A
Gambian philanthropist, Momodou Turo Darboe, who is also the Chief Executive
Officer of Vision Development Foundation (VDF), last Thursday distributed
consumables and cheques to various institutions and individuals, as well as for
community initiatives across the country.
Items
such as rice and soft drinks, among others, as well as several cheques
amounting to D471,700 were given by the Gambian philanthropist.
The
presentation ceremony, held at his office in Churchill’s Town, was part of Turo
Darboe’s annual package of contribution to supporting people and institutions,
in respect of the New Year.
The
beneficiaries were Masjd E. Noor in Wellingara, who received D100,000;
Biodiversity Action Journalists, D37, 500; the Gambia Christian Council, 50
25-kg bags of rice and 50 cartons of drinks; Tango D25,000; Makumbaya Newtown,
D200,000; a sponsorship package to an MDI student for D15,200; and Ekun Baba
Odeh Hunting Society which received D30,000, all amounting to D471,700.
Speaking
at the ceremony, Saikou Fofana, public relations officer of VDF, stressed that
the Foundation is a non-governmental organization, and that it part of their
programme of activities, carried out every six months, to give a helping hand
to institutions in need, individuals and groups to promote their initiatives
and agenda.
According
to him, the support given was part of VDF’s initiatives to complement the government
efforts at supporting and helping communities in the building of
infrastructure, construction of roads, building women’s gardens, giving support
to youth groups, and promoting micro-financing services and other related
issues.
In
his remarks, the executive director of TANGO and one of the beneficiaries,
Ousman Yabo, commended and appreciated VDF and its founder and leader Turo
Darboe, for the invaluable gesture.
This
was not a surprise as it was not the first time he had been undertaking such
development initiatives in the country, giving to underprivileged people, Mr
Yabo said.
He
prayed for the foundation and its founder and CEO Momodou Turo Darboe, for long
life, and good health to continue to carry out Godly services.
He
urged other Gambian philanthropists to emulate Mr Darboe to move the country
forward through helping the youths.
In
receiving the gifts on behalf of the Gambia Christian Council, David Hafner
thanked and appreciated Mr Darboe, as well as called on others with the means
to emulate his good deeds.
Also
speaking at the presentation was the executive director of Biodiversity Action
Journalists, Samba Jawo, who thanked Turo Darboe for his benevolent gesture in
supporting community initiatives, individuals and also recognising the role of
the media in national development.
According
Mr Jawo, the money received would greatly help his members to tackle some of
their challenges in preparing their website, and conducting training on
environmental issues for its members.
Jawo
also thanked the board members of the foundation through their chief executive
officer, for the support and encouragement to Biodiversity Action Journalists.
He
also described Mr Darboe as a “man who has love for humanity”, and prayed that
the Almighty continues to bless him bountifully.
