By Haddy Touray
Human rights advocate Madi Jobarteh has called on students to prioritize character, competence and commitment as essential values for personal success and national development.
Addressing students as the Guest Speaker at the Speech and Prize Giving Ceremony of the Old Yundum Senior Secondary School under the theme “Character, Competence and Commitment: The Hallmarks of Excellence,” Jobarteh said academic achievement alone is not sufficient to define an individual’s true worth.
He said excellence should be understood as the ability to use one’s knowledge and abilities in service of humanity and national progress.
Drawing on religious and cultural values, he noted that Islam, Christianity and Gambian traditions all emphasized integrity, service to others and the importance of good character over material wealth.
Jobarteh cited historical figures such as Edward Francis Small and former President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara as examples of leadership grounded in integrity, sacrifice and service to the nation.
He said Small demonstrated courage in opposing injustice and organizing workers despite personal costs, while Jawara embodied humility, respect for the rule of law and service-oriented leadership.
Referencing civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr., Jobarteh encourages students to believe in their inherent dignity and purpose, saying that self-worth is not determined by wealth, government or social status.
He also quoted Frantz Fanon, stressing that each generation has a responsibility to define and fulfil its mission.
Jobarteh urged young people to address contemporary national challenges, including corruption, inequality, unemployment and injustice, by actively contributing to building a more just and accountable society.
He further commended parents, guardians and teachers for their sacrifices in supporting students’ education, urging graduates to honor that investment by becoming useful members of society.
He challenged students to commit themselves to truth, lifelong learning and perseverance, saying that character, competence and commitment would define their lasting legacy.