The United Youth Association, an association formed by Youths in 2005, last Friday celebrated its 2nd edition youth conference at the New town community centre.

The celebration took the formed of a march pass from the Africell head office to the Bakau Newtown community centre by the Association Members. The theme for this year edition is “sensitizing youth against illegal migration.” Hatab Fadera, the secretary general of the association cited his association steadfastness in fighting against burning issue that affect youth. He said the association conceive an idea that will sensitise the youths on certain issues particularly illegal migration as many youths lose their lives in the sea in search of greener pasture.

He urged the youths to abandon this way and venture into other skillful jobs. For his part, the president of the United Youth Association, Ansu Conteh said sensitising young people on the risk attach to  illegal migration is vital. He said UYA has been embarking on series of activities particularly in empowering youths to acquire education in order to be self reliance, adding that travelling to Europe is not the only way out but one can also make life in this country.

In his keynote address, Pa Malick Ceesay, the executive secretary of the National Youth Council, described the theme for the celebration as an important theme noting that many youths die in this phenomenon. He urged the youths to be confortable with what they have and stay in order to  contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Hon Seedy Njie, nominated member of the National Assembly said the celebration came at the right time when many people are dying of illegal migration by unworthy sea boats. He urged the youths to make best use of the enabling environment that is provided for them by the government of President Jammeh. He also advised the youths to involve themselves in the socio-economic development of the country and further thanked UYA for coming up with such an important theme.

Deputising for the secretary of state for the Interior, the deputy permanent secretary, Ansuman Krubally, described youth as the back bone of any nation. He said losing youths due to illegal migration is losing the future, as they are the future leaders of any nation. He further dilated on the dangers of illegal migration and urged the youths to distance themselves from such act. He also assured the UYA of his department continue collaboration in senitising the youths against illegal migration.

Njundu Drammeh of the Child Protection Alliance also described the theme as very important as the risk  is tragedy on illegal migration is increasing day by day. He urged the youths to travelled in the right way in order to safe their lifes and to be future leaders of tomorrow. Other speakers at the ceremony included Fatou Jatta of Gamcel, Ebrima Jadama of Women Federation for World Peace and Amie Sillah, a veteran journalist and a gender activist.