Gambian Envoy Launches Children’s Book On Umrah

Gambian Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Permanent Representative, Mohammed Musa, has praised the launch of a new children’s book that teaches the religious journey of Umrah while promoting values such as humility, respect, and dedication.

Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Ambassador Musa commended the author, Fatu Jobarteh a Gambian national, for presenting complex religious and ethical concepts in a simple and relatable way for young readers.

“What I love about the book is its simplicity and the way the author communicates with young people,” he said. “It explains what Umrah is, why it is important, and the steps needed to complete it, while also teaching universal values relevant to all children, regardless of faith.”

The ambassador also highlighted the broader significance of African authors telling African stories. “We need more Africans to write about our journeys, our experiences, and our faith,” Musa said. “This book is a great example, encouraging young readers to grow spiritually while understanding core values of humility, respect, and service to humanity.”

He further emphasized the importance of cultivating identity and self-awareness among children. “Having a sense of identity is one of our primal needs as humans. By understanding who they are and their place in the community, children grow up to be confident and responsible individuals,” he added.

Ambassador Musa also reflected on the strong bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Gambia, citing ongoing collaboration in education, judiciary, security, and trade.

He encouraged greater literary and cultural exchanges, as well as regional integration through ECOWAS initiatives, to facilitate knowledge-sharing and travel within West Africa.

For her part, the author, Fatu Jobarteh, explained the inspiration behind the book. “In my culture, people usually embark on Umrah at an older age. Coming to Nigeria, it was a cultural shock to see young and middle-aged individuals performing Umrah,” she said.

She added that her research and preparations for her children inspired her to create a guide for a wider audience. “What started as a mother’s guide for my children grew into a book for the children of the entire Ummah,” Jobarteh said.

Child psychologist Dr. Mariam Mohammed noted that the storytelling approach helps children grasp both the practical and spiritual aspects of Umrah. “The book, structured as a ‘how-to’ guide, simplifies the rituals and significance of Umrah in a way children can understand,” she said. “It explains the places, functions, and essence of Umrah from the very beginning, making it accessible to young readers.”

The book launch was celebrated as a step toward promoting spiritual education, moral values, and a culture of reading among young Africans.