By Haddy Touray
Peter Obi, Nigerian presidential aspirant and former governor of Anambra State, arrived in The Gambia on Monday as the chief guest of honor at the two-day Refela Africa national conference.
He was received by Rohey Malick Lowe, mayor of Banjul and president of Refela Africa, at Banjul International Airport for the event scheduled for 10-11 March 2026.
The conference is expected to bring together political leaders, civil society representatives, and religious figures from across the region.
Key attendees include Adama Sarr, mayor of Keur Massar; Abigail Marshall, mayor of Leeds; veteran Gambian politician Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang; and Seedy Njie, deputy speaker of the National Assembly.
Organizers said the conference will focus on the theme “Accelerating Representation, Safeguarding, and Strengthening Women’s Rights”.
It aims to promote women’s leadership in local government, facilitate networking among women leaders and advocates, and explore policies for regional development.
Mayor Lowe announced that main training sessions would take place on 11-12 March, and is limited to 50 selected participants. Experts from several African countries, including The Gambia, will lead the sessions to enhance women’s capacity for effective governance.
She also announced a town hall meeting for Nigerians living in The Gambia, providing an opportunity for the diaspora to engage directly with Mr. Obi on issues affecting their community.
Mayor Lowe encouraged public participation, describing the conference as a key platform for advancing women’s leadership and fostering dialogue on governance across Africa.
