The President Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh has been honored with another award by the Father Gough Foundation in recognition of his contribution to the development of sports in The Gambia.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the Cabinet room President Jammeh thanked Father Gough as he's popularly known for the gesture. He spoke with appreciation the great role Father Gough continues to play towards the development of sporting activities in the country despite the end of his tour of duty in the country. President Jammeh therefore described Father Gough as a true friend of The Gambia whose heart he added has always been with the country.

The Secretary of State for Youth and Sports Sheriff Gomez said government values the contribution of Father Gough and his Foundation to youth and sports development. He showered praises on Father Gough saying that his contribution in sports is “immeasurable”. He therefore challenged Gambians in the Diaspora to emulate Father Gough so as to establish excellence in the development of youth and sports. SOS Gomez further assured Father Gough of government's readiness to work with him in all spheres of youth empowerment.

A veteran sportsman Jim Wadda who accompanied him to State House said Father Gough has been an inspirational figure who contributed immensely to the development of sports and education in The Gambia. He enumerated several projects set up in the country by Father Gough notably a Football Academy, the Father Gough Foundation and the Manjai Football Field. Father Gough handed over $5000 to the Gambian leader. The money is earmarked for the Jammeh Foundation for Peace in support for education.

Meeting with Religious leaders

In another development the President Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh met with heads of the various religious denominations in the country. The occasion which is an annual event dating back 22 years ago accords both Muslim and Christian religious leaders the opportunity to pray for the leadership as well as the nation.

Speaking on the occasion President Jammeh commended religious leaders for the important and the indispensable role they are playing to make The Gambia a better place. He said religious leaders inculcate in the minds of followers the virtues of honesty, sincerity and hard work. He therefore assured them of his government's fullest support.

Imam Alhagie Musa Jaiteh of Dippa Kunda used the occasion to renew their loyalty to the Gambian leader. The Chairman of the Christian Council, the Right Reverend Bishop Robert Ellison hailed the religious tolerance in The Gambia . Hatib Janneh said the coming together of Muslim and Christian leaders demonstrates the unity of the country. These sentiments were expressed by Secretaries of State Crispin Grey Johnson, Momodou Kotu Cham and Fatou Lamin Fye.

The Vice President Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy hailed the peace and stability prevailing in the country which she attributed to religious tolerance. She assured them that government values their contribution to nation building.