The Gambia National Youth Parliament (NYP), formed in 2002, last Sunday, celebrated its seventh anniversary at the National Assembly Chambers in Banjul.

The theme for this year's celebration was Youth empowerment, a driving force for sustainable development. The anniversary provided the opportunity for young people to discuss with stakeholders on how to build a great synergy in responding to various challenges that hinder youth development in The Gambia.

Welcoming members at the celebration, Hon. Seedy Njie, nominated member of the National Assembly, urged patriotic citizens and peace loving people to be vigilant and support the police in the maintenance of peace nationwide regardless of political affiliation, race, religion and gender as it is a duty upon all. He described peace as what makes The Gambia ,the wealthiest state in Africa.

Hon Njie quoted the president's statement that "the Gambia belongs to Gambians". He advised the youths to desist from immoral and unlawful acts. He also called for attitudinal change among young people. For his part, Dr. Henry Carrol, the solicitor general at the Attorney General's Chambers, advised the youths to take education as their first priority. He advised them to be respectful to elders and abide by the laws of the land.

For her part, Awa Jagne-Jassey who deputised the Elton managing director thanked President Jammeh for providing the enabling environment for youths. She assured the gathering of Elton's continued support to the NYP and described the occasion as a demonstration that the younger generation are taking charge of their future.

The Majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda East, Honourable Fabakary Tombong Jatta, on behalf of Speaker Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, said the NYP plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the country. He urged them to continue inculcating leadership skills in themselves since they are the future leaders of this country.

He thanked the Gambian leader for providing such an enabling environment for the youths and quickly advised them to be honest, patriotic and work towards the development of the country. He also assured them of the National Assembly's support in all their endeavours. The former speaker of NYP, Lamin F Bojang, thanked UNFPA for their support. He described education, respect, and peace building as fundamental and urged the elected executive of NYP to represent the young well.