He explained that the initiative was agreed at Cabinet level but deliberately structured as regional engagements to ensure closer interaction with communities.
“We are here to listen to you,” the minister said, noting that dialogue allows concerns to be raised without the risks that often accompany street demonstrations. While acknowledging that public protests are rare in LRR, he urged the region to maintain its culture of peace. According to him, demonstrations often force security deployments which can sometimes escalate, leading to arrests and tensions that nobody wants.
He stressed that government alone cannot solve all national challenges and called on young people to see themselves as partners in finding solutions. “Government has a role to play, but young people also have a responsibility, adding that the dialogue covers multiple issues affecting youth and sports stakeholders.”
On irregular migration, the minister said many young people believe opportunities only exist abroad, but argued that the reality is often different. He noted that success overseas largely depends on skills and education, and urged young people to explore opportunities available at home in areas such as education, agriculture, sports and entrepreneurship. He clarified that the government is not discouraging legal travel, but encouraged informed decisions based on realistic expectations.
Governor Seedy Bah of the Lower River Region described the tour as timely, saying it comes at a moment when young people need guidance on improving their livelihoods. He urged youth to move away from blaming authorities and instead ask what they are doing to complement government efforts. While acknowledging growing interest in sports, he encouraged young people to also focus on skills training and formal education, using platforms like the town hall to identify and seize opportunities.
Yaya Sanneh from Soma, noted that although youth make up about 60 percent of the population, the Youth and Sports Ministry receives a relatively small share of the national budget. He called on parliament to increase funding for the sector.
National Youth Parliamentarian for Kiang West, Mami S. Njie, appealed for recreational centres and vocational facilities in LRR to reduce rural-urban migration and the risks associated with irregular migration.
The engagement concluded with a visit to the NEDI’s/P2PRS Project Site and the Pakalinding Youth Centre, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to action alongside dialogue.
