The Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, has issued a heartfelt message following the recent temporary approval of the Independence Stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

The approval allows The Gambia to host key international fixtures once again, a development widely celebrated by the footballing community and the general public.

In a public statement, Minister Badjie highlighted the significance of the moment, not just for sports, but for national cohesion and progress. 

“The recent temporary approval of the Independence Stadium by CAF is more than a sporting win. It is a symbol that when we believe and work together, things happen. The road was tough. The doubts were loud. But today, we are hosting matches at home again” he said.

Acknowledging the diversity and differing perspectives across the country, he emphasized the importance of unity: “It is okay to be different, to think differently, speak differently, even to disagree. That’s what makes us human. But when it comes to building our nation, there is more that unites us than divides us.”

The minister also addressed critics of the government’s progress. “To those who doubt progress or choose to only see what’s missing, we hear you… Your criticism matters,” he noted, calling for constructive engagement rather than division.

Ending on a powerful note of unity and national spirit, Badjie said, “The Gambia is not built by one person or one region. It is built by all of us, youth and elders, critics and supporters, dreamers and doers… Different voices. One song. Different roots. One Gambia.”

By Ebrima KB Sonko