President Adama Barrow in his eulogy praised the late Imam and former Supreme Islamic Council leader Alhajie Banding Drammeh as “a great scholar who would be remembered for his service in spreading the teachings of Islam” in The Gambia. 

The late Imam died on Thursday at the age of 90 at his Brikama home and was laid to rest the same day.

State House said on Friday: “On behalf of his government, the people of The Gambia and on his own behalf, His Excellency, President Adama Barrow expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the erudite scholar and religious leader, late Alhajie Muhammad Drammeh, commonly known as Alhajie Banding Drammeh, who passed away on 2nd July 2020, at his residence in Brikama.

“The President described Alhajie Banding as a great scholar who would be remembered for his service in spreading the teachings of Islam, through his popular radio programme, as well as the schools he established and the many students he taught. 

“He also served as President of the Supreme Islamic Council, during which he guided government policy formulation on issues related to Islam.”

“Alhajie Banding was admired by many for his knowledge and eloquence in the Arabic language. He has left a legacy that will continue through the many scholars he has taught during his lifetime. 

“President Barrow prays that Allah grants his soul eternal peace and make Jannahtul Firdausi his abode,” State House added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba