Gambians have been paying tribute to former diplomat and philanthropist Aja Tuku Jallow, who died on Sunday after a brief illness. 

Ms Jallow served as Gambian diplomat to the United Arab Emirates in Barrow’s first cabinet in 2018.

She has been praised for her charitable contributions with many describing her as a devoted exemplary Muslim who had help thousands of people and communities during her life time.

Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda described her as an extraordinary woman and an asset to the nation.

“Aunty Tuku Jallow’s last gesture to me was to create an ablution center and borehole system at Latrikunda Sabiji Market on April 3rd 2023 on my request. The month before she donated 100 bags of cement to the Kotu Medical Stores Mosque on my request. 

“She was a woman of Islam and made her life’s work helping Islamic centres and underserved communities throughout the Gambia. Words cannot describe how I feel today after hearing the sad news last night. A Gambian asset has been lost. My deepest condolences to her family and the Gambian people. May Allah grant her Jannatul Firdaus,” he said. 

“Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them. Tuku Jallow, you shall never be forgotten by us for you have served our people and country well.  When Gambia was under siege, you stood firm to ensure that it was free from the clutches of tyranny.

“I am proud to have marched with you on numerous occasions, sometimes in frigid weather in pursuit of democracy and freedom. You were one of the most passionate, uncompromising, and relentless comrades in the struggle. My condolences to The Gambia, your family, particularly your son, Bamba, and all your friends. May your patriotic soul rest in eternal peace,” Pa Samba Jow, a US-based Gambian activist said.

Ms Jallow was a staunch supporter and founding member of the 

opposition United Democratic Party. 

In a statement the party paid tribute to her 

saying that it has lost one of the greatest pillars of the party.

It said Aja Tuku Jallow had “invested so much, in the struggle to liberate the Gambia while she was in exile, where she lobbied and contributed immensely to see a new Gambia.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba