The Ministry delegation continued its nationwide townhall engagements in the Central River Region (CRR) with a courtesy call on the Regional Governor, Hon. Ousman Bah, where discussions focused on strengthening youth and sports development. The Governor reaffirmed the region’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry in advancing the interests of young people.
The Townhall meetings was centered on six thematic areas youth employment skills and entrepreneurship, Youth leadership participation and governance, sports development and infrastructure, inclusion gender disability and rural youth, health wellbeing and sports for development and partnership and innovation.
At the townhall interface, youth leaders , Deputy Governor Hon . Sainey Mbye and technical advisory committee (TAC) stakeholders raised concerns over gaps in youth development infrastructure, calling for recreational facilities, especially football pitches and wrestling canters, in the northern part of the region. Challenges related to mobility during major national events, including the biennial NaYCONF, were also highlighted.
Several speakers noted that young people in northern CRR often feel left out of development efforts and urged authorities to ensure balanced and inclusive interventions across the region.
Addressing the forum, Ebrima P. Bah emphasized the need to empower Regional Youth Committees, describing them as vital structures for youth engagement and calling for stronger institutional support. Modou Lamin Badjie, a District Youth Chairperson and NEDI beneficiary, shared his entrepreneurial journey and highlighted challenges such as limited access to packaging materials, which continue to affect the growth of youth-led businesses despite strong demand.
In response, Permanent Secretary Bulli Dibba, alongside Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, assured stakeholders and youths that their concerns have been heard, reaffirming government’s commitment to protecting the interests of young people and translating dialogue into action.
