55th YOUTHDAY: PAUL BIYA, CHALLENGES YOUTHS TO BE PART OF A HISTORIC GENERATION

H.E Paul Biya 

The President of the Republic HE Paul Biya in his usual address to the youths of Cameroon on February 10, 2021 on the occasion of the 55th edition of the Youth day under the theme "Youth, Resilience, Challenges and Opportunities in times of Covid-19", started by appreciating Cameroon for the successful organization of the 6th edition of the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN).

 According to the President, Cameroon played host to young African sports Men and Women who had the opportunity to commune with Cameroonians who showcased the legendary hospitality of the Nation. 

 "Giving the successful organization of the sporting event, I feel like saying that 2021 is beginning on a positive note for our youths. And I hope that this breath of fresh air will rekindle lasting hope in everyone of you."

 In 2022, Cameroon will host Africa again, this time for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the president said that, despite the difficult economic situation in the Country, Cameroon is well prepared to host Africa next year,  with her ultramodern facilities, the country will be up to the task. 

 The president Challenged stakeholders of football in the Country to come together and restore order so that football activities can resume.

 President Paul Biya, encouraged the youths never to lose hope in their country, however he acknowledged the difficulties faced by the youths while challenging them that each generation has a historic mission to accomplish for the future of the nation. 

 "Peace is a prerequisite for progress. As you are aware, it has been threantened for a few years now in our country by armed gangs that are spreading terror one the western border of the Far North, and in some areas in the North west and South West. Our eastern borders is also facing insecurity. Fortunately, courageous a d patriotic Cameroonian youths are effectively playing their role as driving force in the defence of the fatherland on these different fronts. Our young soldiers are actively engaged with determination, professionalism and a high sense of sacrifice in restoring peace in our country.....". "Concerning national unity, some of you have unfortunately chosen to rally behind the demons of hatred and division. Driven by barbaric fanaticism, often whipped up and nurtured from foreign countries, or by a perverse use of social media, they try to undermine the foundation of the Nation."

The president advised the youths to stay away from those he described as "anti-role models",

he said the time for politicking is over, after the establishment of democratic institutions, which to him many youths took up the opportunity to be Members of Parliaments, Mayors as well as Regional Counsellors and that they should take the chance to work for their Nation.

 As concerns the unemployment of youths in Cameroon, the President said that, the solution depends on the implementation of the following programs. 

 - The "Special Youth" Three years plan which in 2020 was able to finance about 5 500 projects for a total of amount of nearly 15 billion CFA francs. 

 - The Decent Employment Promotion Programme which aims to create 500 000 jobs during the 2021 financial year. 

 President Paul Biya, ended his message to the youths by siting some outstanding youths who are promoting Cameroon. The President called other Cameroonion youths to copy the example of:

 - the physcist, Arsène Stéphane TEMA BIWOLE, at General Atomics. 

 - the Mathematician and computer scientist, Thystère DJOB MVONDO, who defended his doctorate thesis at the age of 22. 

 - the writer, Djaïji AMADOU AMAL, winner of the prix Goncour des Lycéens 2020. 

 According to him, by copying the example of such compatriots, Cameroonian youths will effectively contribute to building a strong, united democratic, decentralized and emerging Cameroon by 2035.

 The president however did not stress on the preventive measures in the fight against COVID-19, given that during his last outing on the 31st of December 2020, he called on Cameroonians to strictly respect the preventive measures. From observations there is little or no respect of the barrier measures towards the virus especially amongst young people in Cameroon.

 By Arnaud Kouamo