The  internationally renowned Senegalese crooner, Alioune Mbaye Nder,  on Wednesday visited the offices of the Daily Observer in Bakau.

In an interview with What’s On during the visit, Alioune Mbye Nder described his Banjul visit as one of his most successful trips. He saluted the organisers for hosting such a powerful programme.
 
According to him, the turnout was positive. He particularly lauded the concert played for children noting that children are the future leaders of tomorrow and need to be nurtured.

The Mbalax star hailed the work of the Daily Observer in the promotion of the music industry.

“I am happy with the Daily Observer. You have participated greatly to the development of this country,” the visibly pleased singer stated.

The Amnesty International ambassador for women further assured his fans of his readiness to always come to The Gambia to perform. He also revealed his willingness to fight against all forms of violence and discrimination against women in the world.

As an ambassador of children, peace, and Senegalese students, the Senegalese star highlighted the messages of peace sent to the people during his recent concerts.

He then acknowledged the audience granted to him by President Jammeh, describing the Gambian leader as a true Pan-Africanist. “I like President Jammeh. I definitely love him. We have been meeting on several  occasions but only on ceremonial grounds, but this audience was special and I definitely appreciate it,” he said.

He also thanked President Jammeh , most especially for the ‘special gold Kora’ given to him by the president.

According to him, President Jammeh can be the leader of Africa. He noted that under his leadership, The Gambia will be better transformed.

He also took time to dilate on the cordial relations between The Gambia and Senegal and called for more African integration..

Ansumana Jammeh, executive director of JFP, who accompanied the musician, described the JFP program as successful. According to him, everything went well, and the turnout was impressive.

“Hopefully, we will organise another big event very soon. We organised one in the past but it was not as big as this one. The past dinner was an exceptionally spectacular one,” he said.

Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, the speaker of the National Assembly, on Tuesday, received Saeid Zare, the head of the Iranian Mission to The Gambia, in her office, in a bid to establish ties between the Assembly and the Iranian parliament.

Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly after his audience with the speaker, Mr Zare said his visit was meant to explore possibilities of forging ties between the legislatures of the two countries, for future cooperation.

“My discussion with the speaker centred on how the two parliaments can have exchange visits in a bid to strengthen the fruitful relationship between Iran and The Gambia,” he said, noting that Iran is very keen to see greater partnership between the two legislatures.

The Iranian diplomat expressed hope that with the efforts of the speakers of the two countries, this relationship will materialise in the not too distant future.
Sierra Leonean

High Commissioner
In a separate engagement, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay also received Mohammed Foday Yamkalia, the Sierra Leonean high commissioner to The Gambia, who bade her farewell, following the end of his diplomatic assignment in the country.

In an interview with reporters, Mr Yumkolra described his stay in The Gambia as successful, adding that the bilateral relations between Banjul and Freetown had been strengthened during his tenure.

“One of my major assignments during my term was to see how the cordial relationship between the two countries could be further strengthened,” the outgoing Sierra Leonean diplomat said.

According to the high commissioner, it was his wish to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of agriculture, health and education, as well as explore ways and means in which the medical schools of the two countries can have exchange programmes, which has a bearing on sub-regional integration.

The first batch of 25 students who were in Taiwan for four years pursing a degree course in petroleum elite program finally return to The Gambia last Sunday.

In receiving the students at a welcoming ceremony held the airport, Mr. Ousman Jammeh the Secretary of State for Energy hailed the graduates for overcoming all the challenges they might have faced while in Taiwan. “You have been armed with a lot of skills and all of us are proud of your achievements,” he said. He congratulated them for fulfilling their mission in Taipei. “We look forward to you joining the workforce and contributing towards national development,” he added.

For his part, the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia, Richard Shih started by saying, “welcome from your second home back to your first home”. He congratulated the students for their excellent performance in Taiwan saying, “I strongly believe that four years hard work in Taiwan will reward you the best future in your coming careers.” He said that now is the time for the students to harvest the fruit of their hard work. “I ask you after four years in Taiwan to be ambassadors of Taiwan to The Gambia,” he said.

Momodou Badgie, Managing Director Gambia national Petroleum Company (GNPC), thanked all those who contributed to the success of the students in Taiwan.

He expressed special thanks to President Jammeh, the former Taiwanese ambassador Dr. Patrick Chang and the Taiwanese government.

Isatou Jallow, a graduate, on behalf of her team thanked all those who supported them while in Taiwan.

Present at the airport to receive the students were Mr. Ebrima Camara permanent secretary at the Office of the President, Mr.Fafa Sanyang, Commissioner of petroleum, Abdoulie Sallah Secretary to the Cabinet and family members.