By Fatou Sillah
The Gambia Teachers Union Cooperative Credit Union (GTUCCU) inaugurated the Babucarr O. Joof Conference Center, a contemporary facility situated in Brikama, West Coast Region.
The cutting-edge structure pays tribute to Babacarr O. Joof, the former General Manager of GTUCCU, who now serves as the Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment. Joof’s decades-long dedication and leadership played a pivotal role in the Credit Union’s success, prompting the union to name the center in recognition of his substantial contributions.
During the inauguration ceremony, Babacarr O. Joof conveyed his gratitude for the acknowledgment by GTUCCU, stating, “I am happy today that we are able to build a structure as strong as this, finish it and open it to the public to use as part of our corporate social responsibility. We are returning to the communities what we think they deserve. I feel very emotionally devastated, it is just too much for me, but I thank God and the leadership of GTU for reflecting on what we have done and achieved together.” Dawda Kujabi, the General Manager of GTUCCU, highlighted the decision to name the hall after Babacarr O. Joof, emphasizing Joof’s instrumental role 25 years ago. Kujabi expressed appreciation for Joof’s contributions, mentorship, and unwavering efforts in establishing GTUCCU as a national institution, extending beyond its significance for teachers.
The Newly inaugurated Conference Center
“Honorable minister, your efforts 25 years ago is what gave you this name, it is a well-deserved name. We appreciate and honor your contributions to the evolution and development of GTUCCU; we appreciate and honor your mentorship; we appreciate your vision and efforts that have been tireless to build an institution as the general manager from the day of inception; this institution is not only for the teachers, but it is a national institution,” he said.
Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, acknowledged the impactful role played by the Gambia Teachers Union, stating, “We are grateful to our teachers; not only have you impacted knowledge on us, but now you have provided us with a conference center that we, the people of the West Coast, can be really be proud of and can be able to show to other people what our teachers union credit union have been able to provide us the region,” He said.Ismaila Ceesay, President of the Gambia Teachers Union, used the occasion to call upon the government and stakeholders to prioritize the education sector. He emphasized that education is a fundamental human right and urged increased funding to ensure every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background or economic status. Ceesay stressed the importance of providing schools with the necessary resources to offer a comprehensive and enriching learning experience for children.
“As I called on the government, the National Assembly and also local government authorities and any other stakeholders, most understand that education is not just a luxury. It is a fundamental human right, and it is their duty to ensure that every child has access to quality education regardless of their backgrounds or economic status. This means allocating more funds to education financing so that schools have the resources they need to provide a well-rounded and rich learning experience for our children,” He said