As the people of Niamina prepare for a historic gathering on January 24 in Kudang, the newly formed One Niamina Association (ONA) is poised to bridge longstanding divides across the three districts of Niamina Dankunku, Niamina West, and Niamina East.
In an exclusive interview, Samba Baldeh, interim executive member of ONA, shared the vision behind this inclusive platform aimed at unlocking the region’s untapped potential through collective action.
“The One Niamina Association was born out of a long-standing desire among sons and daughters of Niamina, both at home and abroad, to come together under one inclusive platform that transcends district boundaries,” Baldeh explained. For years, fragmented development efforts left Niamina overlooked in national initiatives. ONA seeks to unify these voices, providing a structured avenue for coordinated progress. Its slogan – “Together, we are One Niamina; united in purpose and committed to progress” – embodies the belief that true advancement requires unity across the districts’ unique strengths.
ONA’s primary goals are threefold, Baldeh outlined. First, fostering unity by building bridges across communities, generations, and geographies to promote a singular “Niamina Identity.” Second, driving sustainable development in agriculture, youth empowerment, women’s economic participation, and infrastructure, with a focus on modernizing sectors through information and technology. Third, preserving Niamina’s rich heritage and culture, ensuring modernization respects traditional values and stories.
A key pillar is engaging the diaspora. “We plan to actively involve Niamina sons and daughters in The Gambia and abroad through structured membership, communication platforms, knowledge sharing, mentorship, and financial support,” Baldeh said. Recognizing the diaspora’s skills and resources, ONA positions itself as a “Development Bridge,” offering a transparent platform for investments.
The launch event in Kudang was deliberately chosen for its centrality. “Kudang’s location, infrastructure, and historical significance make it ideal,” Baldeh noted. With suitable venues, proximity to hospitals, military, and police facilities, and accessibility from all districts, it symbolizes shared heritage. Alternatives like Choya and Jareng were considered, but Kudang prevailed for inclusivity and safety. Baldeh appealed for stronger participation from Niamina East natives, noting lower membership there, and urged Kudang residents to join the effort.
Breakout sessions at the launch will tackle pressing needs: Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security & Climate Resilience amid unpredictable weather; Women in Horticulture for better production, marketing, and empowerment; and Maximizing Diaspora Capital for coordinated impact. These will inform ONA’s strategic priorities.
Flagship projects to be validated at the event include climate-smart agricultural sites with solar-powered irrigation, youth-led agribusiness, women-focused horticulture with market access and micro-credit, equipment leasing pools, a Niamina Information and Skills Centre for digital literacy, infrastructure rehabilitation such as clinics and markets, and road improvements via partnerships.
Governance emphasizes transparency. “Nominations will be open, voting by secret ballot, with eligibility for paid members holding cards,” Baldeh assured. The constitution includes checks to align with ONA’s mission.
Post-launch, the elected executive and board will operationalize decisions, form committees, engage partners, and set timelines.
Short-term plans involve documenting session outcomes and piloting agriculture and women’s projects; long-term plans include scaling programs and building institutional capacity. ONA will collaborate with diaspora, local organizations, government, NGOs, and complement existing efforts in agriculture, youth, women, and culture.
Youth, women, and farmers are central. “They will lead committees, implement projects, and benefit directly,” Baldeh emphasized. Involvement post-launch includes joining working groups or contributing resources.
In a stirring message, Baldeh called on all: “To the people of Niamina Dankunku, West, and East: This launch is a new chapter rooted in unity and hope. ONA belongs to you. Its success depends on your participation. For too long, we’ve traveled different paths to the same goal. On January 24 in Kudang, those paths merge. ONA is your house – the tool to build a Niamina where no child goes hungry, no youth feels forced to leave, and every citizen is empowered. Come and claim your seat. Together, we are One Niamina.”
As the launch approaches, excitement builds for this unifying force in Gambia’s Central River Region.
