Thank You for Your Service | Emotional Tribute to Former GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo

The tribute, written by Jarai Fayenkeh, describes Bajo as a leader whose impact extended beyond football administration and into the lives of individuals who worked closely with him.

Fayenkeh recalled first connecting with Bajo in 2022, during the former GFF president’s campaign for re-election. According to the tribute, Bajo contacted her unexpectedly while she was attending a family gathering in Farato Bojang Kunda.

After an initial difficulty connecting by phone, Bajo reportedly sent a message introducing himself. The interaction, Fayenkeh said, marked the beginning of a relationship built on mutual respect.

Bajo subsequently invited Fayenkeh to join his campaign team. Fayenkeh accepted the opportunity and went on to publicly support Bajo and defend his policies during the election period, despite facing criticism, online attacks and insults over his position.

Following Bajo’s re-election, Fayenkeh said she received several opportunities to contribute to football administration. These included serving on the GFF Media and Publicity Committee, working as a Match Coordinator and Commissioner in GFF competitions, and receiving training in competition management through CAF and WAFU Zone A programmes.

She also credited Bajo with supporting him during his pursuit of further education, including his admission to a degree programme at Shanghai Business University in China.

Fayenkeh further acknowledged the personal support she received from Bajo during difficult periods of her life, describing the former federation president as a source of encouragement at times when she was vulnerable.

While acknowledging that their relationship was not without disagreements and moments of dissatisfaction, Fayenkeh said those differences did not erase the respect and appreciation she had developed for Bajo.

She described Bajo as one of the finest presidents in the history of the GFF, pointing to the achievements recorded during his tenure while recognising that opinions about his leadership may differ within the football community.

The tribute also addressed the recently concluded GFF presidential election. Fayenkeh said her decision during the campaign was based on personal conviction and trust rather than loyalty to Bajo’s preferred candidate.

Despite supporting a different candidate, she said Bajo respected her decision and did not allow political or electoral differences to damage their relationship.

“Thank you for the respect, thank you for your service,” Fayenkeh wrote, while expressing the belief that Bajo’s contribution to Gambian football would remain part of the sport’s history.

Looking ahead, Fayenkeh said she intends to work with the newly elected GFF leadership under President Kemo Ceesay, whom she described as a key motivation behind the support she offered to Bajo’s administration between 2022 and 2026.

She welcomed the new executive and expressed her commitment to working with the leadership in the interest of Gambian football, particularly towards improving standards and delivering on promises made to the football community.

The tribute ultimately presents Bajo’s departure from the GFF presidency not simply as the end of an administration, but as the closing of a personal chapter for those who worked with and supported him.

For Fayenkeh, the relationship forged since 2022 remains a lasting part of his journey within Gambian football.