Day 1
The minister and delegation started the tour with a visit to the Cashew and Honey farm of Alfu Sarr in Ndofan village, Lower Niumi District, North Bank Region.
The young farmer's work has impressed the minister and his team. Mr. Sarr an award winner started his Agrotect business in 2016 and now employed three young people on his farm. He owns 209x146 Cashew farm and 10 beehives. He produces 300 liters of honey per year. He hopes to expand his business in the future if supported. He was supported by the Youth Empowerment Project and other youth projects. Mr. Sarr highlighted fencing, water, and transportation as some of his challenges. He appealed to the ministry for support.
The minister advised and promises the ministry's continued support to him and other young people across the region.
Minister and his delegation visited the President's Award Scheme training center in Kerewan. The delegation was taken on a conducted tour of the facility by the Executive Director, PIA, Mr. Sainey Drammeh. From PIA the delegation moved to governor's office for a short meeting with the regional authorities.
In attendance were the deputy governor, Musa Kanteh, chairman of Kerewan Area Council, members of the Technical Advisory Committee in the region, and young people. They discussed issues on youth and sports development challenges and possible solutions. The regional youth office was also visited as well.
Day 3
The day started with a courtesy call to the deputy governor of the Upper River Region, Mr. Samba Bah in his office. Followed was a meeting with young people and the local authority at the governor's Bantaba.
However, the meeting highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and solutions to the challenges young people face in the region. The tour team proceeded to Kundam's youth garden. At Kundam the minister and delegation were taken on a conducted tour of the garden by the farm manager.
He highlighted some of their achievements and challenges including inadequate water supply, proper fencing, storage facilities among others. They also appealed for the construction of a training school and accommodation facility. They also provide direct and indirect employment for many young people and women.
From Kundam, the delegation proceeded to Basse Mini-Stadium were the minister and delegation were again taken on a conducted tour of the facility. Minister Sidibeh expressed disappointment on the conduction of the stadia but promised to do something about the it soon.
The last stop was at high level, a football field in Basse. The filed is also in bad condition, but the minister promised to do something about it.
The day was successful and the minister expressed his overall satisfaction with the level of achievement on youth and sports development in the region. He urged the youth to be committed to national development while promising them of his ministry's support at all times and levels.
Day 4, 5, 6 & 7
Highlights of Day 4, 5, 6 & 7 of the Minister's tour of youth and sports projects, other facilities and offices under the ministry. The minister and delegation visited Lower River Region, West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipality and Banjul in the last four days. They visited sporting facilities, youth centers, regional youth offices and courtesy calls to governors, and mayors respectively