Being one of the closest and outstanding partners of the West African country, a high powered delegation from The Gambia headed by Her Excellency the First Lady Madam Zineb Yahya Jammeh Thursday landed at the Conakry International Airport to pay condolences to the family and the people of Guinea Conakry on the demise of their revolutionary leader. At the foot of the aircraft The Gambia's First Lady and delegation were received by the First Lady of Guinea, Madam Camara Jeanne Haba and other government officials.

Before departing for the Presidential villa, Her Excellency Madam Zineb Yahya Jammeh had a brief interview with the national broadcaster at the airport. She said the delegation is in the country to pay tribute to the former President Lansana Conteh on behalf of Professor Jammeh whom he said was shocked and saddened when he had the news of the demise of the former President. After an hour's rest at the presidential villa, the First Lady and delegation headed for Moussayah, the home town of the late General Lansana Conteh, situated at the southern part of Conakry in a district called Dubreka.

Meeting the family of the late Guinean leader, Her Excellency Madam Zineb Jammeh was introduced to the late President's widow Madam Hadiatou Conteh, elder brothers and sons. Saihou Soma Conteh a member of the family, acknowledged the visit by the First Lady and delegation and commended Professor Jammeh and the people of The Gambia for showing their sympathy on the demise of his late brother. The visit according Saihou, demonstrates The Gambia's commitment to bonds that hold the two countries together. He also described his late brother as a patriot who struggled to improve the lives of his fellow citizens. Re-echoing the words of his late brother, Saihou Soma Conteh advised Guineans to always work hard to develop themselves, noting without hardwork, independence would be meaningless.

Speaking on behalf of the Gambian delegation, the Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education Fatou Lamin Faye described the death of General Lansana Conteh as a loss not only to his family and the people of Guinea but to Africa at large. SOS Fatou Lamin Faye, referred to the late President as an illustrious son who worked tirelessly for the advancement of the Guinean nation. The late General, SOS Faye continued was instrumental in the struggle for African Unity and as such his demise is a loss to many like President Jammeh, whom she said is championing the call for African Unity.

With those words of remembrance, Madam Zineb Jammeh later filled in the condolence register to show her sympathy while the Hon Speaker and other Secretaries of State looked on. Later Madam Jammeh and delegation visited the tomb of the late Guinean leader where they paid their last respects to him.

Omar Conteh is one of the sons of the late President. He described his father as a parent who cared for his family and was never found wanting in fulfilling his duty. To the Guinean people, Omar said the late President has enjoined them to work hard and maintain peace and stability for the development of their motherland.

To his fellow countrymen, he was a nation builder and a peace advocate. General Lansana Conteh as he is called until his demise has won the trust and confidence of his people there by allowing him to rule Guinea for close to three decades. His tenure was also referred to many as one in which the country registered numerous infrastructural and economic developments, the fruits of which are still benefiting the nation. Beyond Guinea, the late Lansana Conteh was also admired for his untiring efforts in building brotherly ties between Guinea and other African countries.