In a rare case, the Lower River Region has gone unopposed in their bid to host the next National Youth Conference and Festival (Nayconf) due in 2014.
In his closing statement for the 2012 Nayconf in Bansang, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu K. Jammeh, confirmed LRR as the host of the 2014 youth convergence.
For the first time in history, the LRR’s case was an easy ride over the decision to award one of the seven regions of the country the go-ahead to host the event.
With no other region intending to argue, “we will be left with no option than awarding it to Lower River Region,” said Bakary Badjie, chairperson of the 2012 Nayconf Conference Sub-Committee.
According to him, the focus in this case is for a taskforce committee to assess the condition of infrastructure and facilities in their suitability to host the event.
The LRR delegation at the concluded Nayconf in Bansang, begged to be given the opportunity to succeed Central River Region in hosting Nayconf for the first time in the history of the region.
The Youth Chairperson of the region state in a letter to the National Youth Council (NYC) that “as the region never has the opportunity to host such a national event, we believe that we should be given the greatest advantage over all regions/municipalities in the country”.
In response to whether the region can meet the required condition in hosting the national event, the letter stated that the Mansakonko region will meet all the criteria set for the bidding of the Nayconf ranging from the required budget, to other resources including land for the construction of Nayconf villa with respect to time.
As part of their proposed fundraising plans, the region outlined its intention to set up a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in all the six administrative districts in the region to, among others, take care of accommodation, health, security, and sport.
According to their Nayconf bidding document, the LRR region intends to use the various facilities within the regional headquarters, such as schools, lodges, and other institutions, for accommodation and all the activities for the event.
It also intends to put up mechanisms to ensure there are enough security, water and electricity supply and health services to make the event a successful one.
Meanwhile, the governor of the Central River Region (CRR) has described the 10th edition of Nayconf a resounding success.
“I want to first and foremost thank the almighty Allah for guiding us safely through a memorable week of dialoguing, sporting activities, fanfare etc.
“I therefore, implore on all of you gathered here today to sincerely join me in thanking H.E. Sheikh Professor Doctor Alhagie Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, president of the
He added: “In the same vein, I want to thank NAWEC for their wonderful contribution in the realisation of Nayconf 2012. They did not only help in lighting up of the village, but have stationed staff all throughout the week.”
He also thanked all organisations who in their bid to exercise their corporate social responsibilities, joined hands in the staging of this remarkable event and all those who also contributed to the success of it.
