The community of Banni in Sami District, Central River Region (CRR) on Friday 30th December 2011, inaugurated the first mosque of the village with a mass congregational prayer attended by Islamic scholars and  people from the satellite villages. The mosque, entirely funded by the natives of Banni both at home and abroad is a product of the community’s ‘testito’ projects and manifests the strong community spirit, unity and harmony existing among natives of the community.

The inauguration of the new mosque in the opinion of Alhaji Ousman Dahaba and Alhaji Jimbang Kijera, a member of the mosque committee and council of elders symbolises the fulfillment of the dreams of their forebears, whom they said prayed and worked hard to ensure that the community acquires its own mosque. They further spoke at length about the significance of a mosque and urged the community to maintain the mosque so that it can serve its full purpose.

“Our forebears worked had to build a mosque for the village and could not accomplish that goal.  If we, their offspring are able to complete the journey they started, we should return praise to God and commit ourselves further to the strengthening of the religion of Islam which they lived and died for, and which the mosque is built to serve,” said Jimbang Kijera.

Alhaji Ganyie Touray, governor of CRR commended the village for the bold initiative and accomplishment and assured of government’s continuous support for such endeavours.  He said: “The Gambia under the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh, as we are all aware is in strong support of the development of religion particularly Islam. So he is also proud to be associated with such developments and would always rally behind the progress of Islam in the country.”  He further advised the villagers to maintain the unity and harmony existing in the community and continue to rally behind the leadership and government that make such accomplishments possible.