The award, officials said, is aimed at celebrating the courage and legacy of extraordinary women while inspiring future generations to continue advancing women’s rights and empowerment in the country.
The award ceremony took place at Innovarx Global Health headquarters along the Kairaba Avenue.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ismail D. Badjie, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Innovarx Global Health, spoke at length on the significance of the initiative, saying: “The establishment of the prestigious “Aja Fatim Mbenga Lifetime Service Award,” also known as “The Fine Award”, is meant to recognise the effort of Gambian women who have demonstrated extraordinary service and dedication to their country and communities.”
Commenting on the contribution and service being rendered by the awardee, he said: “Aji Yamundow Jagne’s distinguished career spans nearly four decades. She became the first female head of the Gender and Child Protection Unit of the GPF. Her service included key roles in U.N. peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sudan among others.”
While in Darfur, he added, “Madam Jagne became the first female Gambian officer to be wounded by gunfire in the troubled region of Darfur. Her bravery and commitment earned her a promotion to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in 2009. In fact, recently, she was recognized with a long-service and good-conduct medal for her 36 years of professional and dedicated service,” he claimed.
The ‘Fine Award’, Badjie explained, is named in honor of the late Aja Fatim Mbenga, who was a renowned advocate for women’s rights, thus it reflects the values and legacy of both women.
He added: “Mbenga, who passed away in 1994 at the age of 56, was a champion for women’s empowerment, playing a key role in the Women in ServicesDevelopment Organization and Management (WISDOM). She was a close confidant of The Gambia’s first president, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.”
The recipient of the award, he added “will receive a lifetime health-care package through the Innovarx RXWOW PASS Premium, which includes free medications, at-home delivery services, and complementary doctor consultations. This initiative underscores Innovarx Global Health’s commitment to supporting non-communicable disease prevention in The Gambia.”
For his part, Musa Mbenga, also spoke at length on the contribution of the recipient of the award for her contribution in the advancement of the country, adding: “Yamundow Jagne, is someone who sacrifices for her country in her capacity as a police officer. Therefore, getting this award from Innovarx Global Health is timely. She deserves to be celebrated while she is alive”.
He thanked InnovaRx Global Health for starting such a laudable initiative as it will go a long way in encouraging others to do more in participating in the development and advancement of the country.
Yamundow Jagne, the recipient of the award also thanked Dr. Badjie and the team for recognising her efforts and awarding her with the Fine Award. She also commended the management of the GPF for giving her the opportunity to continue to serve the people of The Gambia.
