The project, sponsored by Alport Banjul, a Turkish major port operator and logistic subsidiary of the Albayrak Group, forms part of delivering on its Corporate Social Responsibility and strengthening the teaching of Islam in the country.
The new Dara was named after the late Imam Muhammed Lamin Bah, a renowned Islamic scholar, credited as the first teacher, who started teaching children about Islamic values in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, underscored the importance of the Dara in strengthening Islamic teachings and values in the area and beyond.
He equally expressed appreciation to Alport Banjul for supporting the project, describing it as a significant contribution to the Half Die community.
VP Jallow recalled engaging the company's leadership after residents raised concerns over access to the mosque, adding that the successful completion of the Dara marks the resolution of those challenges.
According to the vice president, the importance of the mosque as a place of worship, learning, and community gathering cannot be overemphasised especially for the families in Half Die.
To this end, he paid glowing tribute to the late Modou Lamin Bah, whose firm stance and efforts in propagating the teachings of Islamic has been exemplary.
Also, he commended the Alport for honoring its pledge to the community, further assuring that government will would continue to support initiative that promotes education and religious development.
Alport Banjul Managing Director Salih Levent Kacar, underscored the importance of the project and the impact it will have on the community of Half Die.
He reminded that there is no undertaking more rewarding than investing and supporting the teaching the values of Islam, pointing out that the initiative is another form of ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ (ongoing charity).
He noted that the institution now serves as a foundation for countless generation in propagating the moral teachings of Islam.
Also speaking at the event, H.E. Fahri Türker Oba, Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, recalled that earlier on the Imam Ratib of Banjul once made a solemn appeal to Alport to have a Masjid and Dara in the area and that he is happy that they delivered on their promises.
He thus encouraged the community to take good care of the facility and further congratulate Alport Banjul for wonderful edifice.
Ousman Jobarteh, Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority, lauded the initiative describing it as an investment in the spiritual education of young children in the area.
He said the move indicates that Alport Banjul is nou a trusted partner and commended them for their foresight.
Imam Samba Manneh, principal of the Madarassa also spoke at the event.
Other dignitaries present included the Minister of Defense, the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhajie Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, the Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority, Banjul Muslim elders, members of the mosque committee, Alport Banjul staff, parents, students, and residents.
The newly inaugurated centre will now serve as a centre for acquiring knowledge, while promoting the Islamic teaching and values for generations of families in Half Die.
