This also reminds us of the assertion that every living soul must one day taste death.’ Death, they say, comes when man least expects it and every living soul should put in mind that all living creatures are on transition on earth.
The death was announced on Wednesday of Gambia's vice president, Badara Alieu Joof.
Joof died in New Delhi, India early Wednesday morning (12:41 pm Indian time). The body of the late VP will be laid in State at the National Assembly for a State Funeral upon arrival. It is against this backdrop that President Adama Barrow has declared seven-day national mourning.
Fast-forward, it will be difficult to narrate all the policies and achievements he championed in contributing his quota towards the country’s development pursuit. However, we highlight some key achievements that he contributed in giving his best to The Gambia.
Until his appointment as VP sometime in 2022, the deceased had served in various capacities including Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), Permanent Secretary in various ministries across the Government. He had also served as World Bank Director for West and Central Africa for over a decade; a position he would relinquish to take up cabinet appointments in the new political dispensation.
The late VP was a principled-man and someone who meant his words. He lived a life full of hope, admiration and someone, whom civil servants should emulate to better contribute to national development.
Though gone, he will forever be remembered for his active stance and advocacy in the expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the country’s tertiary institutions. He believes that investment in STEM education and training is a critical drive to the country’s future economy.
This is all anchored on the need to ensure continued economic growth and to be able to respond to the country’s developmental needs. This in fact gave birth to the transformation of The Gambia Technical Training Institute into a University of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology under his watch.
This is all anchored on his vision, ambition and straight-thinking foresight in bettering the country’s tertiary education, where great emphasis would be given to the promotions of STEM to be in tandem with the fast-evolving digital and tech world. The late VP a strait talker and speaks his mind no matter what the circumstances.
As a scholar of profound excellence, late VP Joof, while manning the Office of the Vice President spoke his mind and always ascribed to policies that would further boost the country’s socio-economic development. His smart thinking approach, dedication with honesty and vision especially to ensure The Gambia plays a part among the community of nations, speaks volume of his exemplary character.
He is gone but his legacy will forever linger in minds probably for his attitude towards development issues and how together we can make a difference.
To the deceased family, always find a place in your hearts to bear the irreparable loss. Death is inevitable and it should be put in mind that every living soul must pass through it.
His demise is indeed a great loss to not only the family, but the country and humanity at large. We pray that God in His Infinite mercy showers His blessings and grants him a place in heaven.