Newly Reconstituted Council of Banjul Elders Inaugurated

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Daily Observer

20 May 2011

The newly reconstituted Council of Banjul Elders was inaugurated on Sunday, May 15 at the Banjul City Council (BCC) premises.

The executive members of the reconstituted Council are: Alhaji Ousman B. Conateh (Fisco) chairman; Alhaji Mbye Chow, 1st vice chairman; Aji Betty Saine, 2nd vice chairperson; Alhaji Pa Harley Ceesay, secretary general; Alhaji Momar Saine, assistant secretary general; and Mrs. Kathy Goswell, public Relations Officer. Other members of the executive include Alhaji Abou Jallow, Mrs. Admire Monday, Alhaji Saloum O.B. Njie, Alhaji Abdul Gaffer Loum, Alhaji Alieu Mboge, Alhaji Mustapha Ngum, Alhaji Alagie Sowe, Aji Alimatu Sadia and Aja Awa Jah respectively.

With an entire membership of 80, the Council will be chiefly involved in programmes that will support His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor, Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.J Jammeh and his government in his efforts to make Banjul one of the most modern cities in the region. It will also embark on Conflict Resolutions within the City, as well as engaging and encouraging youths to get involved in development-oriented programmes of the government, and contribute to the socio-economic development of the capital city inline with the president’s vision to transform Banjul into an ultra-modern city.

The Banjul Elders further informed the gathering that the president has a lot in store for the city, given what has been amply demonstrated since the coming of his government. The Gambian leader, they added has done a lot for the youths of the city and so they should reciprocate by becoming more productive. The Elders will also advise Banjul youths to stay away from vices that will make them unproductive.

The Occasion also witnessed prayers led by the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alh.Cherno Alieu Mass Kah and all the Imams of Banjul as well as the Bishop of the Methodist Church of The Gambia, Professor William Peters, who represented the Christian Council and his entourage of highly notable Christians. Both Religious leaders offered prayers for the good health of the president and his continued well being, as well as for God to give him the strength to realise his goals for Banjul and the entire Country. They also prayed for the holding of peaceful presidential and local government elections which are due to be held in the near future.

Speaking at the ceremony, Alhaji Samba Faal, the mayor of Banjul congratulated the newly reconstituted Council of Banjul Elders for recognising the work of His Excellency the President, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya A.J.Jammeh, in transforming the country, and Banjul in particular since his ascension to the Presidency. He predicted that the APRC is going to sweep the polls in the forthcoming presidential elections. He also thanked the Council of Banjul Elders for electing Alhaji O. B Conateh as their chairman, describing him as someone who has contributed immensely to nation building and whose love for the City of Banjul cannot be over-emphasised. He added that they have chosen the right leader as Alhaji O.B. Conateh is a role model.

The ceremony was graced by all the three National Assembly Members for Banjul, Alhaji Abou Wadda as well as the councillors of the city.

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