Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – As The Gambia prepares to sign a landmark educational and cultural exchange agreement with Jamaica on August 5, 2025, much of the spotlight is rightly on the initiative’s potential to foster long-term partnerships and boost tourism. Yet, beneath such visionary developments lie the often-unheralded efforts of individuals who, over decades, have quietly shaped the foundations of the sector. Among them stands Sheikh Tejan Nyang.

A seasoned professional with a long-standing commitment to the tourism industry, Sheikh Nyang has been one of the most consistent and impactful figures in Gambian tourism.

As Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, he played a pivotal role in shaping policy, guiding strategic planning, and fostering regional cooperation.

Later, as co-founder of the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG), together with another doyen of the tourism industry, Dr Adama Bah, he became instrumental in nurturing a new generation of tourism professionals, blending academic rigor with practical training.

In 1978, Sheikh Tejan rose to the top of the tourism industry department and became a junior tourism officer. He became director in 1992 and later moved to the private sector, becoming rooms division manager at the Sunwing Hotel.

He briefly took over the African Village hotel before working for the UNDP as Coordinator of the International Year of Volunteers.

He coordinated the Gambia Tourism Master Plan for five years. He held key positions regionally and internationally, including chairman of the tourism classification and tourist guide committees and the top eco-label classification committee. He also chaired the ECOWAS THC6 Hotel standards committee.

During my time as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, I had the privilege of working closely with Sheikh Nyang, especially on the Tourism Development Master Plan—a cornerstone study supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Sheikh Nyang led the technical coordination with diligence and vision, ensuring inclusive stakeholder engagement and a clear, actionable strategy.

The result was a comprehensive roadmap for diversifying tourism products, enhancing marketing, and building institutional capacity. It helped reposition the tourism sector as a true engine of economic growth and employment.

Today, the results of that groundwork are visible. Gambian tourism has evolved from a seasonal “sun and sand” model to a more dynamic, inclusive industry embracing ecotourism, heritage, community engagement, and training excellence. Institutions like ITTOG continue to thrive, thanks to the foundations laid by Sheikh Nyang and his peers.

The upcoming Gambia–Jamaica partnership—encompassing staff and student exchanges and joint curriculum development—is emblematic of a shift in tourism thinking.

No longer solely about arrival figures, tourism is now about people, knowledge, and shared progress. This agreement promises to deepen historical ties and build capacity across both nations. The statements at the signing ceremony will reflect this broader vision.

However, no strategic plan or international collaboration can succeed without the quiet dedication of professionals who work behind the scenes with integrity and perseverance.

The Gambia has been fortunate to have had many such individuals: Adi Sarge, Batch Samba Fye, Lie Mboge, Adama Bah, Angela Andrews, Fama Njie, Omar Jawara, Malleh Sallah, Buna Njie, Kaliba Seghore—and, most certainly, Sheikh Tejan Nyang. Their contributions—often made without public acclaim—have shaped the soul and substance of our tourism identity.

As we approach this historic agreement, we must remember that behind every institutional milestone are individuals whose enduring commitment makes progress possible. Sheikh Tejan Nyang is one such figure—quiet, steady, and deeply dedicated.

He does not seek accolades. But recognizing those who have served with vision and humility is, in itself, an act of national maturity. The Gambia must learn this truth: if we do not honor the pillars of our own house, others will come and celebrate them in our place.

Like the baobab whose shade is only noticed when strangers marvel beneath it, we must cherish those who have long supported our national journey. Their legacy is a reminder that when public service is carried out with integrity, it truly matters—and that real nation-builders often labour without fanfare.

As this new chapter in tourism and education begins, it does so on a foundation carefully laid by professionals like Sheikh Tejan Nyang. That legacy deserves both recognition and continuity.