The President His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh on Monday received the prestigious Golden Cowries Award from a Senegalese organization called the Movement of Enterprises in Senegal (MEDs). The organization awarded President Jammeh in recognition of his enviable efforts in the promotion integration in the sub region and Africa as a whole. The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Dr Momodou Tangara received the award on behalf of President Jammeh at a ceremony held on 1 st of May 2010 in Dakar.

The Gambian leader thanked the Almighty Allah and president of the organization for what he described as a surprising award. He further said that "people think when you are awarded you should be happy but to me, it is different because in as much as I am happy, I also see it as a challenge to redouble my efforts". He stated that the award is for the entire Gambian people and Africans at large noting that the award is unique and traditional because it is made of cowry shell.

Professor Jammeh seized the opportunity to call on all Africans to work together so as to realize our objectives, while promising to continue his efforts in the fight for African integration. He finally thanked MEDs for what he called a wonderful gesture.

The Vice President and Minister of Women Affairs, Dr Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy said the award is in recognition of President Jammeh's efforts in promoting integration in the world. She also thanked MEDs for the award.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UoTG), Professor Muhammed Kah who was also part of the delegation to Dakar said President Jammeh is undeniably a hero of his time. He is also a renowned Pan Africanist and a source of inspiration for the realization of the African dream.

He stated that MEDs is seizing this opportunity to applaud the courage and foresight of President Jammeh in promoting African reunification which is undoubtedly a key factor for the emancipation of African people from the shackles of poverty and the vices that continue to hamper their progress and well being.

He seized the opportunity to inform the gathering that the presentation in Dakar was graced by the Senegalese First Lady among a host of other senior government officials in Senegal. He also revealed that President Jammeh is the only awardee from outside Senegal.

By Cherno Jallow