Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, the president of the Republic of The Gambia, yesterday received in his office at State House in Banjul representatives of the International Parliament for Safety and Peace (IPSP), led by Dr George Raif, the ambassador of the IPSP.  

Dr George Raif was at State House to present 3 international awards to President Jammeh. The awards, which include Senator for Life, Vice President for the International Parliament for Safety and Peace (IPSP) and the Honorary Degree and Academic Award for Traditional Medicine Treatment, are from the IPSP and the University of Costa Rica.

Presenting the awards to President Jammeh, Dr George Raif the ambassador of the IPSP said the two awards (Senator for Life and Vice President of IPSP) are from many African and European presidents, who decided that Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh should be honored for all his positive deeds towards the promotion of peace and safety in Africa, especially in the sub-region.

He described President Jammeh as a man of peace who has been championing peace in many African countries, with special emphasis on Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone. He also conveyed the Costa Rica University's special congratulatory message to President Jammeh for receiving the Senator for Life award.

Receiving the award, President Jammeh thanked the IPSP for honoring The Gambia with this great award in recognition of the service that he, the president, has rendered to humanity on behalf of the Gambian people.

"These awards would not have been possible without the full support and prayers of the Gambian people. Little did I know that what I am doing here in The Gambia is known all over the world," President Jammeh remarked.

The Gambian leader revealed that his involvement in traditional medical treatment is not for money or fame, but instead is meant for the sake of humanity. He then recalled that when he started the HIV/AIDS treatment (the Breakthrough), many things were said all over the world and the international media came to The Gambia to cover the treatment programme.

He said despite all what was said, his treatment programme was successful. This was proven by medical laboratories that are internationally recognized.  He added that the award he received from the University of Costa Rica came as a surprise to him. President Jammeh finally thanked the IPSP and the University of Costa Rica for recognizing his efforts for humanity.

Speaking earlier, Honourable Fatim Badjie-Janneh, secretary of state for Communication, Information and Information Technology, on behalf of her fellow secretaries of state thanked Dr George Raif and his colleagues for presenting the awards to President Jammeh.

SoS Badjie-Janneh also described President Jammeh  as a role model for other African presidents. Dr Omar Touray, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, also described the award as a worthwhile one and a fitting tribute to The Gambia. He thanked the IPSP for recognizing President Jammeh's efforts in peace building in Africa.