The Attorney General's Chambers and Ministry of Justice, last Thursday hosted a ceremony to formally grant citizenship to an American-born woman who has contributed immensely to the country's education sector spanning over four decades.

Adel Sock, now appointed Gambia's deputy ambassador to the Republic of France, wife of Gambian legal luminary in the person of Raymon Sock, was handed over her citizenship certificate by the minister of the Interior, Sheriff Gomez in the presence of the ministers of Justice and Foreign Affairs, Lamin Jobarteh and Dr. Momodou Tangara respectively.

Mrs Sock took the prescribed oath of allegiance, which is required following the president's approval of one's citizenship in accordance with Section 8B of the Nationality and Citizenship Act.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Gomez said government has recognised the contribution of Mrs Sock in the country's academic advancement and personality development of many Gambians. He said that Mrs Sock has over the years proven to be a Gambian for the strides she made in the education sector and it is good that gov't recognises her contribution in that sector

.“So, this is an added bonus that gov't took upon itself to grant you citizenship,” he added. Even without this, Minister Gomez disclosed, Madam Sock is qualified to be a Gambian citizen by marriage.

The Attorney General and minister of Justice, Lamin Jobarteh, recalled knowing Madam Sock during his school days at then Armitage High School in Janjangbureh. He expressed confidence that Mrs Sock will live up to expectation and continue her valuable service to the government and the people of The Gambia.

The minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Momodou Tangara, congratulated Mrs Sock for what he described as a well-deservedgrant of citizenship andexpressedthe hope thatshe will continue to live up to expectation.

On her part, Mrs Sock expressed delight at gaining Gambian citizenship. She said that The Gambia gave her the opportunity to grow professionally as a teacher and that the wealth of experience she gathered over the years will help in the assignment as deputy ambassador to France. She then thanked President Jammeh for the trust and confidence reposed on her for the appointment in the Foreign Service.