Ministry of Youth & Sports” engagement tour continued in the Upper River Region, landing in Basse, where young people and community leaders came together for a day of dialogue, inspiration, and planning for the future.
The delegation’s first stop was at Koba Kunda Mini Stadium, warmly received by Alagie Moya Baldeh, Regional Sports Chairman, setting the tone for a continuation of the week-long mission focused on youth development. A night stop preceded an audience with Regional Governor Mr. Samba Bah, who welcomed the team and promised a fruitful and open discussion.
The townhall meeting revolved around six critical thematic areas on youth employment, skills, and entrepreneurship,youth leadership, participation, and governance, sports development and infrastructure, Inclusion of gender, disability, and rural youth, health, well-being, sports for development and Partnerships and innovation
At the interface, youth leaders and stakeholders from Kantora, Wuli East Wuli West, Sandu , Jimara, Toumana and Basse Upper River Region highlighted the gaps in youth development infrastructure, calling for recreational spaces, employment opportunities, and inclusive initiatives. Many speakers stressed the need for young people in remote districts to feel equally included in regional and national programs.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bulli Dibba emphasized the importance of participation”This is a time for mission. PS Dibba reminded the meeting that youth development is an important component of our national development trajectory.
“Do not let anything stop you from taking part in accessing opportunities you may never have experienced before. Sports go beyond football—they are about inclusion, discipline, values, and building healthy communities.” Every young person, every woman, every girl deserves a chance.”
Governor Samba Bah reinforced this message:”Youth development is central to national progress. This town hall meeting allows us to reflect on achievements, address challenges, and ensure that programs reach everyone.
Youth-focused projects must align with broader economic priorities, and young people must be intentionally integrated into development efforts.”
Honourable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie spoke directly to the young people, urging them to take ownership of their future:
“Life comes with challenges. What matters is how we confront the challenged. With some of tolerance Seize opportunities and use them as stepping stones. Leadership begins now, not tomorrow. Your choices today shape the future. Migration should be a choice, not a desperate escape. Let’s invest in hope, dignity, and opportunity at home.”
Young people spoke openly and freely amongst the speakers at the meeting included Momodou Salieu Jallow, Regional Youth Chairman, Omar Barry of Wuli West; Muhammad Kargbo of Basse Constituency, Nfamara Janneh of Basse Kaba Kamba, Awa Danso of Jimara; Chondi Sissoho of Kantora District Sports Committee; Amie Damba of Kantora; and Mariama Jallow, a NEDI food-processing beneficiary.
They echoed concerns about unemployment, recreational facilities, sports spaces, packaging materials, irregular migration, and youth registration rights.
In response, leaders from institutions mandated to implement youth and sports programs including Mahmoud Lamin Jawla, The Gambia National Sports Council – NSC, Ismaila Badjie National Youth Council – The Gambia Hon.Pa
Malick Ceesay The President’s International Award,the Gambia, Mustapha Badjie NYSS – The Gambia and Abass Bah Director of Youth and Sports all under the Ministry shared updates on programs, opportunities, and pathways for young people to thrive.
The day in Basse highlighted a shared vision: youth empowerment is not just a goal, it’s a mission. From sports to entrepreneurship, from skills development to inclusion, the Ministry and its partners are ensuring no young person is left behind.
As the delegation continues its journey, one message resonates clearly is that the future belongs to the youth—and the time to act is now
Up next will be in the Greater Banjul Areas in West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipality and Banjul administrative areas
