The Banjul Mandinka Society, lead by their president, Alhagie Kawsu Jammeh on Monday paid a courtesy call on the President, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh at State House. The purpose of their visit was to brief President Jammeh on the activities of the society.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Jammeh expressed appreciation to members of the society for their visit and underscored the importance of unity which, he said, he has been calling for since he assumed office in 1994, and without which, there cannot be meaningful national development.

He pointed out that he has carried out many development projects in the Badibous which, he could have implemented in his own district but he failed to do so because of his belief in Allah, his good intentions for all Gambians and his love for humanity.

He asserted that many people have also benefited from his Hajj packages although some still could not accept the truth, adding that he cannot dispute the existence of enmity because even the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) had enemies so why should he not accept enemies.

"I used to tell the people since 1994 that I am not a politician but a worker who wants to develop this country and this cannot be achieved without unity," he said, adding that "despite our ethnicity, we are all one in the presence of the Almighty – if the country develops, it is for the benefit of every one", the Gambian leader emphasized.

He expressed pleasure in the group's visit and delight in their readiness to work with him for national interest. President Jammeh used the occasion to call for forgiveness because he said as a Muslim one should forgive one and other. "All what I want is for us to forget our past differences and work together for the betterment of our nation", he concluded.

The Vice President and Minister of Women's Affairs, Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy commended the society for coming together to discuss issues of national interest with the Gambian leader which, she said is a virtue of good citizens and committed elders.

Dr. Njie-Saidy stated that President Jammeh has done a lot for The Gambia since 1994 and everyone can bear witness to this. "If a good leader is doing well, his people should also lend a hand", the Vice President noted, urging members of the society to keep up the momentum. Dr. Njie-Saidy also prayed for the soul of the society's deceased president, Alhagie Bora Manjang to rest in peace.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Fatou Lamin Faye, described President Jammeh as a role model who loves culture and religion. She said the Gambian leader sees all blacks as Africans irrespective of tribe or culture. She further stated that this has been manifested in the various awards he has received recently from people living outside The Gambia in appreciation of his hard work and dedication towards humanity, a fact that everyone can attest to.

For his part, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Edward Gomez applauded the society's visit, noting that it is a good thing for such respectful elders to come and meet the President to discuss matters relating to national development.

He said he has been a witness to both the First and Second Republics, pointing out that the development that has taken place during the Second is uncountable. He finally urged everyone to pray for President Jammeh and his family for long life and good health and for him to continue leading the nation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad, Dr Mamadou Tangara, described the Gambian leader as a Pan-Africanist who loves his culture and calls for the unification of the African continent. He called on members of the society to unite and to work in the interest of the nation.

The president of the society, Alhagie Kawsu Jammeh urged all Gambians to support President Jammeh and his government and prayed for long life and good health for the Gambian leader.

The Secretary General of the society, Waa Ceesay disclosed that the society has been in existence for over 50 years. He said since the death of their former president, the late Alhagie Bora Manjang a year ago, the society has been dormant. He stated that it has now been restructured in order to strengthen its position in Banjul and the country at large.

Mr. Ceesay added that even though their society is not political, their aims and objectives, among others, is to bring all the members together, and with concerted efforts, support President Jammeh in his efforts in nation building. He said they want to be effectively represented whenever there is a national call.

Other speakers included Alhagie Yankuba Sillah and Alhagie Babadinding Ceesay. The ceremony was chaired by Alhagie Momodou Saidy, Press Officer at the Office of the President.

By Alhagi Ceesay