By Haruna Kuyateh
Minister of Youths and Sports has emphasized the importance government attached to youth’s development through acquisition skills and knowledge to enhance youths participation and creation of jobs.
Hon. Hadrammeh Sidibeh was speaking at 6th graduation of 38 youths for successful completion of one year training in agriculture at Songhai Agricultural Training Centre Chamen, North Bank Region.
Minister Sidibeh commended MRC Holland Foundation for construction of additional dormitory for student and also thanked UNDP and YEP for their support to youths.
Dr. Saikou E Sanyang, Director General of Agriculture noted that agriculture remain a driving force for the economy and his department is supporting government agenda to ensure food is available, accessible in quality and quantity.
“Government has created an enabling environment for a private sector led agricultural growth and transformation; promote sustainable intensification of crop and livestock production (irrigation, mechanization, timely availability of quality inputs, animal feed, vaccines and market,” he said.
Dr. Sanyang said the development of Gambia National Investment Plan, Agriculture and Natural Resource Policy, Seed Policy among others demonstrated the country commitment to food security.
He called on the outgoing students to better serve their communities on utilisation of skills and knowledge to adopt best agronomic practices.
He also urged Ministry of Youths and Sport and UNDP extend similar training facility to Kundam Mamfati in Upper River Region to help youths to acquire skills in agriculture.
Abdou Touray UNDP Program Specialist expressed delight on UN commitment in development of youth’s potential in all sphere of agriculture to boost food production and create jobs.
Since its establishment GSI in 2015 through South, South Cooperation with Songhai Centre in Benin has impacted appropriate knowledge and skills on the youthful population.
He assured of his office continue support and challenge youths for agricultural development.
The centre would contribute to empower youth and create employment opportunity and help youths to showcase their potential,” he said.
Father Godfrey Nzamujo Founder of Songhai Centre in Benin noted that there is need to strengthen strong institutions to help young people to be innovators to food production and poverty reduction.
He commended Youths Ministry for their support to Gambia Songhai Initiative, pointing that new project of African Society in curbing youth’s issues through massive resource to be injected in youth’s development.
Chief Ebrima Ansu Tamba Jammeh of Upper Badibou noted that the centre has enhanced human resource development in strengthening food and nutritional security.
Outgoing Mama K Sanyang of Brikama WCR and Yahya Suwareh of Koli Kunda of Sami district of CRR calls on youths to take up agriculture to attain food security.
Both expressed need for more financial support from government, YEP and UNDP to enable the effectively participate in food production and productivity.
The duo calls on youths to take up agriculture and contribute to boost food basket.