By Ramatoulie Jawo
Saffiatou Joof, a young poet who does her activism through poetry, a craft she uses to send messages across the country, launched a book titled “Under The Spell Of Poetry”.
The ceremony took place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre on Saturday.
Speaking at the occasion, Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakery Y. Badjie commended the author for her commitment and hard work.
“I’m interested in coming here for few reasons, but the primary reason is to give support, commendation and to recognize the efforts and work of miss Suffiatou,” he said.
He called on the youth to start developing the attitude of reading, which he believes will build a lot in them.
Hon Sidia Jatta, the guest speaker challenged writers to be in tune with nature and society.
He emphasised the need to write in the national languages, and urged all local writers to do so in promoting their culture and society by writing their poems in their own languages.
Essa Bokar Sey, during his review of the book said the book shows all the critical issues that takes a book to be called a book.
“‘Under The Spell Of Poetry’, the book of poetry depicts a picture of Gambian society in all its aspects,” he said.
Momodou Sabally, a Gambian author, in his statement at the occasion called on the government to promote a culture of reading in country by facilitating a literacy campaign across the country.
“The book that we are about to launch will be a priceless addition to libraries and a bright star in the galaxy of of the Gambian poetry,” he said.
In her vote of thanks, the author, Saffiatou Joof said her book would serve as a voice for the voiceless as the poems in it are based on what they encounter in the society.
She added that the book has been in high demand and on sale, since the announcement of its official launch, which was well-attended.
The Deputy Speaker of Gambia’s National Assembly, Hon. Seedy Njie, and others politicians were present at the occasion, among others.
Saffiatou is a 26-year-old Gambian who does poetry to represent the voice of the voiceless and on issues happening around her.
She attended Deeper Life Primary and Upper Basic School, Gambia Senior Secondary School, and now studying Computer Science at the American International University.