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Momodou
Denmark
11712 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Dec 2010 : 18:10:37
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On courage and service to the nation: A Tribute to Momodou Kaba Tambajang, Commissioner GRA
By Momodou Sabally (Author Jangi Jollof)
Monday, December 20, 2010
The general who advances without coveting fame..., whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
Sun Tzu
 In the demise of Momodou Kaba Tambajang, The Gambia has lost a jewel, indeed we have lost a rare gem. It is said that many are called but the chosen are few. This gentleman was called and he answered; when he was chosen he submitted and delivered to a nation with high expectations. Perhaps, many people may not know what it entails to be the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority but those of us familiar with the duties and responsibilities associated with this very important office realise that beside the pomp and pageantry that may occasionally be associated with this office, it is one of the most challenging positions anyone can handle in this country: to be entrusted with filling the coffers of a whole nation every year from one budget projection to the other.
Kaba took this responsibility and duty to serve his nation under sometimes very trying circumstances. He served as Director General of the erstwhile Customs and Excise Department with distinction. When the nation’s revenue collection agencies were merged in 2006, the country sought a competent person to head this novel institution. It was going to be a risky experiment. The authorities chose Kaba, and true to his character he accepted the challenge and delivered per excellence. To date, the Gambia Revenue Authority stands, shoulder-high amongst Africa’s eminent success stories in a new paradigm of domestic resource mobilisation. It happened under the dynamic and courageous stewardship of Momodou Kaba Tambajang.
His was a lifetime of service to his nation. His dedication to duty was exemplary, and this great feat was epitomised on his death bed. Sick in the hospital, he called one of his dedicated staff, reminding him of the current and pending duties that were to be executed. Perplexed, this gentleman told him “CG, but you are sick; you do not have to worry about the office, now.”What a story! In this is an example worthy of emulation for all of us that are entrusted with national duties. His was a service to the nation with great courage and exemplary dedication!
Ever the most humble and respectful gentleman, everyone who spoke about him mentioned his humility, dedication to duty, and deep sense of consideration for his family, colleagues and neighbours. One of his staff was in deep sorrow and sobbing at the mortuary just after learning of Kaba’s demise. He lamented that he has lost a father for Kaba was not only his mentor but also was as kind to him, and gave him heartfelt advice like a father would to his son.
The last time I saw him was during a dinner he hosted for a visiting delegation of the World Customs Organization, where he reminded us all about the virtue of brotherly love. Exuding deep joy and satisfaction for a successfully completed international conference in The Gambia, I could feel his joy and I was deeply happy to see his face radiant with a glorious smile.
For a man who has put a smile on the faces of many a Gambian and non-Gambians alike, I was not there when he answered the ultimate call of Allah, but those present did tell me that he passed away with a smile on his face. May Allah the Most merciful keep him in joy in the next world and admit him to the loftiest of palaces in Heaven.
Source: The Point
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 20 Dec 2010 : 20:33:18
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Alhaji Momodou,
This is a touching tribute. Unfortunately, death doesn't filter or discriminate. It comes to whoever is called. Truly, a figure was lost. Good to See Sabally's (Author of Jangi Jollof and Instant Success" hand on this.
R.I.P!
Yero. |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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Edited by - Dalton1 on 20 Dec 2010 20:50:23 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11712 Posts |
Posted - 21 Dec 2010 : 18:33:11
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On humility and honesty: A tribute to Momodou Kabba Tambajang, commissioner general, Gambia Revenue Authority
By Ousman Bah Head, Corporate & Public Affairs Gambia Revenue Authority
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
No man is worth his salt who does not live and die for a great for his nation; Theodore Roosevelt.
With over three decades of distinguished and dedicated services to The Gambia, the late Momodou Kabba Tambajang hailed from Bansang Town in the CRR. A graduate of the prestigious Armitage High School just miles away from his hometown, Kabba as he was most popularly called, joined the Customs Department in 1977 and rose through the ranks until his appointment as Director General a decade ago. Known for his humility, selflessness, honesty, professionalism, through him the department witnessed remarkable revenue collection from few million dalasi monthly to hundreds of millions of dalasi.
As circumstances would dictate, economies evolve with time which therefore, requires governments to adjust appropriately according to such emerging realities. The Gambia as we all know heavily depends on foreign aid or loans to finance development programmes for the people, it thus became necessary to set up a revenue authority which is usually a merger of the traditional sister revenue mobilisers; Customs and Income Taxes Departments. This development was meant to enhance and maximize the mobilization of the much needed domestic revenue in a bid to enjoy economic independence and political sovereignty. This placed The Gambia on the road to the attainment of debt relief dedicated to countries that have been dubbed as highly indebted countries (HIPC).
Owing to this development, the government of The Gambia passed legislation in the National Assembly known a s the Gambia Revenue Authority Act 2004. This established the GRA which was first headed by a Kenyan WB Expert, John MsAfari to set up this strategic national institution which would soon see the appointment of the first Gambian Born Commissioner General, Momodou Kabba Tambajang who until his untimely death on Tuesday 14 December 2010 was the CG. Through his dynamism, astuteness, adeptedness and professionalism, Kabba steered the affairs of the new merger which today is a model among many countries as a huge success story. The initial feat he had to engage in doing was the successful bonding of the different departments and directorates who in their individuality and collectivity had different cultural mindsets and worldviews. However, through his superb leadership as a good shepherd, the GRA has since emerged as one family who are highly motivated and focused on producing results which is attested to by the steady growth of revenue collection which is now in the tune of hundreds of billions dalasi accounting for 20% of GDP and over 80% of government revenue.
During his tenure as Commissioner General, Tambajang demonstrated his genuine loyalty to the state and his only motivation if any in carrying out his job with such performance and success was his patriotism to The Gambia and his fear of Allah. The man conquered flesh and all other worldly matters meaning he focused only in doing the right thing for the sake of the job. He was incorruptible and conquered pettishness which continues to plague efficiency among institutions and organizations. Some people within GRA branded him a workaholic and he would often stick his neck for performance. Perhaps one of the reasons he was such a conqueror was the fact that he valued time so that he never failed or missed an appointment even with those among among the lower cadre of the Authority.
Out of his humility and modesty, the late Momodou Kabba Tambajang would rather leave his desk and meet you in your office for consultations and never rests until assignments he gives are completed or would keep knocking at your door or coming to your desk and in his usual soft unassuming tone saying "how far". All this is done with respect to your person as an officer rather he treats you as a colleague than as his so-called subordinate. This helped most of us who worked though briefly under him to complete assignments on time. The man led a simple and ordinary life style which amazed many in many respects. He hardly got driven in the "state of the art" GRA 1 Official Car allocated to him. Often times you bumped into him walking in the bustling streets of Banjul especially when he went to attend meetings at the State House or Ministry of Finance. As soon he gets home, he allowed his driver to go away with the vehicle only to be picked up the next morning for work. Owing to simplicity in character and high level of integrity, one can hardly say who he was among the lot rather he moved and talked so simply and quietly.
The man called Kabba owned a simple house in New Jeswang a place usually indundated with floods during the rains. As in the words of the Mayor of the Kanifing Municpality, people of Kabba's caliber would not reside within such neighborhoods but out of simplicity and humility he remained with his neighbours and used resources that he could have invested in owing another house in Bijilo, Brusubi or Fajara towards a mosque for the worship of Allah. Instead spending time trotting the globe like is common practice among many a CEO, Kabba only travelled twice officially throughout the three years I have worked under him. He decided to stay and produce results by following the Corporate Mission of the Authority:" to promptly assess, collect and account for all revenue due to government in a fair and transparent manner…"
The man was so professional and skillful in doing his job thus making the Authority into a reference point or role model for other revenue administrations who have visited the GRA on study tours to learn from best practice and our success story. The latest to come was the Malawi Revenue Authority in October 2010. As in the words of Zig Ziglar, one can see and imbibe such values and qualities from the late Momodou Kabba Tambajang:
Plan with attitude
Prepare with aptitude
Participate with servitude
Receive with gratitude
And this shall be enough to separate you from the multitude.
The late Momodou Kabba was a very good planner with taste for organization and he did it with such a remarkable attitude of professionalism that he produced such outstanding results. He did things with great degree of aptitude and he consulted with his colleagues without a mark of arrogance but rather with respect and dignity so all gave him their total support. In everything he did, he participated with servitude to the state and his God and his last breath was so peaceful that those around him thought he was relaxed an ordinary sleep and his funeral attracted multitudes of mourners from far and wide and from people of all walks of life, a crowd I had never seen at any funeral.
Everyone that went to his funeral participated with gratitude for all he has done for the nation. I saw him barely thirty minutes before his last breath and the ever pleasant Kabba was there smiling and waving at us. How I wished I knew that was a final bye- bye. We shall meet again drinking from the streams of Firdaus INSALLAH. A man of faith, he received everything with gratitude to his creator, his messenger, his two parents, the government and his colleagues that GOD through the people treated his funeral with gratitude unmatched.
Having led a quiet, humble and simple life, his service made him stand out as one of the most honourable civil servants this country has ever known. He stood out in the multitude as an icon of honesty, humility and respect. As we say adieu to Momodou Kabba Tambajang, our hearts filled with grief yet lessons must and should be drawn form his rich life and young Gambians wishing to render selfless service to the nation should endeavor to draw inspiration from the man’s life.
May your gentle soul reside in JANNATUL FIRDAUS. AMEN!
Ousman Bah
Head, Corporate & Public Affairs
Gambia Revenue Authority
Source: Daily Observer |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Janko
Gambia
1267 Posts |
Posted - 22 Dec 2010 : 17:02:08
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RIP
A good and humble brother. |
Clean your house before pointing a finger ... Never be moved by delirious Well-wishers in their ecstasy |
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Momodou
Denmark
11712 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2010 : 17:04:24
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The Demise of Momodou Tambajang , A Tribute
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tambajang was a classmate, bosom friend and a dear brother who had been always there for me.
Death is inevitable as we all await it but the way and manners it comes speaks volumes of what lies beyond. Yes Mereh the nick name that only close associates and cousin brother Fye Ceesay MD GNIC, Yankuba Dibba GFPA and likes of Ebrima Jewru Saidy AGRIC Director, Kaliba Senghore former P.S Tourism, Folonko Bojang, Fatou Gaye ministry of Forestry among others and Momodou Bah 2 as well as Koto Abdou Camara of Assets Recovery and Management Company all his classmates will ever remember his gentility, humility and over and above all devotion to duty and God.
No doubt, this passage of his to eternity is tranquil that it came as a thunder bolt from the blue, a radio announcement over GRTS at 9.00pm after my well listened to programme “Na sama alfalu” (Menyanta) came the rude shock announcement of his demise. Unbelievable, I called his brother Ebrima Tambajang to be greeted with sobs. Turning to Yankuba Dibba it was confirmed as he was on the spot.
What bewilderment! The guy was physically OK, a day before brandished over GRTS! Can I be wakening up from my slumber to believe? Yes, after sojourning from Janjanbureh to attend the funeral. rites I have come to terms with the realty to accept just that of my own aunt who adopted me after the demise of my parents at my tender age forty years ago and recently my late brother Malafi Touray to whom all pay this tribute for God’s infinitive mercy to get to Jannatul Firdaus (the highest abode in Paradise). All said and done, Tambajang is a common man who despite his position was down to earth, religious and helpful! Many gesture of good will hardly be known to even his family. If the likes of his type are many in our society then thrive we shall. The consolation herein is that the likes of OB Conateh (Fisco) are around inspite of the demise of Ouainou Njie and many others of their nature and benevolence.
Adieu Merreh
Source: Dailynews |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11712 Posts |
Posted - 21 Apr 2011 : 14:57:41
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GRA human resource manager honours Kaba Tambajang
By Omar Wally
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Dr. Seedy Drammeh, human resources manager of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), has written a book about the late Momodou Kaba Tambajang, former commissioner general of GRA, who passed away earlier this year.
The book, entitled 'Tribute to M.K Tambajang', is the second book authored by Dr. Seedy Drammeh. His first book was entitled ‘Guide to productive office work’.
Speaking to the Daily Observer, Drammeh sent condolence to the bereaved family of the late GRA boss. He said part the proceeds of his book will be given to the deceased person's family. He added that issues that are contained in the book are meant for the leaders to learn more about the qualities of a good leader, like the late Tambajang, who was very much inspiring.
“For those who are aspiring to become leaders, it will assist them to know how good leaders behave,” he added. Drammeh described the late MK Tambajang as a humble, caring and dedicated leader, who had his country at heart, adding that he is contented with what he had.
“I had been working with him for seven years until his demise and during this period, he had taken GRA to a level that many thought was impossible. He trained and promoted lot of officers,” he concluded.
Source: Daily Observer |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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