The Governor of Lower River Region (LRR), Seedy Lamin Bah, has described the region as “the land of hope” as he presided over the inauguration of Paramount Chief Yahya Jarjursey in Jarra Soma.
The ceremony drew a wide array of dignitaries, including the Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hon. Hamat N. K. BAH, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Demba Sabally and Hon. Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. Also present were National Assembly Members led by Hon. Alieu Baldeh, the NAM for Jarra West, regional governors, council officials, traditional leaders, imams, senior citizens, and diaspora representatives.
Governor Bah emphasised the strategic importance of LRR, noting its central location and political diversity. “This is where everything is possible,” he said, adding that the region embodies hope and opportunity for the nation.
The Governor paid tribute to the new Paramount Chief, Alhaji Seyfo Yahya Jarjursey, highlighting his family’s historic role in Gambian leadership. His father, Seyfo Alhaji Saikouba Jarjursey, served as Seyfo of Jarawa from 1958 to 1965 and was appointed the first Paramount Seyfo of The Gambia in 1965 by the then Prime Minister. “After 60 years, his biological son Yahya Jarjursey is crowned as the Paramount Seyfo of the Republic of The Gambia. What a similitude and what a coincidence,” Bah remarked.
He underscored the responsibilities of the Paramount Seyfo, which include promoting social cohesion, maintaining peace and law, adjudicating cases, preserving the environment, and advising both governors and the Ministry of Lands on matters concerning traditional leaders. To support these duties, Governor Bah announced the allocation of a fully furnished office for the Paramount Sefo and his council.
In his closing remarks, Governor Bah congratulated Chief Jarjursey and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government for recognizing the importance of the appointment. He also thanked President Adama Barrow for approving the nomination.
The event, marked by cultural performances and traditional displays, was described by the Governor as a “meeting of the elites” a convergence of heritage, governance, and community spirit in the Lower River Region.
