Africell, on Saturday, presented a cheque for D1 million to Ms Mary Jatta, a trainee nurse at the Medical Research Council (MRC), following the first draw of the D10 million promotion package set aside by the award winning GSM service provider.

Ms Jatta, who accompanied by her father Michael Jatta, a marketing agent at the Daily Observer, was presented with the cheque at a final draw held at the Africell Headquaters on Kairaba Avenue.

Foday Baldeh, the second nominee at the raffle, received D25,000 as the first runner-up, whilst the 3rd nominee (contact no: 7466440) was unreachable.

Shortly after she was declared the winner, Mary Jatta, who was in tears of joy, thanked Africell for its relentless support since inception. Ms Jatta recounted the numerous support and prizes awarded by Africell to the Gambian populace, saying that the country needs such companies that have the interest of their customers at heart.

Ms Jatta said she will use the money to invest in her career as a nurse. She then added: "I would like to help my family to improve the living conditions as I do not come from a well-off family."

"It is because of Africell that a lot of Gambians are benefiting from things that were not difficult to get. Other companies are now emulating their style of marketing," she explained.

Foday Baldeh, the first runner-up said that Africell is a company that is here to fight poverty and ensure better life for the people, especially the poor.

Maimuna Sanyang, Africell's first millionaire, thanked Africell for their support to the Gambian public. She advised Ms Jatta to use the money wisely and plan her future.

For his part, Papa Leigh, the Africell's sales and marketing manager, said the draw is a clear indication of Africell's contribution to national development. He expressed the company's intention in reducing poverty situation in The Gambia "Africell is for Gambians. There is a lot more we have to offer to our subscribers and the people at large," he added.

He revealed that the company has free return air tickets for its subscribers on a weekly basis for those who make frequent international calls.

Michael Jatta, the father of the young millionaire, thanked Africell for its relentless support. Mr Jatta described her daughter as ambitious and has always want to further her education.