A role model whose depth of knowledge and understanding was above the capacity of a fountain and yet did not surpass the ocean. He was an erudite scholar who was very keen with his work and touched the lives of many in diverse ways. He was a prominent personality who was always quiet and adhered to the virtue of speaking only when it is necessary and appropriate.
You were revered by contemporaries, colleagues and friends both in The Gambia and abroad. You were definitely a gentleman par excellence.
This is another dark day!
You have gone to answer the call of His (Allah) will and decree on the EVE of your 75th birthday. This was not what we spoke of during our conversation last weekend. You were an inspiration and an adviser always available to counsel by simplifying issues for me with your wisdom and wealth of experience. Your understanding of issues was far beyond my comprehension and to those who served and worked with you.
You had been holding the fort and had served your nation with due diligence as an exemplary character. Being once a Teacher, rising to the ranks of Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Secretary of the various ministries such as Ministries of Health, Education, Defence, Tourism, Office of the Vice President, Tourism, and the Personnel Management Office. In all these positions, you were a champion with great respect and adoration from both the junior cadre and your superiors. Your latest service rendered to the nation was serving on the board of The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.
Though you had clarified to me most of what I wanted to know prior to you heeding to the call of death…..Dad I will surely miss talking to you and asking too many questions. You already left a big vacuum and turning to others will be a little complex and sensitive for me, all because I had been very comfortable with you, while gathering the professional and reliable responses from a thoughtful person as you were. I was always astonished whenever we conversed and I kept asking my multiple questions while you attentively listened and responded with ease. The most touching was whenever I became dissatisfied with any response and insisted on further explanations, you would offer me clarity with a smile and the accompanying words, “Mister are you now convinced and satisfied?”
Dynamic and honest, as you were, is rare to find in many frontiers. Many have agreed that you were one of the most seasoned and experienced civil servants who wrote with eloquence. In many corners, tributes and testimonies are that you were a genius because you were well skilled and blessed with the art of writing and your level of intellect was unquestioned.
My fervent prayers are with you at all times and I humbly ask Allah in His Infinite mercy to shower His Rahma upon you. May you be amongst those elevated to JANATUL FIRDAWS. Aamin Bi Barakatul Mustapha (SAW).
Sandigie Njie
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