By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Chief of Jokadou in collaboration with the Jokadou District Authority recently held a maiden edition of District Assembly Thanksgiving and Award Ceremony for various institutions in the district for their outstanding contribution to the development of Jokadou.
The event was held in Kuntair in the North Bank Region and brought together 40 communities from Jokadou and was graced by Governor Lamin Saidykhan of North Bank Region, Ansumana Kinteh Regional Police Commissioner, Hon. Salifu Jawo and Essa Jallow, Deputy Commissioner General of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA).
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Alpha Mariam Khan of Jokadou said the event is crucial and would contribute immensely in accelerating development objectives of Jokadou. He dilated on the purpose of the thanksgiving and award ceremony while encouraged individuals and institutions to support and contribute to sustainable development, peace building, respect for rule of law and promote local administration.
The assembly hailed Kerewan Area Council for recognizing the communities of Tambana, Kerr Amadou Faye and Kerr Ali Hawa for 100% payment of rates and taxes to Kerewan Area Council.
However, 10 communities were recognised for maintaining peace and security for 2021, citing no report of cases and violence to Gambia Police Force and District Tribunal Authority.
Honourable Salifu Jawo hailed the establishment of Jokadou District Authority and Assembly which he said aimed to ensure communities are able to report their development needs and challenges. He assured of his unflinching support and collaboration and thanked the awardees for their services to the people of Jokadou.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan said the occasion is historic as he thanked Chief Alpha Mariam Khan and Jokadou District Authority for strengthen good governance and traditional administration. He enjoined others to commend awardees for their commitment and support to the development of Jokadou.
Ansumana Kinteh Regional Police Commissioner echoed similar sentiment and hailed Jokadou District Authority for promoting the concept of Community Policing and thanked the 10 communities for attaching importance to dialogue as a tool to bring about sustainable peace and security.
Essa Jallow Deputy Commissioner General of GRA said the move taken by the authority and assembly has demonstrated people taking the lead in their development and assured of his support.
