Minister Fatou Mass Jobe shed tears on May 15th at the Gala Dinner and Awards of the 11th edition of the Roots Homecoming Festival held at the Senegambia Beach Hotel.
The outspoken minister sobbed as she invited her Permanent Secretary (PS) on stage to receive an award for his successful involvement in the festival.
In front of hundreds of guests, Fatou Mass showered praises on her PS. She said: “Modou Joof is like an elder brother to me. I will not do anything without Mr. Joof.”
She revealed that the veteran cultural worker is now 61, and about to go on retirement.
The minister also talked about how Modou Joof guided her when she took over as the country’s Tourism and Culture minister.
The PS, who received a warm loud applause, in response said: “She (Fatou Mass Jobe) is one of the strongest Gambian women we have in this country. Since she took over, tourism has grown significantly. I want to thank her for the support she gave me.”
Some of the other dignitaries that received awards included the president of the country and the late GRTS Managing Director, Alh. Modou Sanyang.
Speaking to What’s On-Gambia, some of the Roots participants described the 11th edition of the festival a huge success.
Patricia Whytefrom the United Kingdom said she intends to convince her friends and family to take part in the next festival.