Vice President Jallow was speaking during the closing ceremony of the 14th edition of the National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) at the Charles Jaw Memorial Academy in Bundung recently.
VP Jallow highlighted the critical role of young people in driving national progress and building vibrant human capital for sustainable development.
He applauded the youth for organising and hosting yet another successful NAYCONF.
He urged them to build on the gains made during the conference, which provided a platform for dialogue, idea exchange and sportsmanship.
"The government is ready and will continue to support the young population preparing for leadership roles,” the vice president said. ‘‘As young people, you must be ready to take your rightful place in the socioeconomic and developmental sectors of our country.
‘‘The government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, ensuring that young people remain at the forefront of The Gambia’s development agenda.’’
VP Jallow expressed appreciation for the youth’s participation throughout the week-long event, highlighting their dedication to dialogues, sport, cultural showcases and business idea pitches.
He emphasised the critical role of the youth in achieving the objectives of the Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP), reiterating government’s commitment to empowering young people through education, TVET, agriculture, digital literacy and civic participation.
VP Jallow congratulated the winners of the business pitch competition, who received a total of D375,000.
He commended all regions for their efforts and achievements during the festival, and assured participants that the government would work towards implementing the resolutions adopted during the conference.
"As the curtains close on this remarkable event, we celebrate the vibrancy, innovation and determination of Gambian youth,” the VP approved, saying: “We look forward to the next edition.’’
For his part, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, expressed satisfaction and pride in the outcome of the 2024 NAYCONF.
Minister Badjie commended the delegates for their unwavering commitment to addressing issues of unemployment, migration, and inclusion through vibrant discussions aligned with the National Development Plan.
The week-long event was a testament to the power of youth, he said, adding that from sports competitions fostering teamwork and national cohesion to cultural nights celebrating The Gambia’s rich heritage, the festival highlighted the incredible potential of young people to unite and inspire.
Minister Badjie further stated that the delegates also showcased their entrepreneurial skills during the youth innovations and entrepreneurship expo, presenting groundbreaking ideas with the potential to transform the nation’s economic landscape.
The leadership sessions further empowered them with skills and values needed to drive positive change in the community, he said about the delegates, emphasizing that the success of NAYCONF lies in the actions taken after the event.
“The knowledge, skills and connections gained here must be put into practice,” he urged, encouraging delegates to become champions of change in their communities.
The Youth minister extended heartfelt gratitude to President Adama Barrow and his government, the National Organizing Committee (NOC) of NAYCONF 2024, the National Youth Council - The Gambia and the sponsors and volunteers who made the event a resounding success.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in youth, ensuring they remain at the forefront of national development.
‘‘As NAYCONF 2024 concluded, it left an indelible mark on all participants, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The journey toward building a resilient and prosperous Gambia continues, driven by the energy and vision of its youth,’’ minister Badjie inspired the young generation of the country.
