The Gambian leader, Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, on Tuesday, the eve of the Gambia's 44th independence anniversary, hosted a colourful reception at State House.

The traditional reception was attended by the vice president and secretary of state for Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy; the speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay; the chief justice of The Gambia, Abdou Karim Savage; secretaries of state, National Assembly members, service chiefs, venerable religious leaders, the diplomatic community, the development partners of the country, as well as a cross section of the Gambian community.

The colourful event was punctuated by a musical performance by the Gambia National Army Band, as well as cultural performances from groups such as the famous Kabakel, the KMC Cultural Troupe, and Fula acrobats, who provided an exciting spectacle for the gathering. The Gambian leader, accompanied to the ground by the  First Lady, Madam Zineb Yahya Jammeh, later joined the invited guests to celebrate the day.  After this important moment, the First Family seized the opportunity to move into the crowd and shake hands with the invitees. The colourful reception later came to an end after the First Family satisfactorily rejoiced and renewed solidarity with the entire gathering.