Veteran politician Hon. Halifa Sallah delivered a stirring address on Sunday at the official opening of the ABRAXAS Job Placement Centre, urging Gambians to embrace cooperation and shared responsibility in building a dignified society.
“Knowledge is the eyesight of the mind. Today, our eyes are being opened,” Sallah declared, emphasizing the role of education and skills in shaping communities.
Tracing history back to the early 20th century, he recalled how Gambian leaders confronted colonial authorities in 1919 to demand the training of national teachers. “They agreed that they should train a group of our national teachers who will control the world. They will teach our children, give them knowledge, give them values, give them skills. That is how this institution came to be today,” he said.
Sallah stressed that while the government exists to provide education, healthcare, and opportunities, citizens must step in when the state falls short. “If they fail to do so, citizens must try to provide what they have. This institution has come to exist for the people,” he noted.
He reminded the audience that society is measured by the quality of life its members enjoy from the beds they sleep on to the schools their children attend. “So that each of us will be able to live in a decent house, a decent home, a decent country, a decent society. That is what we are entitled to as human beings,” he said.
The ABRAXAS Centre, he explained, represents more than job placement; it symbolizes cooperation and collective progress. “What this institution is trying to do is to cultivate what you are asking. A society based on cooperation is being done,” Sallah concluded.
The ceremony highlighted the centre’s mission to equip Gambians with skills and opportunities, reinforcing Sallah’s vision of a society where dignity and development are shared by all.
Babucarr Ngum, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ABRAXAS Job Placement Centre, said the launch marks a significant milestone for both organizations, underscoring their commitment to fostering innovation, community development, and economic growth in the region.
The centre is expected to serve as a hub for diverse initiatives, ranging from entrepreneurship and skills training to social impact projects. According to Mr Ngum, the facility will provide opportunities for young people and professionals alike, creating a platform for collaboration and advancement across multiple sectors.
