A gentle soul who served our country diligently – Prof. Muhammadou Kah pays tribute to Late VP Badara Alieu Joof

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences for the late Vice President, Badara Alieu Joof, are extended to his dear wife, Fatou Sonko, his children, family, and friends. Our sympathies are also extended to his Excellency President Adama Barrow, the first family, the cabinet, the many students mentored by our late Vice President, the Gambia’s Diaspora and all those who loved him across The Gambia and beyond.

Our late Vice President, was a man who occupied many roles in Gambian society over the course of his lifespan: he was a teacher, a brother, a friend, and former cabinet minister; and over all a kind, brilliant and professional gentleman. A gentle soul who served our country diligently with full commitment and devotion to public service and exceptional performance. He carried a light with him that shone brightly, a conscientious and measured voice that ushered positive transformation in the institutions he provided leadership, and ensured delivery of a vision so incredibly impactful for the Gambian people.

As a young boy, I recalled fond memories of him and his  very close friendship with my Uncle late Babou Loum (RIP). He and his close circle of friends ( I recall amongst them, Amb.Maoudou Touray and Ebrima Jallow (Kissinger) used to camp at our family compound in the mid 70’s at Otto Road-27 Gloucester Street, Banjul hosted by aunt- Ajaratou Ndey Njie. As a young boy, I use to listen keenly to their exchanges, their sense of humour, intense debates on diversity of topics and analysis of BBC’s focus on Africa over brewed Attaya and prepared lunches…

As I reflect on my time with him many years ago as young boy and one of his students in his English Literature class (1980-81) at Nusrat High School, I recall his sharp and tactful diligence and the zeal he possessed for his quality  teaching. His interest and encouragement in my educational pursuits and progress were a true source of inspiration, that I remembered fondly as I continued on in my own path to becoming an educator and later on academic leadership in the duration of my tenure as the 3rd and 1st Gambian Vice Chancellor of The University of The Gambia. I cherish his unwavering support for myself and my family, and continued mentorship until his final days dearly.I will always remember his grace, love for literature and poetry, commitment to education, devotion to country, and the illumination of his spirit. A truly magnetic personality whose warmth, joyousness, and optimism were key to my, as well as the many others that traversed his classroom, personal development.

During his tenure as Minister for higher education, research, science and technology, and his short tenure as our Vice President, we appreciate and will aways remember his huge contributions he has had to our democracy. His efforts in strengthening the higher education system and moves to improve government and public service performance, and delivery of public services positively uplifted the lives of the Gambian peoples and accelerate national efforts to meet our collective aspirations for a brighter Gambia.

Late Excellency Vice President Badara Alieu Joof, inspired us all and will continue to be amongst the rare national torchlights who are remembered for their committed to a better Gambia for all.Undoubtedly, he will be missed dearly; a great son of The Gambia, a highly accomplished public servant, and leader. Indeed, we are thankful to the Almighty with profound gratitude as we reflect upon his life and that we could share in his radiance for some time; his legacy shall live on.

Yalna Sa Soof Sida. Yalna la Yalla Yerem te Ter tu la Ajanstul Firdaus. May his Soul Rest in Peace. Ameen!

By Amb. Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Organisations at Geneva , WTO and Other International Organisations in Switzerland