The national youth and sports engagement tour continued in the Lower River Region with a courtesy call on the Governor, Hon. Seedy Lamin Chapato Bah , followed by a town hall meeting at the Governor’s Bantaba.
The interface brought together regional authorities, youth leaders, sports administrators, development partners, and community stakeholders to openly discuss challenges, opportunities, and practical solutions for youth development.
Governor Seedy Lamin Bah reminded young people that while the times are challenging, they also present opportunities. He urged youths to see such engagements not only as platforms to raise concerns but as spaces to offer solutions, adding that youthful energy must be guided with focus and responsibility. He also disclosed that steps have been taken by relevant authorities to address tariff-related challenges.
Minister of Youth & Sports , Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, emphasized collective responsibility, encouraging young people to complement government efforts rather than dwell on blame. Governor Bah highlighted existing opportunities in sports and youth development, noting that many positive interventions often go unnoticed despite the dedication behind them.
The Minister described the town hall as a deliberate interactive platform agreed upon at Cabinet level, aimed at fostering open dialogue rather than one-way presentations. He stressed the importance of sustained regional engagements, collaboration with security agencies, local authorities, the media, and community leaders to translate discussions into action.
Youth representatives raised keyncerns, including:
Yaya Sanneh raise budget const constraints, with youths making up over 60% of the population.
Seedia Kanteh, NEDI Beneficiary , said Skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as alternatives to irregular migration.
Isatou woon, District sports committee member of Jarra west, said rural-urban migration driven by lack of recreational facilities.
Assan Njie , Youth Councillor at mansakonko area council said upgrading mini stadiums and expanding NYSS apprenticeship intake in LRR
Ansumana Sanneh, LRR Football Association president appeal for land allocation for recreation centres in Soma.
Mamie S. Njie, Youth Parliament Rep called for the establishment of vocational and skills centres in Kiang West, Central, and East
Commissioner Musa Keita of the Immigration Department addressed the realities of irregular migration, urging informed decision-making among youths.
In response, Governor Seedy Lamin Bah announced ongoing plans to transform the Regional Development Institute (RDI) with support from the Turkish and Chinese embassies, including a D1.7 million worth of materials and equipment to upgrade and recreational facilities worth over D20 million through public-private partnerships.
Minister Badjie reaffirmed government’s commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, sports infrastructure, and job creation, assuring that concerns raised will inform policy actions going forward.
From the town hall interface the delegation proceeded to NEDI multi purpose site to constructed,Jenoi at Ebrima Fatty farm a former The Gambia Songhai Initiative-GSI beneficiary and then to pakalinding and the final stop to Fulabatang football field.
