Back and Next - Back and NextPresident Nkurunziza visits Gambia
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Burundian leader, His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, accompanied by a high powered delegation, last Friday began a four-day state visit to The Gambia.
President Nkurunziza and delegation were received on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by his counterpart, President Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, and a high profile dignitaries, among them the vice president, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, secretaries of state, National Assembly members, as well as members of the diplomatic and consular community.Also at the airport to receive the distinguished guest of the weekend were an array of cultural groups, voluntary organizations, students, religious leaders, and a cross section of the Gambian community.
After a spectacular red carpet treatment, the Burundian leader, standing side-by-side with his host, waved his way through a conspicuously welcoming Gambian community who lined the roads in their tens of thousands, as the presidential convoy drove right from the airport, through Lamin and Tabokoto, to the luxurious 5 star hotel of Sheraton in Brufut. After installation at his hotel, the Burundian head of state was hosted to a state banquet, later that night, courtesy of his Gambian counterpart, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. The dinner was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
President Nkurunziza hails President Jammeh’s achievements
President Pierre Nkurunziza, on Saturday, hailed President Jammeh’s achievements in terms of transforming The Gambia into a modern state. He was speaking at the Brikama Power Plant, the second point of his tour of the day. He cited the establishment of the vibrant Tourism and Energy sectors in The Gambia as key in the growth of the country’s economy.
But before arriving in Brikama, he visited the newly built Coco Ocean Resort and Spa Hotel, and the Sandele Eco - Tourism camp in Kartong, the last point of visit of the day. At the Coco Ocean, the Burundian head of state was given a warm reception before being taken on a conducted tour of the hotel facilities. Accompanied by Dr Omar Touray and Hon Nancy Njie, secretaries of state for Foreign Affairs, and Tourism and culture respectively, the Burundian leader, his entourage, Gambian secretaries of state and other senior government officials, visited the Satran Restaurant, Coco Beach Restaurant, Ocean Lounge Bar, the courtyard and other facilities of the hotel. From Bijilo, the presidential delegation drove through the Senegambia Highway to the Brikama Power Plant, where they were received with a tumultuous welcome from students, Yai Compins, the Green Youths, among others, in their tens of thousands.
Speaking at the premises of the power plant, President Nkurunziza thanked President Jammeh and the people of The Gambia for the warm reception accorded him. He sought to extend, on behalf of his delegation, warmest greetings from the people of Burundi to the people of The Gambia. According to President Nkurunziza, he and President Jammeh, being the youngest presidents on the continent, are poised to develop their countries, turning them into modern states. He then observed that The Gambia and Burundi, small countries as they might be, are poised to attain their desires.
Speaking earlier, Ousman Jammeh, secretary of state for Energy, welcomed President Nkurunziza to the Brikama Power Plant. He recalled the days when erratic power supply used to serve as nightmare for Gambians, saying that all this changed when President Jammeh took charge of the Energy Sector.
SoS Jammeh also recounted the significant part being played by the country’s private sector, thanks to the Gambian leader’s effort in providing them the opportunity to participate, thus the coming of the Global Electrical Group (GEG), headed by Muhammed Bazzi. For his part, Muhammed Bazzi, managing director of the GEG, expressed delight at receiving the Burundian leader at the power plant. He told the visiting delegation that the company started operation in The Gambia in July 2008. He announced plans to extend the output of the plant from 25 MW to 50MW, with the acquisition of a new generator which he said is scheduled to arrive within the next two weeks.
He hailed President Jammeh for the trust and confidence bestowed in them, by giving them the opportunity to operate in The Gambia. The Burundian president and his entourage later proceeded to Kartong, where they toured the Sandele Eco-Tourism Camp. There the delegation was taken on a conducted tour of the camp by Maurice Phillips, the proprietor.
President Nkurunziza ended his first day activities at the Independence Stadium in Bakau where he played football in the evening. Nkurunziza dazzles Gambians with football skills. The visiting Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza, dazzled the Gambian public with his football skills as he helped the government-selection to beat the private sector 3-2 in a friendly football match, on Saturday, at the Independence Stadium.
The 44-year-old president who could be mistaken for a man in his 20s scored the opener and went ahead to create previous scoring chances to the amusement of thousands of onlookers, including the vice-president of the Republic, Dr Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and a cross section of senior government officials. secretaries of state Yankuba Touray and Ousman Sonko and the Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Lang Tombong Tamba, all featured prominently in the government selection, which had President Nkurunziza as the skipper and favoured striker. Just two minutes after the kick-off, the former physical education lecturer opened the score with a fascinating effort.
Yankuba Touray’s weighted delivery from the far corner was volleyed into the net by the sports-loving president to mark the opener. The private sector equalised through Emad Diab in the 30th minute before Pierre Gomez extended the tally for the government side in the 44th minute. However, the private sector side showed no sign of giving up, and Emad Diab’s second goal in the second half proved this. But it took substitute Malang Jassey’s shot to break the tie in the dying minutes after CDS Tamba and Ebrima Dibba both squandered previous scoring chances provided by President Nkurunziza, who was nicknamed, the "East Africa's footballing president."
Speaking to journalists shortly after the final whistle, the vice president, Ajaratou Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, said the friendly match was patent indication of the fruitful cooperation that exists between government and the private sector.
State banquet in honour of Nkurunziza
The Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, on Friday evening hosted a state banquet in honour of the visiting Burundian president at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi. The friendly dinner, described by many as symbolic, was attended by the vice president and secretary of state for Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, and Chief Justice Abdou Karim Savage.
The event also brought together secretaries of state, National Assembly members, service chiefs, the diplomatic community, development partners, venerable religious leaders and a cross section of the Gambian community, amongst others. The state banquet, which is an illustration of the two leaders’ determination to herald a new era for their respective countries, was punctuated by a fantastic musical performance of the Gambia Police Force as well as cultural performances from Sambou Susso, the Kabekel, the KMC troupe, and the Fula acrobats, who provided the most exciting moments of the banquet.
In a brief address to the gathering, President Jammeh expressed delight at receiving his Burundian counterpart. He then assured the visiting head of state that the Gambia serves as his second home. President Jammeh spoke at length about the challenges facing the continent, saying that the continent despite all the rich resources at its possession is the poorest in terms of economy. However, he noted that there are young African leaders emerging to overcome the challenges facing the continent. To this end, he noted that it is the 21st century of young African leaders who will work tirelessly together to liberate Africa.
The Gambian leader expressed his admiration for President Nkurunziza’s resolve to restore peace and stability in his country following a period of political turmoil. He also noted that Africans instead of taking their destiny in their own hands still depend on others to progress.
The Gambian leader told his Burundian counterpart that when he took over power in 1994, his young government received wide spread scepticism that they would not live up to expectations, but noted that with honest determination and truth, combined with the help of Almighty Allah, they were able to move the country to where not many expected. President Jammeh urged President Nkurunziza to count on the supremacy of God, himself and his people and not to rely entirely on the former colonial masters to develop their country. "Forget the past, and look forward the future. Certainly, you will achieve your goals", he advised.
Also speaking at the occasion, President Pierre Nkurunziza expressed gratitude to President Jammeh for the warm welcome, noting that the move has made him feel like home. President Nkurunziza, told the gathering that after so many years of political instability in his country, the Burundians are now enjoying peace and stability, which for long they yearned for. He noted that it has been difficult moment for them, saying that with dedication, commitment, and hard work, they have overcome most of their challenges by restoring peace and stability in Burundi.
President Nkurunziza told the gathering that since he took the mantle of leadership at the helm of affairs of Burundi, his young government has initiated new programmes geared towards reinforcing peace and improving the states of his people. In what can be described as success story, he highlighted his government’s achievements including free maternity fee for pregnant women at public hospitals, free primary education for young Burundians, as well as the establishment of community work initiative as an important pillar for development.
The Burundian leader told the gathering that the objective of his visit among other things is not only to strengthen the fruitful bilateral ties that exist between Banjul and Bujumbura, but also to learn and share experiences. Commending the Gambian leader for his words of wisdom and the honour he accorded him, President Pierre Nkurunziza reiterated that being in the Gambia means being in Burundi.
Ardy Fatty, principal producer at The Gambia Radio & Television Services, moderated the programme.
President Nkurunziza and delegation were received on arrival at the Banjul International Airport by his counterpart, President Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, and a high profile dignitaries, among them the vice president, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, secretaries of state, National Assembly members, as well as members of the diplomatic and consular community.Also at the airport to receive the distinguished guest of the weekend were an array of cultural groups, voluntary organizations, students, religious leaders, and a cross section of the Gambian community.
After a spectacular red carpet treatment, the Burundian leader, standing side-by-side with his host, waved his way through a conspicuously welcoming Gambian community who lined the roads in their tens of thousands, as the presidential convoy drove right from the airport, through Lamin and Tabokoto, to the luxurious 5 star hotel of Sheraton in Brufut. After installation at his hotel, the Burundian head of state was hosted to a state banquet, later that night, courtesy of his Gambian counterpart, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. The dinner was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
President Nkurunziza hails President Jammeh’s achievements
President Pierre Nkurunziza, on Saturday, hailed President Jammeh’s achievements in terms of transforming The Gambia into a modern state. He was speaking at the Brikama Power Plant, the second point of his tour of the day. He cited the establishment of the vibrant Tourism and Energy sectors in The Gambia as key in the growth of the country’s economy.
But before arriving in Brikama, he visited the newly built Coco Ocean Resort and Spa Hotel, and the Sandele Eco - Tourism camp in Kartong, the last point of visit of the day. At the Coco Ocean, the Burundian head of state was given a warm reception before being taken on a conducted tour of the hotel facilities. Accompanied by Dr Omar Touray and Hon Nancy Njie, secretaries of state for Foreign Affairs, and Tourism and culture respectively, the Burundian leader, his entourage, Gambian secretaries of state and other senior government officials, visited the Satran Restaurant, Coco Beach Restaurant, Ocean Lounge Bar, the courtyard and other facilities of the hotel. From Bijilo, the presidential delegation drove through the Senegambia Highway to the Brikama Power Plant, where they were received with a tumultuous welcome from students, Yai Compins, the Green Youths, among others, in their tens of thousands.
Speaking at the premises of the power plant, President Nkurunziza thanked President Jammeh and the people of The Gambia for the warm reception accorded him. He sought to extend, on behalf of his delegation, warmest greetings from the people of Burundi to the people of The Gambia. According to President Nkurunziza, he and President Jammeh, being the youngest presidents on the continent, are poised to develop their countries, turning them into modern states. He then observed that The Gambia and Burundi, small countries as they might be, are poised to attain their desires.
Speaking earlier, Ousman Jammeh, secretary of state for Energy, welcomed President Nkurunziza to the Brikama Power Plant. He recalled the days when erratic power supply used to serve as nightmare for Gambians, saying that all this changed when President Jammeh took charge of the Energy Sector.
SoS Jammeh also recounted the significant part being played by the country’s private sector, thanks to the Gambian leader’s effort in providing them the opportunity to participate, thus the coming of the Global Electrical Group (GEG), headed by Muhammed Bazzi. For his part, Muhammed Bazzi, managing director of the GEG, expressed delight at receiving the Burundian leader at the power plant. He told the visiting delegation that the company started operation in The Gambia in July 2008. He announced plans to extend the output of the plant from 25 MW to 50MW, with the acquisition of a new generator which he said is scheduled to arrive within the next two weeks.
He hailed President Jammeh for the trust and confidence bestowed in them, by giving them the opportunity to operate in The Gambia. The Burundian president and his entourage later proceeded to Kartong, where they toured the Sandele Eco-Tourism Camp. There the delegation was taken on a conducted tour of the camp by Maurice Phillips, the proprietor.
President Nkurunziza ended his first day activities at the Independence Stadium in Bakau where he played football in the evening. Nkurunziza dazzles Gambians with football skills. The visiting Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza, dazzled the Gambian public with his football skills as he helped the government-selection to beat the private sector 3-2 in a friendly football match, on Saturday, at the Independence Stadium.
The 44-year-old president who could be mistaken for a man in his 20s scored the opener and went ahead to create previous scoring chances to the amusement of thousands of onlookers, including the vice-president of the Republic, Dr Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and a cross section of senior government officials. secretaries of state Yankuba Touray and Ousman Sonko and the Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Lang Tombong Tamba, all featured prominently in the government selection, which had President Nkurunziza as the skipper and favoured striker. Just two minutes after the kick-off, the former physical education lecturer opened the score with a fascinating effort.
Yankuba Touray’s weighted delivery from the far corner was volleyed into the net by the sports-loving president to mark the opener. The private sector equalised through Emad Diab in the 30th minute before Pierre Gomez extended the tally for the government side in the 44th minute. However, the private sector side showed no sign of giving up, and Emad Diab’s second goal in the second half proved this. But it took substitute Malang Jassey’s shot to break the tie in the dying minutes after CDS Tamba and Ebrima Dibba both squandered previous scoring chances provided by President Nkurunziza, who was nicknamed, the "East Africa's footballing president."
Speaking to journalists shortly after the final whistle, the vice president, Ajaratou Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, said the friendly match was patent indication of the fruitful cooperation that exists between government and the private sector.
State banquet in honour of Nkurunziza
The Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, on Friday evening hosted a state banquet in honour of the visiting Burundian president at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi. The friendly dinner, described by many as symbolic, was attended by the vice president and secretary of state for Women’s Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, and Chief Justice Abdou Karim Savage.
The event also brought together secretaries of state, National Assembly members, service chiefs, the diplomatic community, development partners, venerable religious leaders and a cross section of the Gambian community, amongst others. The state banquet, which is an illustration of the two leaders’ determination to herald a new era for their respective countries, was punctuated by a fantastic musical performance of the Gambia Police Force as well as cultural performances from Sambou Susso, the Kabekel, the KMC troupe, and the Fula acrobats, who provided the most exciting moments of the banquet.
In a brief address to the gathering, President Jammeh expressed delight at receiving his Burundian counterpart. He then assured the visiting head of state that the Gambia serves as his second home. President Jammeh spoke at length about the challenges facing the continent, saying that the continent despite all the rich resources at its possession is the poorest in terms of economy. However, he noted that there are young African leaders emerging to overcome the challenges facing the continent. To this end, he noted that it is the 21st century of young African leaders who will work tirelessly together to liberate Africa.
The Gambian leader expressed his admiration for President Nkurunziza’s resolve to restore peace and stability in his country following a period of political turmoil. He also noted that Africans instead of taking their destiny in their own hands still depend on others to progress.
The Gambian leader told his Burundian counterpart that when he took over power in 1994, his young government received wide spread scepticism that they would not live up to expectations, but noted that with honest determination and truth, combined with the help of Almighty Allah, they were able to move the country to where not many expected. President Jammeh urged President Nkurunziza to count on the supremacy of God, himself and his people and not to rely entirely on the former colonial masters to develop their country. "Forget the past, and look forward the future. Certainly, you will achieve your goals", he advised.
Also speaking at the occasion, President Pierre Nkurunziza expressed gratitude to President Jammeh for the warm welcome, noting that the move has made him feel like home. President Nkurunziza, told the gathering that after so many years of political instability in his country, the Burundians are now enjoying peace and stability, which for long they yearned for. He noted that it has been difficult moment for them, saying that with dedication, commitment, and hard work, they have overcome most of their challenges by restoring peace and stability in Burundi.
President Nkurunziza told the gathering that since he took the mantle of leadership at the helm of affairs of Burundi, his young government has initiated new programmes geared towards reinforcing peace and improving the states of his people. In what can be described as success story, he highlighted his government’s achievements including free maternity fee for pregnant women at public hospitals, free primary education for young Burundians, as well as the establishment of community work initiative as an important pillar for development.
The Burundian leader told the gathering that the objective of his visit among other things is not only to strengthen the fruitful bilateral ties that exist between Banjul and Bujumbura, but also to learn and share experiences. Commending the Gambian leader for his words of wisdom and the honour he accorded him, President Pierre Nkurunziza reiterated that being in the Gambia means being in Burundi.
Ardy Fatty, principal producer at The Gambia Radio & Television Services, moderated the programme.
Author: by Kemo Cham, Assan Sallah, Hatab Fadera & Nanama Keita
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