The Qur’anic competition was sponsored by business tycoon Abubacarr Jawara, the CEO of GACH Global.
Officials said about 296 Arabic students throughout the country participated in the Qur’anic competition.
It’s described as the biggest Qur’anic competition sponsored in the country by an individual.
The competition was divided into various categories ranging from; reciting the entire Qur’an and reciting half of the Qur’an among other categories.
The Qur’anic competition, officials said, is aimed at promoting Islamic education in the country.
Essa Darboe, the president of The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC), who was speaking at the award ceremony held at the Bilal Boarding School at Old Yundum, hailed Abubacarr Jawara for sponsoring such initiative.
“This will go a long way towards promoting Islam in the country,” he said.
“The GSIC is always pleased to be associated with such a gathering. This is not the first time the GACH boss is supporting such initiative in the country that is aimed at supporting Islamic education and development. I am confident that if we have many people like Abubacarr Jawara in the country, then Qur’anic education will reach every part of the country,” he posited.
Darboe described Jawara as a leader who is also so consistent in supporting needy people in the country.
“We have all seen the number of people he has been supporting on a daily basis especially during the Ramadan. This is what your family is known for, thus I have no doubt he (Jawara) will continue on that path.”
“I want to urge all businessmen to emulate Mr. Jawara. I am convinced that if we have many people like Jawara, then the teaching and learning of Islam will be free in the country,” he assured.
Yusupha Jawara, who was speaking on behalf of the GACH boss, thanked the organising committee for ensuring a successful competition.
“The promotion and development of Islamic teachings and learning in the country has always and will continue to be a priority for the Jawara’s families. This is what we found our parents doing and we will continue in that direction,” he said.
“The organising committee wanted to do the competition within the Greater Banjul Area and they only budgeted over 200, 000 dalasis. However, when Abubacarr Jawara was informed about this, he immediately told the organising committee to ensure that the competition is held countrywide with a view to enable other Arabic students to participate in the competition. He again decided to increase the amount to one million, five hundred thousand dalasis.”
Ousman Drammeh, who was speaking on behalf of the Sarahulleh Community, said: “Whoever, knows the parents of Abubacarr Jawara, will not be surprised of the continue supporting the GACH CEO is rendering to Gambians.”
Essa Jawara, an uncle to Abubacarr Jawara, thanked him for sponsoring the competition, saying: “Injecting your resources in the promotion of Islamic education is a worthy cause.”
