The Chairman of the event, Momadou Senghore deputizing for the president of Banjul Muslim elders, praised the developments in the country and Banjul in particular.
He appealed for the President's intervention to address water concerns in the capital, the cement business, and rehabilitation of the central mosque in Banjul.
President Barrow pledged his government's support to address the concerns raised by the Banjul Elders. He informed them of the work underway to change the archaic, outdated water system in Banjul as part of the continuous modernisation of the capital city since 2018.
He informed the gathering that additionally work is underway to provide a modern water system that can cater for a million people in the Greater Banjul Area. In addition, over 400 boreholes are being dug countrywide as part of the strategy to make water universally accessible.
President Barrow reminded the audience that as a politician, he has a social contract with the voters and shared that under his leadership, the Government commits to providing universal access to electricity, water, and education.
On the sale of cement, President Barrow described it as sensitive and stressed on the need to empower Gambians; thus taking a protectionist approach toward national industries. He assured them of efforts to avoid shortage and strategic plans to empower Gambian investors.
President Barrow commended the business community for stabilising basic commodity prices during Ramadan. Regarding the renovation of the Banjul Central mosque yard, the President pledged to support the work, saying, "Banjul is our capital, and when I travel and see other capital cities, I want ours too to look beautiful."
As the Presidential election is scheduled for December 5th later this year, President Barrow advised Gambians to vote for the interest of advancing the country. Ultimately, voters are the ones to decide what's in the best interest of the country, he added.
He advised all Gambians to avoid conflict and violence. For people taking violence as a strategy to win elections and not thinking of the consequences, he cited how current geopolitical conflicts are affecting supply chains.
As Chairman of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), President Adama Barrow, expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically regarding military actions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
He urged maximum restraint, warning that the conflicts endanger regional stability, civilians, and infrastructure, calling for diplomatic solutions.
The President reiterated his best wishes to all Gambians, residents, and friends of The Gambia and prayed for peace and stability in the Middle East, while calling for dialogue as the only solution to end the war.
Honourable Minister for Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, thanked preachers for maintaining decorum in their "Khutba" and urged them to continue beyond Ramadan. On Hajj arrangements, the minister revealed that preparations have advanced for the 2026 Hajj.
