Hon. Sawaneh Vows to Strengthen Youth Representation at National Youth Parliament

Hon. Ousainou J. Suwaneh © Askanwi Media

By Haddy Ceesay

Following his recent victory in the National Youth Parliamentary Elections, newly elected Youth MP for Latrikunda Sabijie Constituency, Hon. Ousainou J. Sawaneh, has shared his motivation, vision, and plans in an exclusive interview with Askanwi Media.

A prominent youth leader and founder of a football academy in Abuko, Sawaneh emphasized that his decision to contest was rooted in his ongoing work with young people.

“I was motivated to contest because I am a youth leader already working with young people through my football academy,” he said. “I noticed a gap in representation for the youth of Latrikunda Sabijie at the National Youth Parliament, and I strongly believe I can be a voice for them.”

Describing the moment he was declared the winner, Sawaneh recalled a feeling of pride mixed with awareness of the responsibility ahead. “It’s always good to win. When I received the call from my agent, I was really happy. It was a special moment, but it also reminded me of the great responsibility that lies ahead.”

Challenges During Campaign

He acknowledged the challenges faced during the campaign, especially the limited public understanding of the National Youth Parliament.

“Many youths are not well-informed about the work of the Parliament. This made engagement difficult at first. I had to spend time educating them about the importance of the institution and what I planned to do if elected.”

Youth Empowerment at the Center

Sawaneh outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and community engagement.

“My top priority is raising awareness about the National Youth Parliament and its role. I’ll focus on advocacy for persons with disabilities, promote sports development, and strengthen youth outreach.”

His vision includes organizing football tournaments, school outreach programs, and community dialogue forums aimed at fostering connection and development.

He also plans to introduce mentorship and skills-building initiatives, particularly for out-of-school youth, and push for inclusive policies that uplift young women, persons with disabilities, and youth entrepreneurs.

Inclusive and Collaborative Leadership

Sawaneh stressed the importance of inclusive leadership, noting that he will involve the community in his decision-making.

“Before any major decision or parliamentary discussion, I will hold community meetings. The youth, especially under-represented groups, must be part of the conversation.”

He said this is key to progress. He has already begun reaching out to fellow youth MPs and expressed a desire to work with the former youth MP of Latrikunda Sabijie for continuity and shared progress.

Staying Connected and Measuring Impact

While acknowledging that it is too early to measure success, Sawaneh emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with constituents.

“I would love to hold monthly consultations with the youth. But one of our challenges is limited resources. Still, I’ll find ways to connect through forums, events, or digital platforms.”

A Legacy of Impact

Reflecting on his long-term goals, he said, “I want to be remembered as someone who brought youth voices to the forefront and worked with honesty, passion, and humility. My hope is to leave behind a more engaged and empowered youth in Latrikunda Sabijie.”

A Message to the Youth

His final message was a call to action for young people:

“My advice is simple: young people must be ready to take responsibility. Making change isn’t about personal gain — it’s about impacting lives. If you believe in yourself, you can lead change for your community.”