The event was characterised with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an attended by imams and Muslim elders and a cross-section of the community.
The celebration held under the theme – ‘Be inspired by the past to build the future together’, the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, was aimed at offering prayers for peace and stability in the former French colony and across the world.
At the ceremony, Col. Nabi Ibrahima Youla, Consul General of the Republic of Guinea in The Gambia, recalled the country’s struggles for independence, acknowledging that they were inspired by the country’s past to build a future for the country together while bettering the living condition of its citizens.
He said despite the resistance by the late founding fathers of the nation, the people of Guinea continued the work already undertaken by its first president, Ahmed Sekou Toure and his companions to ensure that all Guineans live in solidarity and work hand-in-hand to build a radiant future.
“We cannot talk about October 2 without mentioning September 28 (the referendum with the categorical No of Guinea in Degaule), which resulted in October 2, giving freedom, international sovereignty and all the greatness to our country.”
Colonel Youla also revealed that the Republic of Guinea is one of the first countries in West Africa to attain its independence dating back to October 2, 1958, followed by other African countries.
He said that Guinea is a member of the 194 member countries of the United Nations System and also a member of ECOWAS, the African Union, saying the country has also ratified several international conventions and treaties.
This year's independence celebration, he added, should galvanise Guineans to create favorable space for development, peace, stability and security, which are favorable pledges to build a country and to create happiness for all.
To that end, he applauded the Gambian authorities for the warm hospitality accorded to them, further reaffirming their readiness to work with officials in fostering the already existing cordial ties between the two countries.
