By Omar Bah
The Minister of transport, works & infrastructure, Bai Lamin Jobe has expressed his ministry’s desire to create more job opportunities for Gambian youths.
The minister made this promise recently at his office, whiles meeting officials of the National Youth Council.
He said the visit of the NYC officials was both crucial and timely, “it came at a time when my ministry is actively developing new policies, meeting stakeholders, and planning a conference to validate a number of plans for infrastructural development throughout the country.”
Minister Jobe further stressed that youth matters are a priority for his ministry.
“In fact MOTWI has plans to link investment projects with capacity building of local enterprises and employment creation, especially for the youths who form over 60% of the population,” he said.
He went further to express “gratitude to the NYC, for their ability to mobilise and coordinate the youths in the face of great challenges and very limited opportunities.”
The Minister concluded by requesting the NYC to make available to his ministry all information covering its structure, funding sources, stakeholder institutions, and work plan.
He also instructed staff at the ministry to immediately open a file for NYC for reference and future collaboration.
Meanwhile, the executive director of the national youth council, Lamin Darboe said the visit was purposely meant to seek support and collaboration with the ministry, to address issues faced by youths of the country.
“The NYC is convinced that the ministry of works is one of government’s key arms which can address problems affecting youths, especially unemployment and migration.”
He said if youth issues are properly channelled, common grounds can be reached, and if all hands are on deck, the youths can achieve meaningful development.
Darboe assured the minister that the NYC is fully aware of the need for reform and that the youths have embraced this challenge for economic growth and social development.
“NYC as the representatives of the youths, is committed to advocating for policies concerning youths, from formulation to implementation,” he concluded.
