Fatou Samba has to be the journalist that I have granted more interviews to than any other.
Even on occasions that I did not want to speak to the press, when Fatou called, I had to grant her an interview.
She knew that she had those rights over me regardless of the circumstances.
My last interview with her was at the airport as I was departing for China in April (this year); and I had taken a decision not to speak to the press before my departure.
But when Fatou appeared with her mic and camera, I forgot that I had taken that decision.
Prior to that we met at the Diamond Jubilee Independence celebration in Banjul at a time I had firmly decided never to grant Gambian Talents an interview with very solid reasons.
Fatou knew about this; and I must state that it was not her fault. But when she approached me, she did not ask for permission. She just held my hand and led me to the Gambian Talents media booth; and before I knew what was happening, I was answering questions from her panel that was broadcasting live at McCarthy Square.
Fatou knew that she had the pride of place in my circles simply because of her sincerity, passion and dedication to duty. She knew I wanted her success in every adventure she undertook.
This relationship started when she worked for the official government publication under the information department and lasted through to her legendary role in the creation and transformation of the Gambian Talents tv where she moulded dozens of brilliant young Gambians entering their journalism profession.
Fatou will be missed for her warmth,
Dedication and legendary perseverance. The younger ones have a lot to learn from her story.
The mission continues with the rest of us here. She was working for the betterment of the Republic and that task continues as we play our separate roles and exit the stage, one by one.
Her field was information education and communication and that is a cardinal aspect of our nation building project. Let us emulate her values and honour her legacy by tasking ourselves to excel just like she did; and perhaps reach the heights that she dreamt of but could not reach for lack of time.
Let me borrow the words of Oprah Winfrey who said (in Eulogy) to the legendary Rosa Parks :“I’m here today to say a final thank you, [Sister Fatou], for being a great woman who used your life to serve, to serve us all.
Adieu Fatou
Yours was a journey with zest
Constantly striving for the crest
Pushing to the limit with your best
Surely you passed your test
And therefore we shall not rest
Till we make this Republic the greatest
On the pillars of freedom of the press
With entrenched peace and progress
M.Sabally
#Pen220 #GambiaMourns #RipFatou
