YOUTH DAY : THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH OF EMERGENCE FOR THE YOUTHS

On Saturday 10th February at 8:00pm, which happens to be the eve of Youth Day in Cameroon, the president of the republic gave a speech to the nation regarding the important event of 11th February, a traditional speech that has been maintained for decades.

The president moved on and addressed on how disappointed he was on the  early elimination of the nation’s Indomitable Lions from the African Cup of Nations, which is currently taking place in Ivory Coast. He went on by  congratulating the citizens for remaining dignified in defeat, as they have been so many times in the past, in victory. He assured the nation that in togetherness they will continue to fight and win. He encouraged them by addressing the nation with a popular statement used by Cameroonians known as “The Continent”. H.E. also went on to explain to the nation on how the state makes financial sacrifices in the area of football and so he demands a better organisation and results from the Cameroonian football federation, and instructions have also been given to the Ministry of Sports to ensure improved results .

Francis Ngannou’s name was also mentioned in the president’s speech as he congratulated him in his first English boxing match which amazed the whole world.

Still on the speech, the president went to the subject of increase in fuel prices and how it has affected the living conditions of the people. He assured the nation on efforts that will be done to keep the readjustment within reasonable proportions. He also said he’ll preserve household purchasing power and instructions have been given that prices of domestic gas and paraffin be frozen. It was explained that this operation was unavoidable, given the current budgetary constraints and the government’s concern to avoid shortages.

The next topic of discussion in the speech was on the education sector, which has been accounted for the largest share of the State budget, and  shows the importance that the public authorities attach to education of the youths. The president went on to share his plan on how he has  instructed the Government to set up a competitive skills development mechanism. This is the purpose of the Support Project for the Development of Secondary Education and Skills for Growth and Employment.It provides funding for initial and continuing training for workers. It also aims to build the capacity of players in the social economy and the informal sector, where many young people are concentrated.

The president also stated on a reduction in tuition fees at the Vocational Training Centers of Excellence. These fees have been reduced from 500,000 CFA francs to 50,000 CFA francs, with a view to giving as many young people as possible access to quality training.

H.E. also mentioned that in addition to the opening of the brand new National Centre for Training Trainers and Program Development, he is pleased to note the opening of Vocational Information and Guidance Centers in Maroua, Ngaoundéré, Yaoundé, Douala, Bamenda and Bafoussam. From now on, young people looking for work will be able to find out about the various opportunities on the labour market. It was also announced on the  government which  is stepping up initiatives to stimulate job creation in the private sector and encourage self-employment.

The president went on to explain on the importance of self-employment and he said; “Self-employment is one of the best ways of achieving social and professional integration, given the impossibility for the State and the private sector to absorb the ever-increasing number of young people entering the job market each year. The Triennial Special Youth Plan, launched in 2016, is part of this approach. It has already funded thousands of projects for young people”.

The president also mentioned  the Entrepreneurship Promotion Program which has contributed to the creation of more than 12,000 new businesses by 2023. These have generated nearly 22,000 direct jobs.He assured the youths that he is well aware that it is still not enough in relation to the number of young people looking for work.

H.E. Paul Biya in his speech invites the youths to seize the opportunities offered by the implementation of the Three-Year Integrated Import-Substitution Plan 2024-2026, to engage in production activities, so that it will enable the youths  not only to be useful to their country, but also to find the means to support themselves.

He also mentioned that addressing the concerns of young people has always been at the heart of his political commitment. Under his leadership, the Government is working steadfastly and resolutely to achieve this. He went on to say that the  young people will not be able to take full advantage of the opportunities offered to them if they do not fully embrace the civic and moral values that are the foundation of life in society. These include a taste for hard work, integrity, patriotism, tolerance, civic-mindedness and respect for the law and the public good.

The head of state also addressed the depravity of morals, uncivil and deviant behaviour, violence, indiscipline, alcohol and drug abuse and intolerance , which are on the rise in the society. Schools are no exception. Social networks, which are now young people’s favorite means of expression, are being abused and are becoming the stage for all kinds of extremism. He made an appeal to parents, and more generally to all educators, to fully assume their responsibilities.

He mentioned the fact that the nation is a land of opportunity as many foreigners settle in the land and start up businesses while fellow Cameroonians leave the country never to come back instead of coming back to develop the nation so it grows. He reminded the youths not to forget that they are the present and future of Cameroon, and that they have the responsibility of continuing with faith me determination, and building the nation.

The president ended his speech by thanking the youths for their vitality, ingenuity and maturity, and encouraged them that they can make a very effective contribution to building the radiant future to which our country aspires.

Delia Nyadi