Vision Development Foundation (VDF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has said they receive reports that some people that received the donated sugar are keeping it, without distributing to needy communities the sugar are meant for. He called on the media to support in exposing such practices.
Similar comments were echoed by VDF PRO- Mr Saihou Fofana who said people found wanting will seize to be VDF partners, and will not benefit from VDF future projects.
These remarks were made on Wednesday, 3 April 2024, marking Vision Development Foundation's (VDF) 6th day Ramadan Sugar, food items and cash donations to needy communities and institutions from various parts of The Gambia.
The Ramadan Sugar Gifts presentations are being conducted alongside distributions of food items such as dates, tea, chicken meat, bread, milk, rice, oil and cash for needy communities and institutions who gather at the Foundation's branch Office in Churchill's Town, along the Brikama - Banjul Highway, to collect the gifts.
In addition to last week Friday's Sugar distribution to National Assembly Members from North Bank Region, Central River Region and Upper River Region for their needy communities, in which 25 NAMs were present to receive the Sugar for their constituencies, this time around NAMs from Lower River Region and West Coast Region, as well representative of Area Councils were among dignitaries present to receive Ramadan Sugar for their constituents.
Mr Saihou Fofana in his remarks said as a tradition they invited people on behalf of Mr Momodou Turo Darboe the VDF CEO to distribute Sugar, Rice, Oil among related food items to the less privileged; although this time around it's mainly Sugar they were to distribute.
He said 31 beneficiaries were targeted during the 6th day donations exercise. Adding that VDF is well known for offering such gestures, and since they started many other organisations has emulated.
Mr Fofana said benefiaries include Area Councils, and National Assembly Members who didn't receive Sugar during their previous distribution to National Assembly Members- namely- Jarra East NAM, KMC Mayor Representative, Banjul Mayor Representative, Brikama Area Council, Bundung NAM, Kerewan Area Council, Janjangbureh Area Council, Basse Area Council, Kiang East, Kombo East, disabled people's organisations, Mobile Traffic Unit of The Gambia Police Force, Mandinaba Quranic Memorisation School, Tallinding Islamic Institute, among others.
Mr Fofana unveiled that a total of 1710 bags of Sugar in 10 Kilos were distributed among beneficiaries to enable them have sugar in the month of Raamadan.
"Our advise is always this sugar we intent to give out is from our CEO Mr Momodou Turo Darboe. We always emphasize that let those who receive distribute it to the people that need it most. Unfortunately people are calling us that they don't receive sugar. Please there is no need to keep the sugar because we make the distribution very easy by putting it in 10 kilos. You can give 10 Kilos to any person and it can help them. We are appealing to all of you collecting to distribute the sugar to give it to those who need it most, so that next time we can continue the partnership, and on other projects with you. If this project does not go well there will be no need to continue with you on any of our other projects, because we know the partnership cannot go. But if this is well distributed, we have the feedback and a letter of appreciation, it will be a source of motivation to beable to do more," he said.
Hon. Ismaila Jallow Deputy Chairman of Brikama Area Council said they have been contacted by VDF to receive Sugar and distribute it to the needy in West Coast Region, and assured they will distribute it as expected.
Lamin K. Bajinka - on behalf of the Kombo East NAM- Hon. Abdou Sowe expressed gratitude for representing Kombo East in such high esteemed occassion; and further thank VDF and their CEO- Mr Momodou Turo Darboe for the support they are rendering to Gambian people every year. Said he is also happy to have Kombo East allocated 50 bags of Sugar in 10 Kilos, and they will be happy to share the gestures with target the needy communities in Kombio East. He also thank VDF for maintaining support to needy communities with sugar and rice every year during Ramadan; and pray for Allah to ensure continuity and protection of VDF Team.
Almamo AK Ceesay Vice Chairperson of Mansakonko Area Council on behalf of his Chairman thanked VDF and prayed for Allah to protect VDF and their services to the people.
Hon. Nfally M. Kora on behalf of the Executive Director of the Tumana Agency for Development (TAT) said their people adopted the VDF CEO - Momodou Turo Darboe as their Father. Adding: "Because of that the VDF allocated some sugar for this organisation [TAT], to distribute it to women associations for onward distributions to target communities. "We are very much happy, and we really appreciate the gesture because we know it will go a long way in helping the needy families in Tumana and Upper River Region," said Hon. Kora. He finally thank the CEO- Momodou Turo Darboe and the entire VDF management and staff for this good will gesture, adding that such gestures will go long way in helping their people.
Hon. Almameh Gibba - National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala,Representing the five NAMs in Foni- namely Foni Berefet, Foni Bintang Karanai, Foni Kansala Bondali and Foni Jarrol thanked VDF for the gesture, noting "It's really a great thing supporting vulnerable families.
"We are thanking Mr Momodou Turo Darboe and the VDF Executive for this great gesture, which will go long way in lives and livelihood of people. We salute him for this tireless efforts. He have been doing this for years, and we pray to Almighty Allah for him to continue this gesture," he said.
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