Nigerian Community in The Gambia on 22 August 2013 donated food and non-food items to the State Central Prisons at a ceremony held at the Prisons Administrative Headquarters in Banjul.
The materials donated included a carton of toothpaste, a carton of toothbrush, two dozens of kettles, two dozens of toilet rolls, medicated soap, washing soap, two dozens of footwear, a carton of teabag, two dozens of plastic buckets, two dozens of mentholated cream, some used clothing and two dozens of men underwear.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hyacinth I. Ekulide, president of the Nigerian Community in The Gambia, began by thanking the Almighty God for making it possible for them to give a helping hand to the prisons.
He also thanked the authorities of the Central Prisons for giving them the opportunity to make the donation.
Mr Ekulide also spoke about the various developments registered in the country under the leadership of President Yahya Jammeh, saying the Gambian President is a patron to the Nigerian Community in The Gambia.
“The relationship between our two countries has been wonderful,” he said, adding that the donation is one of many his association intends to make in the country during the year.
It is their aim to partner with Government in the development of the society, he also remarked whilst thanking the Gambian authorities for their goodness towards Nigerians residing in The Gambia.
David C. Colley, Director General of The Gambia States Central Prisons, said they very much appreciated the gesture and assistance by the Nigerian community.
The Nigerian Community in The Gambia and the Nigerian High Commission in the country have been doing a wonderful job in the interest of inmates, not only Nigerian inmates but also other citizens.
Chief Superintendent Lamin Sowe, Operations Commander at the Prisons, said the relationship between the two countries has been running smoothly for a long time.
He described Mile II States Central Prisons as a reformation centre, adding that taking care of it cannot all be done by the government alone.
“We all have our quotas to contribute, to see to it that these inmates become better and responsible citizens wherever they may be when they go out of prison,” he said.
Basiru Ojikutu, Vice President of the Nigerian Community in The Gambia, said they would continue to visit and render support to the prisons.
Kevin O. Agnedo, Secretary General of the Nigerian Community in The Gambia, thanked authorities at the Central Prisons for the privilege given to them to contribute their quota to national development.
John Ebokah, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Community, thanked also authorities of the Central Prisons for the good work they are doing.
Superintendant Bakary Wharf Kujabi, Officer-in-charge of the Medical Unit at the Central Prisons, said they would also welcome the donation of medicines, to complement government’s efforts.
