Amadou Samba BA – Learnt Lessons
Despite the fact that the name of Amadou Samba BA has been mentioned in various economic ills the Gambian government has been accused of committing, the ordinary Gambian people regard him as a hero who has positively changed many Gambian’s lives. His continued effort to ensure that as many Gambian children, particularly in the rural areas receive education has endured him to the local population. Amadou Samba BA has initiated the construction of many schools in the rural areas and the decision by the Gambian government to offer free schooling for the first six yeas to all Gambian children has seen the level of school enrolment increase. The decision by the government to offer free schooling for the first six years is commonly believed to have been reached at after a push by Amadou Samba BA. The various companies that he has established over the years and which earn the country foreign exchange also provide employment to thousands of Gambians.
There are vital lessons that can be learnt from the life and activities of Amadou Samba BA. The first obvious lesson is that any one can make a big difference regardless of background. Amadou Samba came from a humble background and with support of his family and the local community, he was able to pursue his studies. His contribution to the development of Gambia’s economy in general cannot be overlooked. He initiated several development projects that now are the country’s economic mainstay. The other lesson that can be learnt from Amadou Samba BA is that it does not matter what training one has obtained to be able to venture into a different field. Amadou Samba BA trained as a lawyer but that did not stop him from thinking along business line. Immediately after returning home from India, he was appointed the chair of a government corporation, which he used to diversify Gambia’s business practices.
Giving back is an old African tradition and this fact is not lost on Amadou Samba BA. Apart from the various schools whose construction he has initiated and funded for the benefit of local communities, he has given back to the community in many other ways. He has funded the construction of various water projects and health facilities mostly in the rural areas. In addition, he assists the youth involved in sports activities. His gestures have made him very popular amongst local communities who do not view him as a wealthy businessperson but their local hero.
The other valuable lesson that one can learn from Amadou Samba BA is the value of friendship. It is common for most people to choose their friends based on class. Samba has made friends with both the mighty and the low class. He is a good friend of President Yahya Jammeh and at the same time a friend to many locals. In particular, Amadou Samba BA maintains friendship with local community farmers who he has assisted in a big way. His generosity has not only seen several Gambian youth proceed with their education but their families have also benefited by way of organizations that undertake income generation activities, which Amadou Samba BA has helped establish.