As part of its corporate responsibilities and contribution towards promoting and preservation of our cherished traditional norms and values, Elton Oil  Gambia Ltd, last Wednesday presented D120,000 cheque worth of  fuel to the National Centre for Arts & Culture (NCAC).

The presentation ceremony was held at the Elton Oil Company along the Atlantic Road in Fajara, right opposite the Army Barracks.  Awa Jagne-Jassey, Senior Manager brand and Communication at the Elton Oil presented the cheque on behalf the company to Siaka Fadera,  Assistant Communication Officer, on behalf of Bala Saho, Director General of NCAC.

The donation was meant to alleviate fuel constraints of the NCAC, especially on its daily operational cost in managing the country’s traditional norms and values. The sum indicated in the cheque will cover half of the annual fuel cost of the NCAC. The most beautiful aspect of  the presentation was the announcement made by the Elton Oil Company that such assistance will become an annual affair.

Speaking to the Arts and Culture desk shortly after handing over the cheque to NCAC officials, Awa Jagne-Jassey, Senior Manager brand and Communication of Elton Oil, the Gambia Ltd, extended warm greetings from her managing director, who could not attend the presentation ceremony due to other pressing engagements. She spoke extensively about her company’s resolve to contribute positively towards promoting the spirit of arts and culture development in the country and beyond.

Mrs Jassey, who did not hide her passion for African culture, made a  specific  reference to what she described as the beautiful Africa attire dress worn by African women. “I personally appreciate it, whenever I see people dressed in their Africa attire heading for different occasions. I am always excited seeing people dressed in their traditional Africa dress. I personally have many of them and I used to dress in them occasionally. I felt proud whenever I am in my African attire dresses. It makes you feel like an African, who is proud of his/ her origin. It gives you a sense of belonging.

Elton Oil deeply values our traditional norms and values. We are committed to the development and promotion of arts and culture in The Gambia and beyond. The D120,000 donation is part of the company’s corporate responsibility to the people of The Gambia,” she said. She pointed out what she described as Elton Oil, the Pan Africa Oil Company’s long outstanding support rendered to different aspects of life in The Gambia and beyond.

Awa Jagne-Jassey further pointed out the huge support her company rendered to the Gambian U17  football team, the frequent radio show high lighting the importance of road safety among other activities  throughout its ten years of operation in The Gambia. She assured the NCAC of their continuous support, saying the presentation of such assistance will be an annual thing.

Siaka Fadera, Assistant Communication Officer of the NCAC, expressed deep sense of appreciation to the management and staff of Elton Oil for the gesture. He described the donation as wonderful and timely considering the daily operations of NCAC, as the custodians of Gambia's culture.

He assured that the fuel donated will be put into good use. Mr Fadera also gave a detailed explanation of the operations of NCAC, covering wider issues such as the bi-annual Root International Festival, the Kanilai International Festival among other numerous cultural events both within and outside of the Gambia.