The management of the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Thursday met the vice president and minister of Women's Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy at her office at State House to brief her about their plans to observe the bank's 10 years of existence in the country.

The team, which was led to State House by the bank’s managing director, Olufemi Omotoso, took the opportunity to formally invite the vice president and minister of Women's Affairs as well as other senior government officials to grace the anniversary celebrations slated for 23rd of April 2012.

Speaking to reporters shortly after their audience with the vice president, Omotoso explained the purpose of the visit, saying the bank is on the verge of observing the activities marking its 10th years of existence in The Gambia, and therefore, deemed it prudent to come to State House to formally invite the vice president and other high ranking officers of the government of The Gambia.

Dilating on the banking system in the country, Omotoso said it is a bit peculiar sector and that its financial sector is also very critical. He said that when he came to the country, he realised that there was stiff competition in the banking sector, which also shows that there is professionalism in the system.

Commenting on his bank's commitment to change the industry, Omotoso averred that he would wish to do all it takes to partner with government on the development of the economy ranging from the growth, manufacturing as well as the production sector. “Don't forget that The Gambia is a predominantly and import-dependent economy and what we need to do is to develop the production sector, while looking into agriculture as well as production to partner with government to develop the economy,” he said.

The GTBank boss also spoke about some of the major corporate social responsibilities his bank has rendered to society of recent, notably the refurbishment of the Brikama Health Centre among a host of others. He disclosed that Friday would be the final day of the activities marking the anniversary, during which the bank would host a dinner as a mark of appreciation to all those who in one way or the order contributed to its success in the country.

GCA’s honour

In another development, the vice president also received the Gambia Comedians' Association of The Gambia (GCA) at her office at State House. The executive of the association which was led to State House by its president, Samuel Leigh presented a certificate of honour, thus, adapting the vice president as honourable mother of the association.

Shortly after their audience with the vice president, Leigh told reporters that the visit was meant to honour and adapt her as the mother of the association, describing her as a women with substance and potentiality. “We are here to present a certificate to the vice president because we chose her to be the mother of our association and we believe that if you have a good association, you must have a good mother behind and that is why we came here and we really appreciate her for accepting this honour,” he said.

He revealed that the association was formed in February 2011, with very committed executive members and 25 comedians. He said that since then, they have been performing in different places across the country, notably the Kanilai International Cultural Festival from which they earned a certificate. “We still want to continue doing good to make sure that the Gambian people are happy with us,” Leigh further stated, while pointing out that comedy is a type of play that has the potential to make somebody feel good.

Outlining the challenges facing the association, the GCA president pointed out that there is still need for the association to secure support from the general public especially in their shows. He said that in most cases, the turnout from Gambians is sometimes demoralizing as many do not turn up as expected. “We are urging Gambians to come out and support the association instead of going out to call comedians outside the country,” he added.