards national development,” she concludes.
Ngoneh is currently living in Kansas City with her mother and siblings.
