The people of Upper River Region (URR) yesterday commemorated the 46th anniversary of the Gambia’s independence at Gambisara, Jimara district with the theme “Unity, true patriotism, we can build a more prosperous Gambia”.
Delivering his independence speech on behalf of the Gambian leader, Governor Khan said the country should celebrate the tremendous achievements registered, but the country can achieved more in years to come with renewed commitment, patriotism, and honesty.
According to Governor Khan, the theme for the celebration, which is “Unity, true patriotism, we can build a more prosperous Gambia” is indeed apt and relevant and required all Gambians to always reflect on it.
‘As a nation, we cannot achieve anything meaningful if we are not united in focus”, he stated, adding that unity and patriotism demand that we prioritize our country before oneself.
As the theme concern, he calls for attitudinal and behavioral change and re-dedication towards the defense, protection, and upholding national interest at all times, calling on Gambians to jealously guard what belongs to the Gambia and to deliver service with honesty and dedication.
“A nation that is united because of the patriotism of its citizenry is a nation that will succeed in the 21st century and beyond”, he stressed, adding united by purpose, patriotism, and faith,  our beloved country will soon become an economic super power as it is endowed  with all what is needed to propel the nation into greater prosperity.
According to him, the objective of the government of president Jammeh has always been to make the Gambia the best country in the whole world, but this he said requires united and patriotism citizenry, reminding the gathering that a divided nation can never be a great and prosperous nation much more to be an  economic super power.
Governor Khan again urged the people to put aside tribalism, religion, and politics but unite to build a better Gambia that the whole word would be envious of
He then hailed the youth of the country for coming out to assume their national duty, noting that youths are the cream of the nation.
To the students, he advised them to know that unity and patriotism is much relevant in their social transformation into their future duty as the country’s productive force and future leaders, therefore urging them to take their education seriously and to show respect to their parents, teachers, and the authority, stressing that the sky is the limit under the government of president Jammeh.
He concluded by thanking all those who in one way or the other contributed in making the celebration in URR a success.
 The anniversary was attended by Governors of west Coast Region, North Bank Region, Central River Region and Lord Mayors of KMC and Banjul, National Assembly members for Jimara and Kantora, minister of Forestry and the environment, service chiefs, students, women groups, youth groups, diplomats, religious leaders and a cross-section of the communities of URR. The celebration attracted a large turnout of jubilant people who came to witness the event that marked 46 years of the country’s nationhood.
The celebration began with a parade by the different units of the security services and match pass after which the national anthem was sang.