In his bid to develop Gambian arts and culture, President Yahya Jammeh, the Gambian leader, yesterday, donated D100, 000 to Ms Sambou Suso, a Gambian female artist at the State House in Banjul.

In presenting the amount on behalf of President Jammeh, the Vice-President and Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs, Dr Aja Isatou Njie Saidy, commended Sambou Suso, saying “you are a rising star and we appreciate your efforts in making Gambian music known in the world”. Vice-President Njie-Saidy then revealed the prominence of women’s issues on President Jammeh’s priorities. “President Jammeh has a lot of regard for women, arts and culture,” she said.

Angela Colley, Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, implored on Sambou Suso to keep up the good work. She also commended her (Sambou) for her tireless efforts in promoting music in The Gambia.

In receiving the donation, Ms Sambou Suso, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to President Jammeh for his kind gesture. “Today I feel proud and honoured because President Jammeh is a kind hearted man whose ambition is to develop our arts and culture. God, the Almighty will always stand by him,” she said.

She further said, the first donation she received from President Jammeh was on her album in Dakar. Momodou Joof, Executive Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, chaired the ceremony.