EULOGY: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Musa Gibril Bala Gaye

A Titan Of Professionalism, Integrity And Excellence, The Quintessential Public Servant And Statesman: Celebrating The Life And Legacy Of Musa Gibril Bala Gaye!!! (1946 - 2026)

It is with a deeply heavy heart that we received the devastating news of the untimely passing of a beloved “Kotor” elder brother, a highly respected colleague of the Gambian civil service, a dear friend, and a fellow public officer in the journey of nationhood - Musa Gibril Bala Gaye.

Even though we had known each other whilst he was at the 6th Form at the Gambia High School and I was in junior forms, our paths crossed again in the late 70s when he was serving as Deputy Permanent Secretary, under the late T. G. Senghore alias Tom Senghore who was the Permanent Secretary at the then Ministry of Finance & Trade and I was an Assistant Secretary at the President’s Office under the overall command of the late Eric Christensen, as Secretary General & Head of the Civil Service.

From those early days, Bala Gaye stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to his country, our native Gambia.

Our bond was then forged not only by a genuine camaraderie, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and the love for our country.

In truth, Bala Gaye was one of those who had remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and the dignity of public office.

He served our country with a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, even when the road was lonely or perhaps more often than not also misunderstood.

So, Today, we have to bid farewell to a remarkable son of The Gambia, a statesman, a scholar, and a shining example of public service excellence, Musa Gibril Bala Gaye.

His passing therefore leaves an unfillable void in our nation, our continent, and the global community.

Bala Gaye's life was, undoubtedly, an eloquent testament to the power of integrity, intellect, and dedication.

He thus embodied the values of honesty, humility, and compassion, inspiring generations of Gambians to strive for greatness.

His illustrious career spanned decades, marked by unwavering commitment to the service of the nation, leaving an indelible mark on The Gambia's socio-economic landscape.

As a seasoned economist, banker, and diplomat, Bala Gaye served his nation with distinction, holding key portfolios, including Permanent Secretary, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, and Foreign Minister.

His leadership was characterized by prudence, professionalism, and a deep understanding of public finance, steering The Gambia through critical moments of economic decision-making.

But Bala Gaye's impact extended beyond national borders.

As the first Gambian Executive Director at the African Development Bank, he championed Africa's development agenda, earning respect from peers and international institutions.

Beyond his impressive achievements, Bala Gaye was also a mentor, a guide, and a role model for us, the younger generation.

He inspired countless young Gambians like us to pursue excellence, instilling in us the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity.

- Conclusion

As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, we draw solace from his life's work and the values that he embodied.

Bala Gaye's legacy teaches us that:

- Integrity Is The foundation Of Leadership:

He demonstrated that honesty, humility, and compassion are essential qualities of a true leader.

- Service Is A Calling:

Bala Gaye's life showed us that public service is a noble vocation, requiring dedication, passion, and sacrifice.

- Excellence Is A Standard:

He set a high bar for excellence, inspiring us to strive for greatness in all we do.

May his legacy therefore continue to inspire us to build a brighter future for our beloved native Gambia and beyond.

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences are hereby being extended to his beloved wife, Neneh Tabal, to his dear children, to his devoted friends of the “Raeletts Club”, to the Gaye families (both immediate and extended), to other relatives and friends (both at home and abroad), nay to our entire nation.

May the Almighty God grant Bala Gaye perfect eternal resting peace, forgive his shortcomings, if any, and reward him abundantly for his selfless services to humanity with a high place in Al Jannah Firdawsi, where indeed he most rightfully and most deservedly belongs.

Hassan Gibril

(A Beloved Younger Brother and Friend)