(JollofNews) – My guest this week is Abdoulie Ceesay, the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Old Yundum constituency in Tuesday’s National Assembly election.
Who is Abdoulie Ceesay?
I am a resident of Wellingara village, Kombo North, the son of a retired teacher who taught for 36 years in the Gambia. I am also a social worker and a development practitioner who is very much capable, determined, motivated and resourceful.
When were you happiest?
Every morning when I get my mother’s blessings.
What is your greatest fear?
Disappointments.
What is your earliest memory?
When I was growing up, my dad once sent me to buy cigarettes and colanut at the local shop. On the way, I started playing some games and lost the D10 note. Like many Gambian parents, my dad was a disciplinarian and I knew he would give me a good beating if I went back and told him what had happened to his money. So I came up with what I thought was a brilliant idea and told the shopkeeper that my dad wants D5 cigarettes, D1 colanut on credit and D4 change. The confused shopkeeper kindly offered to take me back to my dad for clarification but on the way, I legged it to my uncle’s house where I sought refuge for the whole day.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
selflessness and inability to say no to people who seek for my help.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
selfishness.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
The first time I stood in front of a gathering to talk about economic empowerment for women.
What is the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
A second-hand fridge for my wife.
What is your most treasured possession?
A kerosene lamp given to me by my grandmother.
What would your superpower be?
Ability to bring fortunes to the lives of the poor especially women and children.
What is your favourite smell?
The smell of my wife’s Benechine.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
Dragons or Ninkinangko as they commonly known in the Gambia.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
That I am a hypocrite.
Have you ever said “I love you” and not meant it?
Never.
Which living person do you most despise, and why?
I hate hypocrites and selfish people.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Anyone who makes me laugh.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
My childhood days in Wellingara.
Which word do you most overuse?
Assalamu Alaikum
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not finishing a projected I started.
How do you relax?
By sleeping after long day’s work.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
When I fell off a motorbike I was learning to ride.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Peace and unity.
What is your greatest achievement?
Establishing a charity foundation which provides support to children’s education.
What keeps you awake at night?
Unfinished assignments.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a well-respected, truthful and hardworking man.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Ability to differentiate good from bad.
Is it better to give or receive?
I prefer to give more than to receive.
Which living person do you most admire?
The man who first empowered me to stand in front of people and talk.
If you would like to be featured in this column, please email editor@jollofnews.gm
