Article 10 of the African Youth Charter promulgates the need for the development of the youth in all aspects - from social, economic, political to cultural development, with due consideration to freedom and identity.

And like all other articles in this very important blueprint, Article 10 recognises the importance of having a youth core that is  not merely empowered but empowered to such an extent that it does not lose touch with its identity. Unfortunately, the issue of identity among the youth core of this country appears to be an uncharted and quite a fragile issue. This is the fundamental basis of the eminent threat to the future of the larger continent, and it makes it all the more incumbent on the leaders of the region to ensure that the dictates of this charter, which seeks to answer all the puzzles highlighted by the plight of the youth, are met.

The ratification of the charter by our National Assembly is therefore a fervent demonstration of readiness on the part of the government of The Gambia to uphold its responsibility. This can simply be described as a step in the right direction. However, the move by the country's legislature also poses enormous challenge for us the youth. The best way we can reciprocate this gesture is by taking ownership of the numerous opportunities we are being offered.

Throughout the history of this country, there has never been a period when the youth occupied such a prominent position in the development agenda of government; therefore it could be agued that there is no more appropriate moment than this to take advantage to catapult our status as youths. After all, it is all geared towards the development of the nation. The development of a nation is closely tied to the development of the youth because this very importance segment of the society is supposed to be instrumental  catalyst in that. regard.

The question that is worth asking here now is how ready are we to partake in this journey of attaining our own destiny? And are we going to remain on the passenger seat or the driver's?

In my own way of seeing things, while governments are responsible for ensuring freedom for the youths, the latter are tasked with ensuring that they do not get caught up in identity crisis as is the case in the rest of the continent.

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