By Madi Seneghore
President Adama Barrow on Sunday inaugurated the O.J. Jallow Memorial Mini Stadium in Serrekunda, describing the facility as a landmark achievement in his government’s efforts to promote sports development and youth empowerment.
The stadium, formerly known as Mboyo Field, was developed by the government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and is expected to serve as a sports and recreational hub for residents of the Serrekunda Central Zone and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Barrow recalled that residents of Serrekunda Central Constituency had repeatedly requested the fencing and development of the field during his Meet-the-People Tours in 2021 and 2022.
He said the completion of the project fulfilled a commitment made by his administration to the community.
“Three years on, we are here not just to celebrate the fencing of the football field, but to inaugurate this beautiful facility as the best mini stadium in the country to host five different sports,” the President said.
Barrow noted that the project was fully funded by the Government of The Gambia and reflected his administration’s commitment to supporting sports development through the provision of modern infrastructure.
According to him, investments in sports facilities help strengthen community cohesion, promote healthy lifestyles and create opportunities for talent development and economic empowerment among young people.
The president said his administration has invested millions of dalasis in sports development since taking office in 2017, including support for national sports associations and federations, participation in international competitions, training opportunities and sports administration.
He says these investments have contributed to the growth and success of Gambian sports at regional, continental and international levels.
Barrow also congratulated the national men’s beach volleyball team for winning the Zone Two championship in Guinea-Bissau and securing qualification for the African Beach Volleyball Championship later this year.
He observed that sports have evolved beyond recreation into a major industry that creates employment, promotes tourism and contributes to national development.
The president assured Gambians that his government would continue investing in sports infrastructure and youth development programmes to create opportunities for athletes and sports professionals.
He urged young people in Serrekunda, London Corner, Bakoteh, Bundung and neighbouring communities to take ownership of the facility and use it responsibly.
Barrow said the complex should serve as a platform for promoting excellence, teamwork and unity, while helping to identify and nurture future national and international champions.
The president also announced that the facility had been named in honour of the late Omar Amadou Jallow, in recognition of his contribution to national development and youth empowerment.
He described the former minister and parliamentarian as a strong advocate for sports and youth development who believed in the transformative role of sports in society.
“Playing fields are not merely spaces for recreation, but centres where discipline, leadership and communities unite,” Barrow said, reflecting on Jallow’s vision.
The president said naming the stadium after the late statesman would help preserve his legacy and inspire future generations to appreciate his service to the nation.
He assured the family of the late O.J. Jallow that the country recognized and honoured his contributions to national development.
President Barrow subsequently declared the O.J. Jallow Memorial Mini Stadium officially open.