Sedia Jatta, a veteran politician and senior official of PDOIS, has returned home to a hero’s welcome from his US trip where he was honoured with the prestigious African Heroes Award by Ohio state university.

A huge crowd of well-wishers including members of PDOIS had gathered at the Banjul International Airport to welcome the former lawmaker.

Speaking to reporters, he said the prestigious has re-energised his efforts and commitment while advising young Gambians to always work toward the best interest of the people.

“It has energised me, and it has made me more committed. It has indicated to me that what I have been doing, has been followed and has been appreciated by people who are outside of this country.

“What I have to tell young people of this country is that we are all actors on the world stage and know that what you are doing is being monitored by people who are interested in what you are doing. So that’s why make sure what you are doing, do it to the best of your ability. And you must do what is of interest to the people, (but) not what is interesting to you,” he said.

The African Hero’s Award is given by OHIO African Students’ Union to an African or Africanist who contributes to the development and advancement of both the African continent and people of African descent, either on the continent or in the diaspora.

Previous recipients include notable African leaders including Nelson Mandela and UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Jane Mohammed. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba