For the first time in the history of the National Youth Conference and Festival [Nayconf], a torch was lighted in Brikama as part of the sensitisation programme of the event.

Through the expertise of Aziz Willan Director of AFRICAFRIQ Promotion, the dream of having a replica of the Olympic Torch of the Olympic Games, was materialized on Wednesday in Western Region.

The torch, situated at the main junction at the entrance of Brikama town, was lighted on Wednesday night in a colourful ceremony attended by the Secretary Of State for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs Hon. Sheikh Omar Faye.

The main objective of the Torch is to spark the National Youth Conference and Festival and give a taste to Brikama and surrounding Villages.

The lighting started in a form of Torch relay from Canaan Training Institute to Brikama Community Radio, Gamtel, Trust Bank, the Market, Brikama Police Station, Box Bar Mini-stadium and end at the main Junction where the Torch was lighted by two youths, a male and female.

It was the chief of Kombo Central Dembo Santang Bojang who stated the run and handed over it to the Alkalo of the area followed by some senior official of the council.

Through its journey, the torch received a tremendous welcome from the general public.

All companies institutions businesses as well as government departments heads were lined on the highway to receive the torch and run with it.

The Governor of Western Region Abdou FM Badgie received the torch and handed over to the SoS for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs Sheikh Omar Faye.

The two youths received the torch from the SoS and went up to light the Torch, the first in the history of the Gambia.

Speaking at the occasion the Governor of Western Region Abdou FM Badgie thanked every body for the job well done and reassured all participants that NAYCONF 2006 would be a big success.

He reiterated his office readiness to male the event a success.

SoS Faye advised the youth to make good use of the festival and address properly their future, as any wrong decisions from the Festival would affect their life.

He added that president Jammeh has a special regard for the youth of the Gambia and has many good surprises for them.

He finally thanked Aziz Willian for the wonderful initiative.

The ceremony was marked by the release of many fire works as a way of attracting people in the surroundings.