The National Youth Council (NYC) yesterday inaugurated its new council chaired by Fabakary Kalleh, a well-known youth leader in the country.
Mr Kalleh and others officially took over NYC councilship at a ceremony held at the conference hall of NYC at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Speaking at the ceremony, the acting permanent secretary of Youth and Sport, Alieu K. Jammeh, stated that the youth have the opportunity and space to campaign and vote within themselves in selecting their representatives.
The government has put everything in place for the benefit of the children, Mr Jammeh says, adding that the government can only provide an enabling environment for people to thrive and prosper themselves.
He advised the youth to desist from drug abuse and illegal migration as well as from sitting at gettos (vows) doing nothing productive.
Mr Jammeh appealed to the youths to change their attitudes and make best use of the many opportunities being provided by the government both morally and financial for youth development. "Several institutions are being put in place for the success of the youth," he said, saying he hoped the new council could make a difference in youth empowerment in the country.
He also thanked the ex-council members for their hardwork while serving the council.
For his part, the new NYC chairperson, Fabakary Kalleh, said the gesture was an honor and a challenge for him. "I accept the responsibility with honor and dignity to serve my country," he says.
Mr Kalleh says the council needs financial and moral support as well as advice to be successful in their endeavour.
He said his function is to advise government on the affairs of the NYC. The new NYC chair also thanked the authorities for the trust and confidence they have in him to steer the affairs of the NYC.
Malang Jersey, Director of Youth and Sports, said they should organised themselves in order to have a well functioning structure in place. He urged young people in the country to rededicate themselves and prepare to take up the challenges that lie ahead of them. "The president, we all know, has high regards for the development of the youth," Mr Jersey says.
He encouraged the members of the council to familarise themselves with the national youth policy and other youth instruments.
Meanwhile, Fatoumatta Ndure, another youth activist, was also named to serve as female representative at the youth council.
The new council comprises of representatives from all regions in the country.
Fabakary Kalleh was born on1st January 1975 in Salikenni village, Central Baddibou, North Bank Region of The Gambia.
He holds a BSC in Management: Management and Marketing at the
He is the executive secretary of Youth Ambassadors of Peace and belongs to different youth organizations.