This year's convergence was held under the theme "Reflecting on the life of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) in understanding our Deen, Farata & Sunnah on prayers, performing Ritual Bath, Gender Role & Responsibilities in Islamic Marriage and Youth Drug Abuse in increasing Road Traffic Accident."
At the ceremony, Bakary Y. Badjie, minister for Youth and Sports, expressed gratitude to the organiser, reminding that this annual youth confab and Iftar also creates an opportunity for people to reflect and reminisce ‘our minds to Allah.’
"The Ministry has recently set up an award program throughout the regions and promised every youth that has participated in the PIA that my Ministry has allocated enough money for all the members of the PIA who participated in the previous years without an award." he stated.
Osman Saidyba, Public Relations Officer of Drug Law Enforcement Agency The Gambia (DLEAG) stated that PIA is a programme which he loves to be associated with.
He, however, outlined the role of his institution minimizing and eliminating the prevailing drugs and related activities in the country, saying this type of programme are awareness situation programs that strengthen measures to reduce drug activities in the country.
“Therefore, I urge the youth to be part of structure to eradicate the use of drug."
Nfamara Dabo, board chairman of President International Award, while expressing their resolve and commitment to supporting Gold Award Holders' Association, highlights the need for young people to be active in the promotion of the Islamic religion.
"When Gold Holders' Association was newly established there were lot of young people who completed their programme but did not receive their Award for Bronze, Silver and Gold. The PIA has delivered all the regional awards to be given to the participants as soon as possible."
Other speakers included Alh. Oustaz Omar Jah and Imam Hamma Jaiteh, who laid emphasis on the obligatory steps in observing Salah (fatr &Sunnah on prayers) by demonstrating performance of ritual bath and the Gender Role & Responsibilities on Islamic Marriages.
