In today's edition of Society and Development, we bring you the profile of a successful man, an erudite civil servant who is one of the most respectful citizen in the Gambian society today; a man who deserved public attention and worth knowing. A man whom unless otherwise, every genuine person would love to be associated with. He is a man generally considered the most effective Forestry Director in the history of the Gambia. He is Mr Abdoulie Sanneh, the newly appointed Forestry Director; a man who is always concerned for those working under him.
He is described as very strategic, thoughtful, organised, compassionate, saintly, incorruptible and honest to goodness. This man is a lot more than what he seems. To him, he believes the only accomplish part of his vision is loyalty, serving his country wherever duty call. He is a man who believes that one should not look up to others before putting in your efforts in what ever you do. He began his journey into the civil service from scratch, climbing through the ladder, which has undoubtedly toughened him for life. Having served in various position in and outside the Gambia, this man today position himself wherever other serious minded citizen would love to be, achieving success in many different fronts. He has become a shinning example of selfless services to humanity.
Born on the 18 February 1960 in Wassadu in Foni Jarrol in Western Region, Abdoulie Alpha Sanneh started his educational journey at St. Edward Primary School where he sat to the common entrance examination in 1973 and proceeded to St. Edward Junior Secondary School then to Gambia High School, where he completed his education in the Gambia. In November 1979, he was employed at the Department of Forestry as a forest guard trainee attached to the Inspectorate unit in Upper River Division, now Upper River Region until August 1980. Because of hard work, commitment and love to the job and ones country, he had served in various positions within the department of Forestry, climbing through the ladder rising up through dint of diligence, determination and disciple to the admirable position of Principal Forestry Officer in April 1981. From April 1982 to December 1984, he was Assistant Regional Forestry Officer in charge of natural forest management, protecting aforestation and administration of all matters in the Upper River Region. From January 1985 to September 1987, he was plantation Officer in charge of Salagi forest plantation. In July 1989 he went back to Nigeria for Higher his Higher National Diploma in general forestry at the Federal College of Forestry. From August to September 1990, he held the position of Forestry Superintendent supervising plantation. From September 1990 to May 1994 he was Divisional Forestry Officer in charge of natural forest management, protection, aforestation and administration of all forestry matters in general. He continued his educational and professional charge at the University of Philippines and obtained a certificate on Values Education and Leadership in 1996 and there after a BSC- Degree in forestry in 1998. Upon returning, he was made the Divisional Forestry Officer in charge of natural forest management, protection, and aforestation at the Upper River Region forestry project, which was a highly success story including saw milling and administration of all forestry matters in the region. From January 2001 to January 2003, he held the position of Senior Forestry Officer and Technical Unit Head at the department of Forestry at the same time providing support to all divisional forestry officer in the country among others. From January 2003 to September 2005, he held the position of Senior Forestry Officer at the department of the Forestry. In 2007, Sanneh continued his educational and professional charge at Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in India and came out with MSC Degree in Agro-forestry. Upon his return in September of the same year, he was appointed as the Senior Forestry Officer for Western Region and later rose to the rank of Principal Forestry Officer. From January 2008 to November 2009, he served as the Regional Forestry Officer for Western Region, a position he held until his appointment as Director of Forestry on 1st November 2009.
