Abdelhamid Chebchoub, the Algerian ambassador to The Gambia, based in Dakar, Senegal, on Friday paid a visit to Sheriff Kebba Hydara, the grand marabout of Brufut Village, Kombo North.

The visit was meant to strengthen the existing relations between the Tijaniyya brotherhood in The Gambia and Algeria. During the visit, Ambassador Chebchoub presented a cheque for ?80,000 and six boxes of the Holy Qur'an for the school in the village.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Chebchoub expressed gratitude on behalf of Tijaniyya brotherhood in Algeria to Sheriff Hydara. According to him, the Tijaniyya movement started in Algeria many years ago, noting that since then, the brotherhood movement later spread to other countries around the world.

The Algerian ambassador added that the cordial relationship between the two countries will continue for the benefit of their citizens.

He recalled that the Algerian President Abdou Aziz Buteflika was among other head of states who attended the  AU-Summit in Banjul, which, according to him, showed the understanding between the two countries. "I think with such fruitful understanding, the people of the two nations will enjoy peace and love among themselves. I think with this modest contribution, the relations will be further strengthened and promote the teaching of students about Islamic values and principles," he said.

He commended Sheriff Kebba Hydara for his foresight and the hard work towards the development of Tijaniyya movement in The Gambia.

For his part, Sheriff Hydara, thanked the ambassador for the gesture. According to him, his institution in the recent years has witnessed an increase in students enrolment, noting that the teaching of Islamic values still remains their guiding principles in the school administration.

He extolled the Gambian leader for his continuous support towards the well-being of all Gambians, adding that he is a "president with a vision".

"I came to Brufut in 1929. Few years later, my father died. I later replaced my father, teaching the people in the area about Islamic values. Currently, there are over 500 'Talibes' (students) in this institution," he told the ambassador.

Alasanna Jammeh, the permanent secretary at the Department of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, who represented the secretary of state, Ismaila Sambou, expressed gratitude to the Algerian ambassador and his entourage for the support.

PS Jammeh described Sheriff Kebba Hydara as a great marabout in The Gambia, today, noting that his institution has educated many Gambian Islamic scholars.

"I think this kind of visit will further cement the existing bilateral relationship between the Tijaniyya brotherhood movement in The Gambia and the one in Algeria," he said.

Sheikh Tijan Hydara, son of the grand marabout, Habib Jeng, Kebba Musa Manneh, village elders, Shekhna Hydara and Al-Haiba Hydara, also spoke at the ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Tijaniyya Brotherhood and a good number of villagers.