Honourable Alhagie Sillah, National Assembly member for Banjul North, who is also the chairman of the National Assembly select committee on youth and sports, has reiterated The Gambia government's unreserved commitment to creating an enabling environment for the young people of the country. 

According to Sillah, the active engagement of young people has always been on top of government's development priorities. Hon Sillah made these remarks last Friday during a press conference held at the conference hall of the President's International Awards in Bakau, organised by the United Guardian Youths for Development Association (UGYDA), ahead of the association's first year anniversary celebration slated for October 10th, this year.

Sillah reminded the young people that there are always possibilities for them to be successful. He urged them to be focused and to always utilise the available resources in the country to the letter. While commending members of the association for organising the programme, he also used the occasion to urge the youths to be more committed and confident so as to attain their set goals.

Babucarr Jallow, chief executive officer of the United Guardian Youths for Development Association, said the organisation of the press conference would accord them the opportunity to propagate the name of the association. Since the establishment of the association, he said, they have embarked on a series of activities, such as sensitising young people. According to him, these activities have had positive impacts on the association, with more young people joining them. He added that as a youth group, they believe in the collective responsibility of young people in national development.

The chief adviser of the association, Ousainou Sarr, expounded on the importance for one to take part in youth activities. According to him, it is proven by researchers that young people's involvement in youth activities can positively broaden their horizons and improve their skills, thereby enable them to meaningfully contribute to national development. He commended the association's members and called on them to close ranks in the interest of the development of young people.