By: Malanding Darboe & Kumba Touray
Philanthropist and successful businessman Alhaji SalifuKutubo Jaitehhas extended over D50,000 worth of drugs to the newly-inaugurated Salikenni Hospital.
The presentation was done at his office complex in Banjul on Tuesday.
The donation was motivated by Jaiteh’s profound appreciationof the move by the Gambian leader Adama Barrow throughthe health ministry to name the Salikenni Hospital after one of the illustrous sons of Baddibou and The Gambia the lateSheriff Mustapha Dibba.
A native of Salikenni in Central Baddibou, the late SherrifMustapha Dibba served as the Gambia’s vice president till around 1977 when he founded the National Convention Party (NCP) with like-minded Gambians. He also served as the Speaker of the National Assembly in the Second Republic.
The hospital has been named after him in recognition of hissterling and praise-worthy contribution to Gambia’sdevelopment.
The medicines were donated to the hospital through the Salikenni Development Committee to promote quality healthservice delivery.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Mr Jaiteh expressedappreciation to the Gambia government and people of Salikenni for naming the hospital after his brother whosefamily, he acknowledged, has contributed immensely towardshis current business success.
“I am always happy to support people irrespective of theirbackground or locality. Supporting health means protectinglives and generations. This is a token of appreciation to the people of Salikenne for recognizing our brother and again, weare proud of the decision. I believe the donation will go a long way in supporting quality health care delivery and my doorsare always open for the people of Salikenne and the country at large,” stated Mr Jaiteh.
Isatou Dibba, the daughter of Alhaji Kutubo Dibba thankedMr. Jaiteh for steadfastly standing by their family.
“We thank SK Jaiteh for his relentless support to our familyand this clearly manifests the love and appreciation he has for my family. SK Jaiteh and my Dad were always together and itwas only death that separated them,” said Ms. Dibba.
The new chairman of Salikenni development committee and his deputy all heaped praises on Mr. Jaiteh for the philanthropic gesture, saying it will go a long way in supporting the hospital and responding to the need of the patients, especially at this time of year when Malaria becomesprevalent.
