A Turkish organisation known as IHH INSANIYARDIMVAKFI (foundation for human rights and freedom and humanitarian relief) in partnership with the Rural Orphan charitable Association (ROCA) on Tobaski day distributed sacrificial meat, known as Qurbani, to over 15,000 needy Muslims in the country.

The slaughtering and distribution were held at different locations across the country namely Faji Kunda, Wellingara, Kiang Keneba and Pirang.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lamin Sanyang, CEO of ROCA, informed the gatherings that the sacrificial meat is a benevolent gesture from IHH INSANIYARDIMVAKFI to the poor and needy Muslims in The Gambia on the occasion of the Muslim feast of Tobaski.

For his part, Imam Omar Ceesay, of Faji Kunda central mosque, applauded the donors for the kind gesture.

According to him, the gesture is in line with the teachings of Islam.

Alhagie Fabala Gassama, chairman of the mosque committee, said it’s important for Muslims to always care for and support each other particularly during significant occasions like Tobaski. He hailed the donors through ROCA for supporting the poor and needy in The Gambia. “Majority of Gambians can’t afford to slaughter as the poor are far more than the rich therefore the intervention of donors like these is highly needed and commendable,” he said.

Pa Sanuwo a community elder a beneficiary commended ROCA for exercising a high sense of accountability and transparency during the exercise. ”Organizations like ROCA is what this country need to help the government alleviate poverty” he noted.

He called on the IHH INSANIYARDI to strengthen their partnership with ROCA.

Mrs. Sali Bojang another beneficiary thanked ROCA and all those who made it possible for her to receive the meat that she could not afford to buy. “I will cook this for my family as soon as I reach home and I am happy that we will also enjoy the feast thanks to ROCA and their partners,” she said.

Other speakers included Oustass Keba Ceesay and the board chairman board of ROCA trustees Mr. Ebrima Minteh who both thanked the donors for the gesture. The later appealed for more come next year’s Tobaski as the needy are large in number.