By Olimatou Coker
The Gambia National Youth Council last Friday inaugurated six newly regional chairpersons, including a board chairman and a female representative.
The formal ceremony was held at the President’s International Award Scheme office in Bakau.
The minister of Youth and Sports, Hadrammeh Sidibeh, congratulated the new chairpersons and stated that government through the youth and sports ministry, places high priority on issues of young people, as they form majority of the country’s population.
“My ministry, under my leadership, will continue to support your endeavors to better the plight of young people.
“To the incoming members of the council that we all gathered to inaugurate today, let me first and foremost congratulate you on your elections as Regional youth chairpersons from across the country. I understand some of you are new and others are being re-elected to serve.”
He informed them that they are coming into office at a time when young people are grappled with several issues that called for urgent measures including unemployment.
“The re-emergence of issues of FGM/C, child marriage despite the ban on it, fragile democracy and economy, lack of necessary youth-friendly infrastructures especially in the rural areas, among other challenges.”
Reappointed chairperson Dembo Kambai, said the council has partnered and supported several youth and youth-led organisations in their activities, both technically and financially.
“Allow me to also welcome the newly-elected members of the council from across the country. I would like to use this opportunity to inform you that being a council member is not an easy task. It requires sacrifices and dedication to serve the best interest of our constituency. You will be challenged, criticised and sometimes attacked for taking some critical decisions. Nevertheless, this role can be quite exciting because you will be encouraged and supported by young people,” he enunciated.
He continued: “I am grateful and wish to assure you of my undiluted commitment, through your support, to work with and for the young people of The Gambia. Always count on me and my council in ensuring a cordial working relationship with the government and all partners.”
Female representative of NYC, Kaddjatou Jabbie, was among the speakers.
