Unionists pay tribute to Daddy Sowe

Alhagie Daddy Sowe, one of Gambia's best loved and most spirited labour union leaders recently passed away at the age of 73. Over the years, Daddy Sowe had been instrumental in setting up the Gambia National Transport Control Association, an organisation tasked with the responsibility of defending the interests of its members.

Born in 1938 in Banjul, Alhagie Daddy Sowe started his labour career during colonial times. As a founder, in 1993, of the Gambia National Transport Control Association, he served as President until 1997.

He was also a founder of the Gambia National Trade Union Congress (GNTUC), in 1996, and after the death of Alhagie Yusupha Kebba Biran Nyillan Njie, he was the president up to his death.

According to a missive addressed to the Daily Observer by his fellow unionists, Alhagie Daddy Sowe was a trade unionist par excellence. As such, he had, on many occasions, played a key role in reaching agreements between transport unions in Gambians and their Senegalese counterparts in protecting the interest of The Gambia and West Africa. Four months ago, Alhagie Daddy Sowe was also able to gather the different factions in the transport union together to build one united transport union in The Gambia after which he declared his retirement.

Daddy Sowe's passion was transport and safety. He led the movement with determination and his leadership strength came from the combination of his skills, patience and steadfast determination to advance the many social causes that he was so devoted to.

‘‘Alhagie Daddy Sowe did not like injustice, lies and hypocrisy. Thousands of people today and before continue to benefit from his efforts,’’ the missive added.

Besides his dedication and commitment to the trade union movement, Alh Daddy Sowe was a loving and dedicated father.