Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: Today, we pay tribute to Edrissa Mass Jobe, a renowned intellectual and pioneering entrepreneur whose significant contributions have profoundly influenced multiple sectors in The Gambia and internationally. Edrissa serves as the Executive Chairman of EMHOLDING, a prominent social enterprise in The Gambia, with extensive investments and holdings in areas including Petroleum, Tourism and Hospitality, Agriculture, Banking, and Insurance. I have always been struck by the moral and spiritual stature of Mr. Eddy Jobe; among all the individuals I’ve encountered in my life, he was one of only two people about whom no negative word was ever spoken.
Fatoumatta: We pause to recognize and applaud an exceptional individual, Mr. Edrissa Mass Jobe, whose steadfast commitment, fervent passion, and altruistic sacrifices have profoundly impacted numerous lives and communities. A paragon of humanitarianism, his brave heart is dedicated to the advancement of humankind. In a world filled with complexities, challenges, and uncertainties, Eddy Jobe’s relentless endeavors shine as a beacon, guiding us toward a more hopeful future. His resolute dedication to the welfare of humanity stands as a powerful affirmation of the transformative effects of compassion, empathy, and kindness. Day by day, he inspires us to pursue a world where every person has the chance to flourish, irrespective of their origin, situation, or beliefs.
Fatoumatta: The role of Mr. Edrissa Mass Jobe as a cheerleader is truly remarkable and commendable. Eddy Jobe, known for his outspoken advocacy, provided significant support to the independent press. Respecting his privacy, it is acknowledged that he supported media outlets with business, advertising, and printing contracts, despite risking his own business and facing potential threats from Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian regime. At a time when many business leaders and professionals hesitated to support journalists or the independent press, Mr. Jobe followed his conscience and faith, bravely standing by his convictions. He is a respectable individual, a philanthropist, and a dedicated advocate for independent journalism. His taste in clothing reflects his appreciation for beauty and excellence, which also shaped his social circle.
Mr. Jobe’s selflessness stands as a beacon of the human spirit’s capacity for benevolence. He embodies the essence of a humanitarian, risking his life daily to effect positive change. His steadfast passion and empathy motivate us to improve ourselves, aim for excellence, and contribute positively to society.
In honoring such an extraordinary person, we also acknowledge the myriad unsung heroes laboring quietly to enhance our world. Mr. Edirissa Mass Jobe’s commitment to the betterment of humanity serves as a precious reminder of our individual potential to foster meaningful change.
Fatoumatta: Edrissa’s path reflects his relentless dedication, deep expertise, and steadfast pursuit of excellence. Possessing a wealth of high-level experience in hydrocarbons, petroleum, engineering, finance, network planning, and project management, he has adeptly guided multinational companies into the petroleum, power, banking, and insurance sectors across Africa. His work as a social entrepreneur highlights his commitment to fostering local production, generating employment, and promoting regional integration as strategies to combat poverty. A native of Banjul, Edrissa’s educational journey commenced with his secondary studies in The Gambia, advancing to mechanical engineering in the UK. His pioneering role as the first Gambian hospital engineer at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital laid the groundwork for his technical and scientific acumen. Moving into the corporate sphere, Edrissa joined Shell and distinguished himself as a sales manager before rising to become the inaugural director of operations and marketing in Guinea.
Edrissa Mass Jobe’s narrative is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His legacy serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with dedication and vision, one can attain greatness and leave a significant mark on society. Edrissa Mass Jobe’s life reflects a man for whom the concepts of Fatherland, honor, work, loyalty, and determination have always resonated deeply. He held these values dear throughout his career and life, and most importantly, he exemplified them through his daily actions. Having worked alongside humans, I cannot articulate the extent to which my shell has been transformed.
Fatoumatta: Today, I do not hesitate to celebrate and honor Eddy Jobe in my column dedicated to eminent Gambian personalities who have made significant contributions to nation-building and the mentoring of young people through motivation and empowerment in entrepreneurship within the hydrocarbon sector. I find myself torn between the memory of a man who valued discretion above all and a brother known for his character and decency. He is a man of few words in public, yet he tirelessly worked towards the pursuit of good deeds. His commitment to doing good, anytime and anywhere, selflessly, has been a way of life he instilled in those within his circle. The lessons he imparted on conducting oneself in society and business are indelibly etched in my memory.
Sometimes you will be praised, other times you will face harsh criticism; always strive to stand firm. These are the essence of his words. Edrissa Mass Jobe is a name that will eternally be associated with diligence, excellence, self-sacrifice, generosity, and humility in this nation. He was a student brimming with potential in elementary school and at university in the United Kingdom: an honor student, the first Gambian hospital engineer, a talented engineer who was eager to contribute to the development of his country. He consistently offered support to the youth, encouraging their commitment to the value of hard work.
His engineering background and thirst for knowledge positioned him as an exemplary entrepreneur in the hydrocarbon sector. As a leader and a teacher, he excelled as both a student and a mentor, possessing a remarkable ability to listen and offer advice that seemed to decipher complex problems. He is a treasure trove of references and recommendations. Generously, he has contributed to various administrations, serving as a member of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and on numerous government parastatal boards.
Fatoumatta: Edrissa’s investment portfolio spans significant ventures, including LOGIX and ATLAS in the Petroleum Industry; Bamboo Village Hotel in Tourism and Hospitality; EMPAS Poultry and EMDIARY in the Agricultural Value Chains; as well as Fibank and West Africa Takaful in Banking and Insurance. He has held leadership roles on various boards within Banks, Insurance, Telecommunications, and Petroleum sectors across West, Central, and East Africa.
Edrissa’s illustrious career is highlighted by his tenure in high-profile roles such as Group CEO of Elton, B2C Manager for Oryx Addax Group, and Manager for Shell West and Central Africa. Leading EMHOLDING, he has positioned the company as a regional frontrunner in Project Origination and M&A, with key projects like the ELTON, Total Acquisition in The Gambia, SLOK Air, Vista Bank Group, Atlas Energy, GP Fuel Storage, and EMLOGIX.
Fatoumatta: Pierre de Gasquet, in his discussion of the Italian business magnate Gianni Agnelli, former head of Fiat, stated that the true measure of a clan’s or an individual’s power is not merely in the extent of their wealth. He emphasized that the ability for someone to “stand out from the crowd” and “become a living legend” is what elevates them to the status of a symbol, a generational reference, and ultimately, a “pillar of a Nation.” Mr. Edirissa Mass Jobe, through his talent, intelligence, and courageous business ventures, as well as his dedication to his work, has established himself as an enduring icon in our country. He serves as the epitome of success for any native who aspires to greatness. Unfortunately, Mr. Jobe’s only misfortune is that he was born and lived in The Gambia, a nation known for its tendency to disdain its heroes, to resent those who achieve success through hard work, and to oppose anything greater than ourselves.
Fatoumatta: The kleptocratic decades of despot Yahya Jammeh’s rule have been marked by silence over the disappearance of the last titan of our economy, which speaks volumes about the mindset of a country eager to diminish all greatness and vilify its exceptional citizens. With the current eagerness to witness our heroes fall to the flames of bitter failure, the construction of a Pantheon to honor the nation’s worthy sons seems far from today’s agenda. After a life well-lived, one of our most esteemed captains of industry and a staunch advocate for Gambian entrepreneurship in all its forms has departed. He was adept at planting seeds of inspiration in many minds, guiding them with the patience of a helmsman, nurturing the finest ideas and initiatives for the betterment of Gambia.
One of Marcus Aurelius’ maxims, “Do not look around; follow the straight path; do not scatter your attention,” encapsulates the approach Eddy Jobe generously shared with everyone who had the opportunity to work alongside him. I am overwhelmed with emotion for not having gathered all the essential elements to craft a narrative about Gambian capitalism and the enduring pursuit of entrepreneurship across various sectors, in which he was a pivotal conversationalist and contributor. The poignant realization that the time we believe we have is always an illusion unless utilized wisely continues to be profound.
Fatoumatta: Today marks the celebration of a remarkable man, a beautiful soul devoted to Africa and The Gambia, who tirelessly worked to create abundant opportunities for his friends, colleagues, family, and children. In honoring Edrissa Mass Jobe, we recognize his invaluable contributions to The Gambia and beyond. His efforts have fueled economic growth, fostered social advancement, and encouraged regional unity. Edrissa’s commitment to opening doors and improving lives solidifies his status as a genuine national icon. There will never be another colossus like the brother, father, and leader that Mr. Jobe has been to The Gambia. We cannot imagine a more extraordinary luminary.
A man of consumate intellectual pedigree and an adept serial entrepreneur, of honour, integrity and values grounded on pan Africanism, kinship, people and above all patriotism n being true to the Gambia!