By Adama Makasuba
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Bakary Y Badjie, has reiterated his ministry’s commitment to supporting youth empowerment and development to harness the demographic dividend.
Honourable Badjie speaking at the training of the young lawmakers meant to establish good rapport and good cooperation on parliamentary procedures, good governance, and peacebuilding among the parliamentarians.
“Young parliamentarians are social actors of change and progress and their contribution to national development cannot be over-emphasized. National Assembly members must be provided with appropriate exposures and opportunities to mainstream the change we want in society,” he said.
Thus, this will go a long way in helping in your functions and also entice other young people to come and participate in the political and electoral processes of the Gambia. “I wish to renew the commitment of my ministry to support youth empowerment and development to harness the demographic dividend,” he added.
Meanwhile, Momodou L Sise, parliament clerk described the youth and young parliamentarians as the future of parliament and the bedrock of any progressive society, most especially this young democracy.
“Thus, it is not an accident that we have seen in recent times many young citizens expressing interest in parliament and parliamentary democracy. Generally, it is agreed that societies that give youth an equal chance to prosper and participate freely in social, political, and economic life are more peaceful and more prosperous. In this regard, parliament and parliamentarians shall be encouraged to continue creating the enabling environment for youth participation in the political decision-making process,” he said.
He assured the Minister of Youth and Sports that the National Assembly through its Select Committee on Youth and Sports will continue to foster meaningful dialogue, promote long-term cooperation, and as well provide the necessary budgetary support to this very important sector.
