The government of Japan through its embassy in Dakar, Senegal on Monday June 22nd 2009 decorated Mr. George S.Madi, the Honorary Consul General of Japan in The Gambia.
Honourable Madi was tinted with a prestigious award during a superb reception hosted in his honour by the Japanese ambassador, designated to The Gambia at the Coco Ocean Resort and Spa in Kololi.
Speaking at the occasion, the Japanese ambassador to the Gambia based in Dakar, His Excellency Takashi SAITO revealed that the award was in recognition of the great contribution of George S.Madi in promoting friendship and cordial ties between Japan and The Gambia.
"I have the great pleasure and distinct honour to bestow 'the Order of the Rising Sun Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon', on Mr. George S.Madi Honorary Consul General of Japan in The Banjul", he stated.
George S.Madi, according to him, is a well-known personality in the Gambia, thus a successful business tycoon. He informed the gathering that Honourable Madi is the Managing Director of Shyben A.Madi and Sons Limited and has been a member of the Rotary Club since 1981.
According to the chief Japanese diplomat, Mr. Madi's company has been an agency for many major Japanese companies like Nissan, Yamaha, among others.
"He has deepened his understanding of our country and people through business with these companies and contributed to the reinforcement of the relations between Japan and The Gambia," he said.
Upon the Japanese government's request, he kindly accepted to work as the Honorary Consul of Japan in Banjul in 1988.
He visited Japan in 1993 for the first time at the invitation of the Japanese government, he disclosed.
According to him, he had during the last twenty years, worked with eight ambassadors, including him. He congratulated Mr.Madi for the achievement and hoped that the relations between the countries will fruitions.
The award conferred on Mr. Madi reads: "The Emperor of Japan does hereby confer upon George S.Madi, citizen of the Republic of The Gambia, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. In witness thereof, the Seal of State has been affixed to these presents at the Imperial Palace."
It is signed by the Prime Minister, dated "29th day, the 4th month, the 21st year of Heisei (2009)".
In receiving the award, Honorary Consul General Madi thanked the government of Japan through ambassador SAITO for the honour bestowed on him.
The occasion was attended by family members, senior government officials, diplomats, as well as staff of the Japanese embassy in Dakar.
