A routine visit to the National Identification Management System (NIMS) at the Kanifing Immigration Office has turned into an opportunity to recognise professionalism, discipline and dedication to public service.
Renowned Gambian journalist, media entrepreneur and youth leader Mamour M. Mbenga, alias Kifa Barham, has commended officers at the Kanifing Immigration Office for what he described as a commendable standard of service, particularly the professionalism demonstrated by First Class Immigration Officer Edward Mendy.
Mbenga made the remarks following his visit to the Kanifing branch on Friday, September 11, 2026, to renew his expired national identity card.
According to Mbenga, his encounter with Officer Mendy left a strong impression because of the young officer’s disciplined approach, patience and commitment to ensuring that established procedures were properly followed.
Professionalism in Practice
Mbenga recounted that while attempting to complete his ID payment through the designated payment system, the receipt-scanning code failed to register.
Rather than proceeding without proper verification, Officer Mendy asked him to return to the payment point to have the receipt checked for authenticity and readability.
Mbenga said the officer handled the situation calmly and communicated clearly throughout the process, ensuring that the payment receipt was properly verified before the application could proceed.
“What impressed me most about this young man was his disciplined communication skills and the professionalism with which he dealt with applicants,” Mbenga said.
He described Officer Mendy’s conduct as an example of transparency and accountability in frontline public service.
“As a concerned citizen, I was impressed by the energy and professionalism he displayed. His service was top-notch and dedicated.
He was active and guided applicants through the right process without any expectation of reward,” Mbenga stated.
A Message to Young Officers
Mbenga encouraged young officers within the Immigration Department to emulate the approach demonstrated by Officer Mendy, particularly his commitment to ethical standards, proper procedures and respectful communication with members of the public.
Addressing the officer directly, he said:
“I pray for you, brother, to continue doing the right job in the interest of the nation. Keep going. You are still young, and I believe the future is bright for you.”
Officer Mendy, a native of Mandinaba Village and a member of Recruitment Intake 15, was specifically recognised for his conduct during the ID renewal process.
Recognition for Senior Officers
Mbenga also expressed appreciation to the senior personnel responsible for supervising and guiding younger officers at the Kanifing Immigration Office.
He singled out Inspector Mballow, whom he praised for his dedication to duty and his contribution to maintaining professional standards within the institution.
According to Mbenga, his experience at the Kanifing office offered a positive reflection of what he described as improvements in immigration operations and public service delivery.
He further commended the quality and standards of the national identity cards being issued, describing developments within the identification process as encouraging.
A Positive Example of Public Service
The recognition of Officer Edward Mendy highlights the important role frontline government officials play in shaping citizens’ experiences with public institutions.
For Mbenga, professionalism is not simply about completing a task. It is also about transparency, discipline, accountability, patience and respectful communication.
His experience at the Kanifing Immigration Office, he said, serves as a reminder that positive encounters between citizens and public officers deserve to be recognised and encouraged.
As public institutions continue to improve service delivery, the example set by officers such as Mendy demonstrates how professionalism and dedication at the frontline can strengthen public confidence in government services.
