One Buba Jobe, a resident of Old Jeshwang and a former student of Gambia Senior Secondary School yesterday presented a special gift to the Gambian leader through the vice president at State House. 

The magnificent artwork, which depicts the map of Africa, with the picture of the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh in the middle flanked by the words “Medical Myth Buster” was meant to honour him [President Jammeh] on his 46th birthday anniversary. Presenting the gift, Buba Jobe, who was short of words said he started part time drawing when he was at secondary school and that he was inspired to sketch this artwork due to his love for the president. He added that it was his dream to make something special for the Gambian leader  due to his innovative leadership.

Mbanding Samura, Buba’s mother expressed similar sentiments. She prayed that God continues to bless the Gambian leader and every Gambian. 

Modou Saidy, the press officer at State House, thanked Buba for the innovation, saying this move is a reflection of his genuine love for the Gambian leader. Saidy said that the president is here for all Gambians, especially talented and committed youths. He further stated that the development of any country depends largely on the youth, whom he described as the active part of the population. 

For her part, VP Njie-Saidy thanked Buba, describing him as a patriotic citizen. She said the words [on the painting] demonstrate the Gambian leader’s herbal treatments, which are effective, and continue to yield successful results. She thanked the young man on behalf of the president, and prayed for God to continue to bless him and develop his career to higher heights. Buba was accompanied to State House by his mother, Mbanding Samura.

Hair dressers Association
In another engagement, the Association of Hairdressers in the country also called on the vice president and minister of women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy at State House. Members of the Association, which comprises mainly women, were at State House to inform the vice president about the existence of the Association and some of its works, ahead of its grand launching. Established on August 10th 2010, the Association, according to its officials, represents a lucrative sector, considering today’s ever changing and growing fashion needs.

Giving a round down of the Association’s activities-Ousman Ceesay, its vice president, thanked VP Njie-Saidy for the reception accorded them. He revealed that the Association was born out of the desire to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. He said there are a lot of youths who have completed school but are not doing anything to earn an income; thus they came up with the idea of establishing the Association. Ceesay then informed the VP that their objective is to set up a training centre that will train youths on hairdressing.

Debba Taal and Ndey Awa Kahn, both members of the Association also thanked the VP for receiving them. They opined that the formation of the Association will further boost the hairdressing sector. “We want to call on others especially school drop-outs who have completed their schooling and doing nothing to come onboard as we are ready to train them on hairdressing and other skills,” they added.

On her part, VP Njie-Saidy thanked the members of the Hairdressers Association for the move and encouraged them to keep up the good work. She said no country can provide employment for all its people, and stressed that The Gambia has a policy of private sector-led growth. She pointed out that hair and fashion design are lucrative ventures, and urged members to organise themselves.“The quality is in the eyes of the beholder and Gambian fashion are quality ones,” she added. 

She implored on them to continue the good work, assuring that the National Women’s Federation and the Bureau will always partner with them in achieving their goal.