“Death
never comes at the right time, despite what mortals believe”. The death of our
beloved father, Alagie Ousman Bassi Conateh, to many Gambians is trending on
social media with so much appreciation for his life and achievements. The
family is thankful and finds solace in the unprecedented pouring of
condolences. People are generous in their praise for his kindness; they remind
us that he was a father to many Gambians, and this moment of sorrow is shared
widely.
Journalists,
historians, friends, and good Samaritans will write amply about his public
image, achievements and contributions. His impact on the progress and evolution
of Gambian football, cricket, entrepreneurship as Managing Director of NPE, and
generosity will not be lost.
For
us in the family, we see a man who epitomized leadership, drive, hard work,
family and kindness. Daddy OB was born at 11 Dobson Street, Banjul, on November
1, 1937 to Ya Mam Munow Begay Bah and Alagie Bassi Conateh. At a very early
age, below 10 years of age, his father returned to occupy the chieftaincy in
the region of Segou-Sama, Mali. Daddy OB was then largely left under the
tutelage of Alagie Kebba Demba, his brother and the eldest of Mam Begay Bah’s
children. Alagie Kebba was my father. We grew up hearing Daddy OB referred to
as “Bortoh”, until his long and life-time spouse, Ya Bouye Ndeye Fall, gave him
the name “Daddy” with the birth of Sainey. By the time Kumba, Ya Awa and Alagie
Boy came along, and much later Pa Bassi and Ya Mam, everyone had clicked to the
name “Daddy OB”. Fisco was the name reserved for some of his friends including
Uncle Pa Cham, Uncle Tapha Ngum, Uncle Kabba Jallow (May Allah SWT continue to
preserve them), Uncle Abu Denton, Uncle Sidi Jow, Uncle Nurainu Carew (Chef),
Uncle Chamsu Coker, Uncle Ousainou Njie, and Uncle Ebou Taal all of blessed
memory. I have failed at the temptation to not list names, knowing fully well
that I will have missed more than a few other friends. Apologies.
With only a secondary school education, Daddy
OB took pride to have been raised by his older brother, Alagie Kebba Demba, and
rose to the pinnacle of Gambia’s leadership. This wonder of achievement is not
accidental; he was destined to be successful.
Daddy
OB and I share a special bond, crystalized at my birth. In the late summer of
1964, Daddy OB suffered the devastating loss of a son, Alieu Badara Conateh, at
sea. Alieu Conateh, was named after Daddy OB’s close friend, the late Alieu
Kah. Young Alieu was last seen swimming at “Waffi Njagor” before his body was
found a few days later at the shores of the upper river. Because I was born
only a few weeks later, my father found it appropriate, and in part consolation
to his younger brother, to name me after Alieu Conateh. I was to serve as the
return of Daddy OB’s son. Both Daddy OB and the late Alieu Kah took a special
liking for me. It was therefore normal that my father surrendered all my
affairs to Daddy OB. He handled every aspect of my education; from my school
uniforms, negotiated my entry into Gambia High School, and wrote a check for my
college study abroad to join Ebou Conateh (Cona) in the USA.
I
am confident that I speak for many people about this generosity, which had no
family boundaries. As a young man coming of age, Daddy OB was assigned the
arduous task to get me settled down and married, a pressure that we all know
too well in our culture. At age 30, with a graduate education and entry into
the work force, he gave me a stern warning and threatened to find a wife for me
if I didn’t do it. It didn’t take long before I brought him much joy when I
heeded his warning.
He
was shocked with joy when I played him in the naming ceremony of my son. I made
him believe, up to the very last minute, that my son was going to be named
after my late father, Alhaji Kebba Demba. He instructed me to do so. But just
like a magician, I pulled a rabbit out of a hat and named my son, Ousman, after
him. I remember him tearing up with sheer appreciation and joy! Many have done
the same for Daddy OB; half of the family members are named Ousman! In much of
my over 35 years living apart in different continents, I have never dared to
travel out of the US without his consent and prayers for the journey. He guided
and counseled me throughout his life.
Our dear Aunty/Bajen Dunamba Conateh, mostly
known as Bajen Mammy Conateh, and Daddy OB’s younger sister, once told us this story.
In a quest for Daddy OB to reconnect with his father, he made the then long and
difficult 3 days journey to Segou (Mali) in the early 70s. They were received
with ceremonial hospitality, like the return of the prodigal son. They arrived
late at night and as the night gave way to the early morning sun, Daddy OB had
an audience with the elders. Villagers were so happy to see the return of
Ousman and Dunamba. Unfortunately, and sadly, he was informed that his father
had just passed away a few days earlier. A very sad and disappointing moment as
they visited the grave of his father. After much and extensive discussions
among his family members, it was then decided that Daddy OB was the right heir
to the chieftaincy. It was a tense period as he weighed his traditional
obligations against his personal aspirations. With much grief, he informed them
that he would not inherit the chieftaincy and would return to Banjul to make a
living. Bajen Mammy told us how difficult this was for Daddy as he was
trembling through the conversation. The point of the story is the “choice’ that
Daddy OB made, which I believe explains and shapes his character, that we all
speak of so much now. He would always say to us “work-hard, work-hard and
work-hard and leave this world better than you found it ”.
He
would chose his vision to explore the uncharted opportunities in The Gambia
against the luxuries of chieftaincy. It is of course no surprise that he would
pioneer the fishing industry and became one of the most successful businessmen
in The Gambia. In fact, through NPE he empowered and transformed the lives of
many women who were employed in the fishing operations of the company. He took
risks to invest in the youths. He would single-handedly fund Wallidan, one of
the most successful football clubs in The Gambia. And at the same time, he
would also help and fund other rival teams. His generosity transcended all
boundaries.
But that is just a part of his story. He was
destined to see and understand the virtues that lie beyond the success of his
business. He had a calling for philanthropy, generosity, and kindness. For
every dalasi he earned, he would give it to anyone who asked or needed it. And
yes, there were always endless lines of people both at the office and at home
and none will be turned back. Kumba and I were always amazed about the number
of rams Daddy distributed to families for Tobaski. Through his kindness he has
touched many individuals and families. He demonstrated that “we make a living
by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Uncle Saul Njie, Daddy OB’s surrogate brother,
reminded us that Daddy OB’s purpose and destiny was to help people. That
purpose, he has amply achieved. He has taught us that kindness and generosity
can be the most important legacies. The remarkable aspects of Daddy OB’s life
are that he achieved greatness but remained humble. He was blessed with fortune
but was never pompous or arrogant. Indeed, he used his wealth to uplift the
youth and the less fortunate in our society. He invested in enhancing social
welfare and most importantly, assisted the elderly and religious leaders who
are the moral anchors of our society. It is our hope that his kindness and
service to humanity will be rewarded infinitely by the Almighty Allah (SWT). I
join those who say that his place in heaven is made ready.
I am sure I will be speaking for every member
of the family in acknowledging our mother, and aunt Ajie Ndey Faal Conateh.
Over decades she has been the pillar, source of strength and cheerleader of
Daddy OB. To the entire family, she is Ya Boye Ndey, the designation accorded
her by Alhaji Kebba Demba because of her care and compassion.
His
surviving elder brother, Alagie Bakary Conateh, and the entire Conateh family,
the Demba family, the Juma Ndure family, the Faal family (his in-laws), the
family of his late Uncle Alhaji Abdoulie Ceesay (Sinchu Alhaji) and the Kebba
Njie family are immensely grateful to Daddy Ousman Bassi Conateh, their son,
brother, husband, father, and uncle.
Grieve;
we must do as the occasion calls for. But on deep reflection and realization of
all his outstanding achievements and exemplary service to humanity, one cannot
help but accept that this moment should be a celebration of a life well lived.
“They say you die twice; one when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit
later on, when someone says your name for the last time”. His name is etched in
hearts of men and women and will live long because we will never stop saying
his name. Farewell Daddy OB, and Rest In Perfect Peace.
