President Adama Barrow has bade farewell to the late Vice President Dr Alieu Badara Joof by awarding him The Gambia’s highest civilian medal. 

The late VP was honoured with the Master of the Grand Commander of the Order of The Republic of The Gambia (GCRC) for  his honourable service to the nation throughout his life.

Speaking at the state funeral at the National Assembly, President Barrow said: “With this Honourable Joof we bid you farewell with honour. You have departed prematurely but honourably.

“The Gambia has certainly lost an illustrious son as a national asset and a pillar in cabinet who contributed constructively to cabinet proceedings. He was dependable and generously shared his knowledge, experience and expertise. 

“Badara Joof was one of the high reputable brains of The Gambia. Those who know his professional career very well will really confirm that Badara Alieu Joof was an intelligent and meticulous administrator.

“He was honest and blunt in his own words. He enjoyed telling the truth with the believe that telling the truth was the right thing to do and the best way to put things together.”

The late Vice President Dr Alieu Badara Joof died in India last Wednesday where he was receiving medical treatment. He was aged 66. 

He became the second Gambian Vice President to die in office since independence in 1965.

He will be buried in Banjulinding cemetery next to his mother’s grave following funeral prayers at the Banjulinding Mosque.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba