The secretary of state for Youth and Sports, Max Axi Gai has extolled the National Youth Council of the Gambia for creating a well organised channel of communication between his office and the Council. SoS Gai made this remark during a familiarization tour of institutions under his department.

Welcoming the SoS at the office of the NYC, Pa Malick Ceesay, the executive secretary of the council, used the opportunity to introduce the staff of NYC to the visiting delegation. He informed the SoS that the NYC was an act of parliament created in 2000.

He said NYC is the only body constitutionally mandated to advise government on matters relating to youth. Mr Ceesay noted that the NYC is unique in terms of advocacy role. He further stated that the NYC had successfully registered 28 national youth organisations country-wide; a move which he said was in line with the national youth policy.

On the successes of the council, Ceesay informed the SoS that the recommendations made at the 2004 and 2006 National Youth Conference and Festival have been achieved. He said the nomination of youth representatives in the different municipalites is a great achievement for the youths of this country. He observed that it’s mandatory for all national youth organization to inculcate Hiv/Aids into their programme of activities. "In the absence of youth, sport cannot be achieved."

On constrains of the council, Ceesay emphasised the need for a permanent structure which could ameliorate the efficiency of the council. He highlighted the lack of mobility as a constrain affecting the day to day running of the council. He appealed to the SoS for an increase in their yearly subvention and used the opportunity to thank UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDP for being supportive to the council over the years.

In his response, the SoS for Youth and Sports, Max Axi Gai, said he was highly impressed with the performance of the council as he was abreast with the information about NYC before coming.

He informed the council that government "cannot do it all" but emphasised that it’s a fact that the government had created an enabling environment for youth empowerment. "If we develop the youth, then our sport will be developing’. SoS Gaye emphasized. He advised the council to unite all youth groups in the country in order to avoid clash of interest. ‘Your concern will be looked into’ he assured.

Alagie Kebbeh, Chairman NYC briefed the SoS about the performances of the council and the upcoming NAYCOF 2008.