Western Region Youth Committee, WRYC,  is set to stage the first ever regional award ceremony for twenty-five individuals as well as twenty-four institutions and two youth groups in recognition  of their efforts in the empowerment of youths during the 2006 binneal National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) that was hosted by Western Region.

The award ceremony will be held, this Friday, at the office of the Western Region in Brikama.

Lamin J Gassama, vice chairperson of the Western Region Youth Committee, said the award ceremony is designed to show appreciation for the efforts of individuals and institutions that have taken part in the 2006 NAYCONF. He said that his committee is not attempting to give awards based only on the financial support rendered to them but have considered the moral support as well.

"We feel that the best way to appreciate their efforts is to award them," he noted. Mr Gassama explained that the idea of the award is to inspire the young people to take part in youth activities for sustainable development.

Fatou Mbaye, Western Region youth officer noted that the award ceremony was a step in the right direction. She urged the youths of the region to close ranks and to work towards the attainment of their aims and objectives.