Fatou Mass Jobe- Njie, the minister for Tourism and Culture, Tuesday officially opened the multi-million dalasi Women Museum and Art Centre in Bato Kunku in Kombo South, Western Region.

The centre is the first of its kind in The Gambia and the fifth in the whole of Africa. It was built and coordinated by Isha Fofana, a renowned Gambian artist who is in the country after residing in Germany for many years. The museum is hosted within the premises of Mama Africa Art Gallery, a subsidiary of Mama Africa in Germany operated by Isha Fofana in collaboration with her husband Bern AX. It is expected to be a place for training potential artists of all ages. In addition to that, it will house important items used in Gambian traditional settings by both women and men.

Minister Jobe-Njie, extended warm and sincere greetings from the vice president and minister for Women's Affairs to the proprietor for executing such a wonderful development project in the country. She described the women museum as historic and an added value towards the development of the country, especially in the promotion and development of arts and culture and the tourism industry of the country which is in line with relentless and committed efforts of the government of The Gambia.

"A leading Gambian artist training artists in the country is very important. Artists are important partners in development. Art permeates virtually every aspect of life. We use and need arts for aesthetics and decoration. The art of a nation portrays the creativity genius of its people and contributes towards development of socio-cultural features of any country. Therefore, the need to have more attention paid on arts and culture industry cannot be overemphasised," she said, while assuring the proprietor of her Ministry's support at all times.

Momodou Joof, the director general of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) described the day as very important in the history of arts and culture in the country, considering the role of the museum and facilities available to both young and old, especially those interested in research.

The NCAC boss added: "I am not surprised to see this project being implemented by Isha Fofana. I have known her for long now. She became committed to the world of art at a very tender age." He also assured of his institution?s readiness to render support whenever the need arises.

For her part, Isha Fofana, the proprietor of the museum extended sincere appreciation to the Gambian leader for giving her the opportunity and confidence to invest in the country. She hailed the vice president for also giving her support at all times. She also spoke about her longstanding career in the world of arts and culture both in Germany and The Gambia. The programme was punctuated with extensive cultural dance, tour of the museum and merry making.