By: Fatou Krubally
Telecommunications operator Comium Gambia on Wednesday evening hosted a media Iftar, bringing journalists, editors and communication stakeholders together in a gesture aimed at strengthening professional ties and promoting dialogue during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, attended by Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, centred on appreciating the role of the media while fostering closer collaboration between the telecommunications sector and journalists across the country.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Comium Chief Executive Officer Hassan Kabbani described the gathering as an opportunity to celebrate partnership with the media, noting that Ramadan values of reflection, compassion and unity resonate with the company’s approach to stakeholder engagement.
Kabbani commended journalists for informing, educating and shaping public discourse, stressing that Comium views the media as a strategic partner in national development.
He highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to expand network coverage, enhance service quality and promote digital inclusion, saying improved connectivity remains vital for education, entrepreneurship and access to information.
He further emphasised that the future of The Gambia’s digital ecosystem depends on cooperation among operators, regulators, government and the media, adding that transparency and open communication remain central to Comium’s operations.
In his address, Minister Ceesay thanked Comium for dedicating the Iftar specifically to media practitioners, describing the gesture as recognition of the sector’s importance in governance and public engagement.
“The media is the interface between institutions and the public,” the minister said, noting that government relies on journalists to disseminate information, capture public sentiment and promote accountability.
Ceesay also praised Comium’s contribution to the digital space and community initiatives, observing that the company’s re-emergence as an active telecom player is supporting national development and digital literacy efforts.
He used the occasion to encourage dialogue and mutual respect among stakeholders, stressing that constructive engagement remains essential to preserving The Gambia’s peace and democratic progress.
The minister also disclosed plans for a friendly football tournament involving media houses after Ramadan, to be organised in partnership with Comium.
Giving the vote of thanks, Comium’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Ida Ceesay, said the media Iftar was organised purely as an appreciation gesture, allowing journalists and the company to interact in a relaxed environment while reinforcing trust and cooperation.
The evening concluded with guests breaking fast and engaging in informal conversations, with participants expressing optimism that the media-focused Iftar would further strengthen collaboration between journalists and the telecommunications sector.
