NaYCONF Conference Underway

The Conference, a crucial component of the biennial national youth gathering known as NaYCONF is underway at the School of Enrolled Nurses and Midwives at Bansang. The event kicked off Friday, a day after the NaYCONF was officially opened by Gambian vice president Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy who deputised the president.

Presiding over official opening of the conference was the speaker of the Gambian National Assembly, Abdoulie Bojang, who described the conference as main thrust of the NaYCONF.

Bojang also highlighted the importance of the NaYCONF, while calling on the empowerment and involvement of youth in the development of the country. He said irregular migration is a cause for concern, adding that the number of irregular migration by youth is on the increase. “Most of our youth have lost their lives in this risky journey ..." He encouraged the youth to refrain from such journey and “take up entrepreneur and self-employment.

Also speaking at the event, the chairperson of the National Youth Council, Fabakary Kalleh, reminded the conference delegates of this year’s NaYCONF theme: “Directing and Re-orienting Youth Participation towards the Productive Sector of the Economy.”

He challenged the youth to work hard in order to achieve excellence, advancement and development of our nation. "The National Organising Committee (NOC) has spent a lot on this year’s NaYCONF."

Alieu K. Jammeh, Minister of Youth and Sports also addressed the delegates. He said the conference is one of the most important component of the NaYCONF, thus urged the conference delegates to talk reasonably not just talk for the sake of talking when making resolutions.

“There are plenty of opportunities for youth in the country. Foreigners will come in the country and make a living for themselves within a short space of time.

“We hope you will come up with strong and reasonable resolutions”, he emphasised.