The youth of The Gambia on Monday 1st November 2011 came in the administrative center of rural Upper River Region (URR), Basse to commemorate  African Youth Day.
The event seeks to remember those youth whose were massacred in South Africa while agitating for their freedom. This year’s event was under the theme: African Youth empowerment in the 21st century, Unity, Ethnical Entrepreneurship and Agricultural Transformation.
The ceremony was witnessed by government officials, security personnel, students and the press, among others. It  took in a form of match pass led by the regional scout band from Basse Mansajang T Junction to the Koba Kunda mini stadium.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Alh Muya Baldeh the Regional Youth Chairperson of Upper River Region (URR) called on the youth to remember this important day in the history of Africa. Mr Baldeh thanked  president Jammeh for his tireless support for the country’s youth.
Also speaking Mr Mr Malang Jassy, director of National Youth and Sports underscored the important of the day, pointing out that it is recognised by African Union (AU) to recall the young people who lost their life in South Africa.
He spoke at length about the unity in the youth fraternity. He called  on the youth to venture into meaningful development especially entrepreneurship and agriculture, which contributes to  national development.  
In his key note address, the governor of Upper River Region (URR)Omar Khan described the day as another important day in the history of URR as this is the first of its kind in his region.
“Looking  at this  year’s theme under the president Yahya Jammeh , the country is far ahead of many countries,” said, Governor Khan.
“Many tractors and inputs have been provided for youth to follow the clarion called of the  president’s  back to the land.
He added that The Gambia government has already manifested the theme and is now left to the youth of the country to redouble their efforts and help to achieve vision 2020.