The Gambia’s last surviving Second World War veteran, Pa Ebou Janha, died on Friday aged 102 and was laid to rest on Saturday morning. In a military-style burial, the Gambia Armed Forces paid its last respects to the war veteran. Mourners also paid their last respects to the deceased, for his life of sacrifice, which has been a lifeline of support for his family.
Hundreds gather for a funeral service, to pay their tribute to the Gambia’s last surviving World War 2 veteran, Pa Ebou Janha. Family members, loved ones, religious leaders, and military men, take part in the funeral service, with complimenting tributes and prayers for the deceased. In honour of the late World War two veteran, the military performs a burial rite, for what the army PRO describes as the veteran’s “sacrifice for the country and humanity’’.
Pa Ebou Janha was born in 1920 and was blessed with two daughters. Latterly, he is reported to have suffered from Pneumonia. With medication and signs of recovery from the illness, the family had hopes for his life. With his dedication to work and support his family, Ebou Janha was motivated to return to his workshop to continue his business as a jeweller. Despite old age, he would never rest and kept on with his work to fulfil his needs and that of his family.
Mam Tutti Janha and Fatou Janha, are the two daughters of the late Pa Ebou Janha. My father is a warrior. He lived on his sweat until his last breath. He never troubled anyone for his survival, not even his neighbours and his children. We can only pray for him.
My father was content and never envied someone else’s wealth. He owes money to no one. He lived on his earnings, until he passed away. He loves people. Even his food, he would not eat alone without sharing it with people. He really was compassionate and had a good personality. May Allah bless him in Jannah.
Aji Demba Daffeh, a sister to Ebou Janha, share similar sentiments about the deceased. Pa Ebou is the first son of my mother, and was a responsible person with good character, and has fallen and risen with his family through his sweat, until his death. He never begged anyone for support. He was content and shared anything he had with his family and neighbours. I pray for him to rest in peace.
Njemeh Cham, a granddaughter of the late Pa Ebou Janha said, My grandfather, Ebou Janha was a good man and loved his family, and he was a real Muslim. He was a Baye Niass follower. We pray for him to find his new resting place better than what he has left in the world.
In attendance at the funeral, are members of the second world war veterans’ family Association. The association expresses sadness over the passing of their last surviving veteran. Pa Masowe Jobe is the assistant secretary of the World War 2 veterans’ family association.
He said that the late Pa Ebou and his family are all members of the Association and extend the associations condolence to the deceased family
The Gambia Armed Forces, through its Public Relations Officer, has sent a message to QTV, to pay tribute to the late world war veteran. The message reads: the military establishment is such that once you serve in the name of the country, we remain a particularly grateful force. This explains the reason for honouring the departed World War 2 veteran. They served not only the Gambia, but humanity as a whole. They answered the call of service without hesitation, and we will continue to remember them with every rising of the sun.
After a QTV story in November last year, the public reacted with financial support to the late veteran. In this interview with QTV, the veteran explained his service to country and appealed for the public to support his work by donating to him a vehicle which he could use to commute from his home to work. The ministry of Defence responded by facilitating donation of a Mercedes Benz, to the veteran, who is seen in these pictures delightful and grateful.
BY: Momodou L Choi
Hundreds gather for a funeral service, to pay their tribute to the Gambia’s last surviving World War 2 veteran, Pa Ebou Janha. Family members, loved ones, religious leaders, and military men, take part in the funeral service, with complimenting tributes and prayers for the deceased. In honour of the late World War two veteran, the military performs a burial rite, for what the army PRO describes as the veteran’s “sacrifice for the country and humanity’’.
Pa Ebou Janha was born in 1920 and was blessed with two daughters. Latterly, he is reported to have suffered from Pneumonia. With medication and signs of recovery from the illness, the family had hopes for his life. With his dedication to work and support his family, Ebou Janha was motivated to return to his workshop to continue his business as a jeweller. Despite old age, he would never rest and kept on with his work to fulfil his needs and that of his family.
Mam Tutti Janha and Fatou Janha, are the two daughters of the late Pa Ebou Janha. My father is a warrior. He lived on his sweat until his last breath. He never troubled anyone for his survival, not even his neighbours and his children. We can only pray for him.
My father was content and never envied someone else’s wealth. He owes money to no one. He lived on his earnings, until he passed away. He loves people. Even his food, he would not eat alone without sharing it with people. He really was compassionate and had a good personality. May Allah bless him in Jannah.
Aji Demba Daffeh, a sister to Ebou Janha, share similar sentiments about the deceased. Pa Ebou is the first son of my mother, and was a responsible person with good character, and has fallen and risen with his family through his sweat, until his death. He never begged anyone for support. He was content and shared anything he had with his family and neighbours. I pray for him to rest in peace.
Njemeh Cham, a granddaughter of the late Pa Ebou Janha said, My grandfather, Ebou Janha was a good man and loved his family, and he was a real Muslim. He was a Baye Niass follower. We pray for him to find his new resting place better than what he has left in the world.
In attendance at the funeral, are members of the second world war veterans’ family Association. The association expresses sadness over the passing of their last surviving veteran. Pa Masowe Jobe is the assistant secretary of the World War 2 veterans’ family association.
He said that the late Pa Ebou and his family are all members of the Association and extend the associations condolence to the deceased family
The Gambia Armed Forces, through its Public Relations Officer, has sent a message to QTV, to pay tribute to the late world war veteran. The message reads: the military establishment is such that once you serve in the name of the country, we remain a particularly grateful force. This explains the reason for honouring the departed World War 2 veteran. They served not only the Gambia, but humanity as a whole. They answered the call of service without hesitation, and we will continue to remember them with every rising of the sun.
After a QTV story in November last year, the public reacted with financial support to the late veteran. In this interview with QTV, the veteran explained his service to country and appealed for the public to support his work by donating to him a vehicle which he could use to commute from his home to work. The ministry of Defence responded by facilitating donation of a Mercedes Benz, to the veteran, who is seen in these pictures delightful and grateful.
BY: Momodou L Choi