By Lamarana S Jallow
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the National Youth Council, was last week officially launchedThe National Youth Conference and Festival (NaYCONF) Flag Tour with the goal of seeking blessings and support from stakeholders to ensure a successful youth gathering. The team visited the Ministries of Health, Agriculture,Defence, and Fisheries, where Ministers pledged their unwavering support to contribute significantly to the success of this year’s youth convergence.
During the tour, Minister Badjie emphasized the importance of NaYCONF as a platform for empowering the youth, who form the majority of the country’s population. He urged his colleagues to join hands in ensuring the event’s success, noting that it is an essential component of national development. “This event is not just a festival; it is a call to action for all stakeholders to invest in our young people. They are the backbone of this nation, and their voices must be heard. Through NaYCONF, we are building a stronger and more inclusive future,” Minister Badjie stated. The delegation was led by Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie, alongside the Executive Director of the National Youth Council, Mr. AlagieJarju, and members of the National Organizing Committee for NaYCONF 2024.
It is important to note that ,NaYCONF is a biennial event designed to bring together young people from across The Gambia and beyond to exchange ideas, share experiences, and address critical issues affecting their lives. It is anchored in the National Youth Policy 2018–2029 and the National Youth Council Act 2000, underscoring its significance in youth empowerment and development. The 14th Edition of NaYCONF will be hosted by the Kanifing Municipal Council and will take place from 17th to 24th December 2024 in Kanifing under the theme: “Attaining the Recovery Focus – National Development Plan 2023–2027: For and with Young People.” The flag tour will continue in the coming days with visits to other key institutions across the country.
