The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Hatab Fadera
30 October 2009
Banjul — In what could be described as a major boost to resource mobilisation of the forthcoming Beijing Plus 15 meeting in The Gambia, a total sum of D1, 125, 000 (one million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dalasi) has been donated by various public and private companies towards the successful organisation of the high profile regional meeting that is scheduled for mid November, this year.
The donations which were described as laudable and timely, were received by the vice president and minister of Women?s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy during a presentation ceremony held at State House, Banjul yesterday. The biggest donation came from the Euro African Group-Gampetroleum, who injected D500, 000; Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation donated D275, 000; Gambia Ports Authority donated D250, 000; Nawec and Skye Bank both donated D50, 000 each.
Receiving the gestures, Vice President Njie-Saidy, who is also the Chairperson of the fund raising committee for the meeting, told the various officials that the president approved the hosting of this high profile regional meeting and commended the donors for complementing the government?s efforts in the resource mobilisation of the meeting. Dr Njie-Saidy also commended the customers of the various companies for patronising their services as a virtue of which they were able to share their profits with the rest of the people. She stated that the donors were contributing to a very worthy course, noting that the country is hosting two high profile meetings- the Beijing Plus 15 and the AU meeting respectively.
The meeting, according to Vice President Njie-Saidy will seek to evaluate what Africa has done for its women, the achievements of various African countries, challenges as well as what strategies they have for their women of various sectors. The meeting, she added, required a lot of resources, expressing gratitude for the timely donation.
The Gambia?s vice president, while commending the visionary leadership of President Jammeh, assured the donors of the government?s commitment to continue providing the enabling environment for them to operate their businesses in peace and stability backed by the right economic policies. With these contributions, Dr Njie-Saidy assured of a very resounding and successful meeting that will once again put The Gambia on the world map and in the annals of the continent?s history. She prayed for the successful business of all the donors, reiterating that they are not only helping the women of The Gambia but the entire African women.
Presenting their donation, Muhammed Bazzi, Chief executive officer of the Euro African Group-Gampetroleum, reiterated his company?s resolve to assist the government in its development drives especially on issues that relates to women?s affairs. To him, it is always a pleasure for them to be a sponsor of any meaningful development that can go a long way in promoting the country.
Presenting their contribution on behalf of the acting managing director of the Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation, Genevieve Cardos, said they are pleased to contribute their token to what she described as worthy cause. She used the opportunity to extend their sincere appreciation to The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh for giving women what she called the breakthrough to be able to address the issues that are affecting the status of women and their noble contribution to the societal advancement. ?We thank him very much for having uplifted the status of women of The Gambia in various aspects. And it is in this line that our management has deemed it very necessary to also contribute our quota in our own little way,? she remarked.
Also presenting on behalf of the management of The Gambia Ports Authority, Abdoulie Hydara, marketing manager of the same institution, said they are proud to donate the forthcoming high profile meeting, noting that the management of GPA strongly believe in gender equality.
On behalf of the management of GPA, Hydara extend thanks to President Jammeh for the developments, saying they are always proud to be associated to the development strides of the government. For Abdoulie Mam Njie, director at the Skye Bank, said under the government of President Jammeh, women issues are a top most priority, describing women as a critical folk that plays vital roles in the society as mentioned in the Holy Quran. He observed that women have played a crucial role in Islam.
Having been in operation for only three months or so, Njie said they deemed it fit to contribute to this worthy course. He indicated that they are not only here to make business but to be part and parcel of the development endeavours of the government. Madam Fatoumatta Jah, who represented the National Water and Electricity Company at the presentation ceremony, also expressed similar sentiments.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2009 The Daily Observer. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
