President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh in yet another magnanimous gesture has sponsored 121 Muslim Pilgrims to perform this year’s hajj to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia. The bulk of the sponsored pilgrims which form part of the last batch of this year’s pilgrims departed Banjul International Airport in the early hours of Sunday Morning on board a GIA chartered flight.

Speaking at a farewell ceremony held for the group at the Old Terminal Building of the airport, the Director of Press and Public Relations at State House,  Ebrima JT Kujabi told the group that President Jammeh attaches great importance to the values and teachings of Islam being the main reason for him to be sponsoring pilgrims annually. He urged them pray for the well being of the president, his government and the entire Gambian populace throughout the duration of the Hajj.
 
Kujabi described President Jammeh as a visionary leader who has the interest of The Gambia at heart and is doing everything possible to further develop the country. “All should join hands with him in this noble crusade for the benefit of all”.

He used the occasion to lambaste critics and sceptics of President Jammeh’s treatment of HIV/Aids, asthma and diabetes, saying, “I wish they had the opportunity to be part of this magnificent treatment of our great president. Then they will realise that they are on the wrong path”.

For his part, WO2 Kora Faye, manager Kanilai Farms Limited, echoed Kujabi’s remarks on President Jammeh. He said Gambians Muslims should be grateful to God for having the atmosphere that allows them to leave the country to perform one of the pillars of Islam, citing Sudan and other war torn  Muslim countries who did not have the opportunity to do so due to instability.

He then urged them to abide by the laws and norms of Saudi Arabia to avoid embarrassment and not to tarnish the image of The Gambia. “Take what belongs to you and leave what does not belong to you. Saudia is governed by strict Sharia law and if one is caught stealing he/ she will be punish by amputation. So you have to be mindful of the laws,” he warned

Fatou Saine-Touray, one of the sponsored pilgrims from Ballangharr in the Lower Saloum District of the Central River Region, on behalf of her colleagues thanked President Jammeh for the noble gesture. She said that without the sponsorship of the President, most of them in the package never thought of having the means to perform the Hajj. “Let’s continue to pray for his well being and that of his government to enable them to continue with their development strides”

Present at the farewell ceremony were, Ismaila Sambou, secretary of state for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Alasana Jammeh PS No. 2 at the said department of state, Omar Gibba, deputy chief of Protocol and Alhaji Mustapha Saine, a member of the 2007 Hajj Committee.