Statistics indicate that the Gambia's population is dominated by the youth between the ages of 0 and 24, which makes it a country poised for two possibilities; to take advantage of its youthfulness and develop, or to relax and lose the advantages that comes along with youthfulness.

As the able bodied age group, the youth are entrusted with the much needed physical might vital to catapult a nation's development processes; but that is if they are empowered with the necessary skills and expertise.

There is pretty much to be gained from an empowered youth population. At the mercy of a whole lot of issues like drug and alcohol abuse, sexually transmittable diseases, banditry and all sorts of vices, the youth can be a threat to their own country as can be seen in destabilized countries like Kenya, Sierra Leone, and even in Nigeria; where they provide ready fuel for political unrests, in many cases, at the services of influential figures in the society.

The Gambia owes its cherished peacefulness largely to the attention given to its youth by government. Thanks to an entrenched youth development policy, there are a lot of windows of opportunity for them, regardless of their religious, political, or ideological inclinations. It is up to the youth to take up the flourishing prospects with seriousness and dedication.

As we prepare for NAYCONF 2008, we must bear in mind that our success depends greatly on our commitment, devotion and loyalty to the advancement of our dear nation. Axi Gye, the SoS responsible for youth affairs has spoken and his message is quite clear, "your destiny is in your hands". What we get out of the gathering in Farafenni depends on our preparations prior to the events.