The President Alhaji Dr.Yahya Jammeh and his Sierra Leonean Leonean counterpart Ernest Bai Koroma have been awarded Grand Patron of the West African Insurance Institute WAII. The award, the highest of the West African Institute WAII was conferred on the two leaders during a dinner held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Friday. The Programme is part of activities commemorating 30 years since the Institute came into existence.

Speaking on the occasion President Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh applauded the efforts of WAII and urged member countries to complement its efforts in regional integration. As part of his contribution, President Jammeh donated a cheque for over 4.5 million dalasi and a 50 sitter fully air conditioned bus to WAII.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Governing Council Musa Gibriel Bala Gaye reiterated their commitment to the ideals of WAII. Mr. Gaye underscored WAII's contribution to the development of manpower in member countries and for offering specialized training for insurance professionals who are making major contribution to development in their respective countries.

The Director General WAII Dr Prince Mike Ikupolati said the awards are in recognition of the outstanding contribution to the Institute and the insurance industry in West Africa . He hailed the two leaders for their unflinching support to WAII and contribution towards regional integration. Dr. Ikupolati thanked the Gambian leader for the gesture and noted that the donation will go a long way in developing the infrastructure of the Institute for a better learning environment.

The award dinner was attended by the Vice President Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice, Secretaries of State and other dignitaries.