Tenth NYP Urged to Embrace their Roles with Courage and Empathy
NYP Leadership Speaker Sisawo and Deputy Speaker Gaye
By Fatoumata Jaiteh
The National Youth Parliament (NYP) of The Gambia convened its inaugural session for its Tenth Legislature at the OIC Conference Centre in Bijilo on 24th October 2025, marking a significant milestone in youth representation and democratic engagement in the country.
The session featured the official swearing-in ceremony of youth parliamentarians from across the nation, who took their oath of office to serve the interests and amplify the voices of young Gambians.
Their commitment aligns with the constitutional mandate of the NYP to champion youth empowerment, participation, and leadership in national development.
One of the central moments of the day was the election of the new parliamentary leadership.
Hon. Jabou Sisawo, for Upper Fulladu West, was elected as the new NYP Speaker, while Hon. Bukary Gaye of Sabach Sanjal was elected as the Deputy Speaker. Hon. Sisawo and Hon. Gaye are both former members of the Children's National Assembly of The Gambia (CNAG).
In a congratulatory note posted on its Facebook page, the CNAG lauded its, “former honourable member, Hon. Jabou Sisawo member for Upper Fuladou West, has been elected as the speaker of the 10th National Youth Parliament… We are very proud to produce a speaker.”
Speaker of the 10th NYP Hon Jabou Sisawo
Her predecessor, Hon. Omar Cham, delivered his final address, reflecting on the achievements of the Ninth NYP while urging the incoming members to build on the foundations laid. Speaking with hope and conviction, Hon Cham encouraged the incoming youth leaders to remain focused and proactive in their service.
The outgoing Deputy Speaker, Ndegen Jobe, delivered a powerful farewell message, urging new parliamentarians to embrace their roles with courage and empathy.
“The task ahead is big, but my advice is simple,” she said. “Listen deeply; hear their hopes, frustrations, and ideas of those you represent. Act boldly, and do not shy away from challenging the status quo when necessary for progress. Remain united, though you may sit on different sides of the aisle,” she stated.
During his statement, the Executive Director of the National Youth Council, Mr. Alagie Jarjue, emphasized the importance of the event, calling it “not just a change in leadership, but a renewed social contract between the youth and the nation—anchored on partnership, leadership, and accountability.”
NYP Sitting © NYP
The event was attended by senior officials from the National Youth Council, development partners, civil society organizations, and youth advocates from various regions. Speakers reiterated the importance of youth voices in governance and the crucial role the NYP plays in fostering civic engagement and democratic accountability.
“The NYP is a non-partisan, non-profit youth organization that was established as an advocacy, development-oriented, and youth empowerment institution that will immensely contribute towards the development of the youth and the proper management of their welfare through their active participation and involvement in decision-making and implementation of programs.”
The organization “champions the causes of the youth, advocating on the issues affecting the youth, especially the rights of the youth in the African Youth Charter, engaging with duty bearers and other stakeholders for greater fulfilment of the rights and aspirations of the youth.”
As the 10th cohort of the Youth Parliament begins its mandate, expectations remain high for transformative action, policy advocacy, and the strengthening of youth-led initiatives nationwide.
