The President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh has acknowledged Nigeria's contributions to The Gambia's socio-economic development and that of Africa as a whole. The Gambian leader was speaking during a meeting with the visiting Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Chief Ojo Maduekwe who called on him Wednesday at State House. He praised Nigeria for what he described as their 'pivotal role' in The Gambia's development process. He noted that this has led to the creation of employment opportunities in The Gambia.

President Jammeh said that Nigeria has a crucial role to play in the advancement of the African continent. For this he urged Africans to work together for the development of the continent and the protection of its natural resources.

In response the Nigerian Chief Diplomat Chief Ojo Maduekwe assured President Jammeh of his government's resolve to support The Gambia in the realization of vision 2020. In this regard he suggested the formation of a joint commission to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between Nigeria and The Gambia.

In a separate engagement one Sheikh Tijan Secka of Old Jeshwang Wednesday presented a podium to President Jammeh at State House. In receiving the art work the Gambian leader commended the donor for his entrepreneurship and assured him of his support at all times. He used the occasion to call on young people to take advantage of the opportunities provided by his government and to make maximum use of the available natural resources.

The Ministers of Local Government and Lands and Energy Ismaila Sambou and Sira Wally Ndow respectively joined President Jammeh in thanking Mr Secka for the gift and urged him to continue working hard for a brighter future.

Earlier the donor Sheikh Tijan Secka described the podium as a Gambian product noting that he acquired his carpentry skills in The Gambia. He said the gift is in response to a request made by President Jammeh during the official inauguration of the Serekunda market were he presented his first podium gift to President Jammeh.