Thousands of muslims last weekened converged at the holy site in Gunjur village for the annual siyareh of the great Islamic scholar, Sheikh Omar Futiyou Taal.

One of the biggest pilgrimage and religious gatherings held annually in The Gambia, the event constituted a deeply religious moment for the muslim community.

Welcoming pilgrimes at the site, Imam Baba Leigh, president of the Sheikh Omar Futiyou Tall Foundation of The Gambia, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the entire nation for the massive turnout to attend the siyareh.

Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, Imam Ratib of Banjul, commended the Organising Committee for the job well done and urged all muslims to uplift the Islamic flag high. He also prayed for continuous peace and blessings on The Gambia and the entire sub-region.

In his keynote address, Khalifa General, Habib Thierno Tall, underscored the importance of Muslims gathering together in the quest to strenghten the islamic faith that binded us as one. He prayed for Almighty Allah to accept their prayers and to make this annual siyareh, a success. He further urged muslims to make use of the pilgrimage site by praying to Allah and seek for his blessings.

The Khalifa General then congratulated President Jammeh and President Wade for their support to the annual siyareh.

Ismaila Sambou, secretary of state for Local Government Lands and Religious Affairs, on behalf of The Gambia Government, described this pilgrimage as an event where muslims from the sub-region and beyond converged in Gunjur to worship Allah. He also thanked the government of the Gambia and Senegal for their efforts in ensuring and facilitating the success of this year's pilgrimage.