A number of prominent personalities comprising of some upper echelons of the ruling APRC party, senior government officials and business tycoons last Saturday converged at the Yundum Barracks to witness the adoption of Modou Turo Darboe, a renowned businessman-cum-philanthropist as father of the Soldiers Wives Association of Yundum Barracks.
The ceremony, which was marked by an earth-shaking musical splash attracted a cross section of the Gambian society including Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, majority leader and member for Serrekunda East, and Hon. Ablie Suku Singhateh, member for Lower Baddibu, amongst other National Assembly Members.
As always usual of him,Turo Darboe generously presented an amount of D20,000 to the association for adopting him as their father. He also distributed over D5000 to those that attended the ceremony as a show of appreciation.
Speaking on the occasion, the happy-looking Turo Darboe, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Development Foundation paid a glowing tribute to the Soldiers Wives Association for the trust and confidence they reposed on him by adopting him as their father.
Mr. Modou Turo Darboe commended President Jammeh for the development he brought to the doorstep of each and every Gambian over the past 15 years.
According to him, the development brought by the Jammeh administration over the years has earned him love and admiration from all patriotic Gambians. He also expressed his continued resolve to complimenting government's efforts in nation building.
Mr. Turo Darboe, who was the APRC campaign manager for KMC in the recent local government elections, advised the politicians to do their work properly with honesty and loyalty. According to him, there is no opposition in this country as the only opposition is within the APRC party itself. He cited as an example, people whom he said, provoke and intimidate others because of their positions and selfish interest. For him, any development oriented Gambian should always rally behind President Jammeh and the APRC party, noting that he "sees only Gambia, APRC party and President Jammeh."
In conclusion, Mr. Darboe paid homage to the Gambian media, notably Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), The Daily Observer and The Point newspaper for their good work.
Also speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Tollel Saine of the Soldiers Wives Association commended Momodou Turo Darboe for what she described as his patriotism, commitment and hard work towards nation building.
According to her, the association adopted Mr. Darboe as its father due to the simple reason that he (Mr. Darboe) has always remained behind President Jammeh and the APRC party, a party she described as that of the people.
For her part, Aja Mama Janneh, Lady President of the Soldiers Wives Association noted with pride that the association adopted Momodou Turo as its father due to the immense contributions he has made, and continues to make, in the development of the country, adding that with President Jammeh, the sky is the limit for the development of this country.
She underscored her association's unflinching support to President Jammeh and the APRC party. Lady President Janneh also commended Mr. Darboe for his foresight in contributing tirelessly towards the empowerment of women in the country.
Majority Leader and member for Serrekunda Central, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta who also spoke at the gathering, described Modou Turo Darboe as not only a businessman and philanthropist but also a patriotic Gambian who has the development of the country at heart.
According to Hon. Jatta, the contributions of Mr. Turo Darboe to nation building over the years cannot be over-emphasised, commending him for his steadfast commitment to the development of the country.
He also commended President Jammeh for creating the enabling environment for Gambians to contribute their quota in the development of the country. He also called on the Soldiers Wives Association to rally behind President Jammeh and the APRC party, noting that with the APRC, development of the Gambia is high on the agenda.
Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that this latest development brings to 513, the total number of groups or associations in the country that have adopted Mr. Turo Darboe as father.