Muslim Elders in Banjul  last Wednesday paid a courtesy call on the President Alhaji Yahya Jammeh at State House. During the marathon meeting, Muslim Elders exchanged notes with the Head of State on current social issues and offered him prayers on the occasion of the Muslim feast of Eid Ul Fitr.

Speaking on the occasion, President Jammeh thanked them for the visit and their words of wisdom. Commenting on a concern raised by a speaker in connection with the drainage system in Banjul, President Jammeh said government is equally concern and would do everything possible to address the problem by 2009.

President Jammeh called on Muslims to unite and practice the teachings of the Holy Quran, which he said constitute the bases of human life including democracy. He condemned the act of extremism by people who place bombs in mosques to kill innocent Muslims.

The Vice President Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy stressed the need for a change of attitude and called on Muslim elders to live up to expectations. She also called on Mothers to help inculcate good moral virtues in our children.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Ismaila Sambou, stressed the need for righteousness among Muslims. The President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Alhaji Muhamed Lamin Touray, said they are committed to contribute their quota to national development.

In his speech, the Imam Ratib of Banjul Alhaji Cherno Mass Kah called on Gambians to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and work for national development. He thanked President Jammeh for his benevolence during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Chairman of the Banjul Muslim Elders, Alhaji AA Faal congratulated President Jammeh for revolutionizing the agricultural sector, which he said motivated many Gambians to go back to the Land. Mr. Faal also expressed concern about illegal immigration to Europe through perilous seas. Mr. Faal thanked the President for recognizing the efforts of the Banjul Muslim Elders as well as assistance rendered to them. Several speakers representing the Mandinka, Fula, Jola, Ahmadiyya and Mauritanian Communities addressed the meeting.