SAMBA FAAL
Secretary of State for Youth, Sports & Religious Affairs

CURRICULUM VITAE

Honourable Samba Faal was born in Banjul at 57 Lancaster Street in the late fifties to the Late Serign Alieu Faal, a renowned religious scholar (mufti) and the late Haddijatou John.

He did his primary education in Banjul before completing his studies abroad. He also has the following academic qualifications:
Diploma, Journalism and mass communication
- School of Journalism and Television, Berkshire UK
- BA Journalism - Roosevelt University, Chigago USA
- BA (Honours) Political Science - Roosevelt University, Chigago USA
- MA (Honours) Political Science - Roosevelt University, Chigago USA

Mr. Faal is the author of an outstanding treatise on comparative politics for a Master's Degree Thesis: "Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings and The Politics of Populism in Ghana".

Mr. Faal is also the author of Two Books:

1) "At The Crossroads" - A book of poetry

2) " Politcal World Union" - A Documentary Appraisal
•A Political Treatise on World Order

Mr. Faal served as Editor of the Roosevelt University Student newspaper - "THE TORCH" and won the following honours:

- Green Key Society Award - for Distinguished contribution in University extra curricular activities

- Tarini P Sinha Award - outstanding achievement in undergraduate studies in political Science

- Jack Freels Award - outstanding achievement in Graduate studies in political Science.

Mr. Faal has worked with numerous international organizations both in Europe and the USA prior to his call for national duties back home in The Gambia. He was the office Manager of the Movement for Political World Union in The Hague, Netherlands and also served as Executive Secretary of the Emergency World Council in The Hague, the Netherlands. Mr. Faal also served as a lecturer in the Department of political science at Roosevelt University.

Mr. Faal served several years as Town Clerk (Chief Executive) of the Banjul City Council before rising to the position of first Citizen of the City (Mayor of Banjul), a position he held for six (6) years 1996 - 2002. He was elected to the prestigious position of President of The World Conference of Mayors, after Mayors from all over the World converged in Banjul in August 2001 at the organisation's Annual General Assembly Meeting.

Mr. Faal has also served as the Chairman of the Board of the Gambia National Lottery, and Chairman, Royal Victoria Hospital Management Board. He is also an executive member of numerous organizations both locally and internationally.

As an ardent sportsman he was a division one footballer and a national basketball player. He served many years as Secretary General of the Gambia Basketball Federation until 2002 when he was made Honorary President of the Federation. Mr. Faal is also an athlete having participated in both track and field events.

Mr. Faal was appointed Secretary of State for Youth and Sports in April 2002.

In March 2005, he was given the portfolio of Secretary of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs.