By: Fatoumatta Jatta & Fatoumatta J Camara
The National Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) task force on Saturday conducted a maiden cleanse exercise of the OIC impact zones ahead of the forthcoming 15th edition of the Islamic Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit scheduled for May this year.
The cleaning exercise was held at Sir Dawda Kairaba JawaraInternational Conference Centre to keep the country clean ahead of the summit while targeting areas like the Airport premises, Old Yundum, Lamin Market, and Abuko abattoir.
The OIC Gambia Head of Brand and Communication, NfallyFadera, described the summit as a national event with national character, saying the whole cleansing exercise will put The Gambia in a befitting state.
“OIC may be an international event but when it comes to the hosting of the Summit it must take a national approach,” Mr. Fadera stated.
He encouraged communities to take up responsibilities to continue with the exercise and conduct similar activities for themselves while assuring them that the force is committed to giving a helping hand to any community that wants to do it.
Mr. Sulayman Jatta, the GCCA Deputy Director expressed delight and said they are working closely with the OIC, as they are represented in all the communities of the OIC.
“This is a national event we should all take ownership of it, If it succeeds the credit goes to the entire nation,” Mr.Jatta noted.
Mr. Sheikh Alkinki Sanyang, Head of Communication NEA highlighted the importance of keeping the country clean saying it will give a good reputation for the nation.
“We should clean our environment so that we won’t become an eyesore,” he stated while adding that they will be conducting six more other cleaning exercises ahead of the Summit.
Chairman of the National Tasks Force, Borri Mansa Demba, explained that the OIC has been held in various countries, and the Gambia is in a competition.