The president of the Republic, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, Saturday donated foodstuffs to the National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF).

The donated food items included 1211 bags of rice, 168 gallons of oil, 5 cartons of vinegar, 76 cartons of tomato paste, 7 bags of sugar, 6 bags of Onion, 22 cartons of jumbo, and one bag of black pepper among others. Part of the foodstuff was also donated to Armitage Senior Secondary School in the Central River Region.

Presenting the items on behalf of the president, Alieu K Jammeh, the minister of Youth and Sports, dilated at length on the importance of the gesture. He applauded President Jammeh for his humanitarian gesture, saying he has been supporting the development of Gambian youths since he came to power in 1994. He stressed that the president's vision is to invest in youth development and empowerment, while urging the young people to answer the president's back-to-the-land initiative.

Minister Jammeh further urged the youths to promote the good image of the country and not to be influenced by detractors, stressing that the president will never compromise the peace and stability of this country. He also advised them to be law abiding citizens, saying no nation can develop in the absence of peace. The Youth and Sports minister told the gathering that the president has fulfilled his responsibility to the youths of this country, and therefore it should be their responsibility to take advantage of the opportunities provided for them.

For their parts, Alhaji Ganyie Touray and Lamin Sanneh, the governors of Central River and West Coast Regions respectively, commended the Gambian leader for his assistance which has gone a long way in making this year's NAYCONF a success and with a difference. While describing the gesture as laudable, the two governors urged the youths to ensure that the primary objective of the event is achieved.

The Attorney General and minister of Justice, Lamin Jobarteh, also thanked President Jammeh for his benevolent gesture. He said the donated items will go a long way in easing some of the constraints and challenges the NOC may encounter, particularly in the area of feeding the delegates.

Receiving the items on behalf of the National Organising Committee (NOC), Fabakary Kalleh, the chairman of the Committee who is also chairperson of the National Youth Council, applauded the president's gesture. He assured that they will do everything to make the event a success.