By Lamin Kujabi
Mufti Ismail Ibn Musa Menk, a renowned world Islamic scholar, has visited The Gambia to inspect and assess the progress of numerous social development projects sanctioned by Abdullah Aid, a philanthropic organisation of which he is an ambassador. Upon his arrival in the country Mufti Menk on Wednesday, September 18th paid a courtesy call on President Adama Barrow at State House in Banjul. After his meeting with the President, the respected Islamic scholar affirmed to the press that he was on a private visit to the country and the purpose was to supervise the activities of Abdullah Aid, as the global ambassador. “We met the President to inform him about the progress of Abdullah Aid and what has been achieved basically,” he stated. The Mufti went on to highlight the aid organisation’s interventions in the country. “We managed to assist with more than six hundred water projects - wells and boreholes – and more than three hundred shelters over the last six years for the people in The Gambia”.
He said the charity also provided medical surgery and treatment for hundreds of Gambians, and sponsored more than hundred children’s education, as well as support to orphans and widows. He said they have also completed seven village projects, and built sixty mosques. Further speaking to the press, Mufti Menk expressed his good impressions about the level of development in the country; especially the road infrastructure. He recalled visiting the country some six to seven years ago.
He thanked government for facilitating their work and advised for the maintenance of peace and harmony. “Peace is the cornerstone of development,” he added, while emphasising the need for understanding among the citizens and concerted efforts towards national development. While expressing satisfaction with the growth and development of Abdullah Aid in The Gambia, Mufti Menk said he looks forward to seeing many more projects. He said the President was very happy to hear from them, about the achievements of the organisation, and promised to be of assistance if need be.
