Mambanjick Njie, permanent secretary, Department of State for Youth and Sport, has said that the biennial National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) is an Act of parliament and thus must be treated as a national event.

He has also said that the issue of youth empowerment and development has taken the centre stage under the present administration and can no longer be compromised.

The youth and sports permanent secretary made these remarks last Wednesday at the  Lower River Region governor's office in Mansakonko during a stakeholders consultative meeting with local authorities as part of preparations for the 2008 Nayconf.

Momodou Katim Touray, deputy governor of Lower River Region described the consultation as a vital. He thanked the organisers of the meeting for their pragmatism and commitment to the development of the young people.

Other speakers included Alagie Kebbeh, chairman of the National Youth Council; Momodou OS Touray, regional education officer, region four; and Pamalick Ceesay, executive officer of the National Youth Council.