By DANIELA ITOE NGUM
Some Head Teachers and Principals of Primary and Secondary institutions in Kumba, Meme Division have called for increased security during and after the 54th Youth Day Celebration. They made this proposal on January 23, 2020 at the Kumba City Council Hall, during the first planning meeting for the upcoming National Youth Day celebration on February 11.
The move they say is meant to motivate parents to send their children for the event, since most persons are often targeted after such events for taking part in it. They cited cases of persons who were kidnapped, assassinated, and harassed at their work places, in the streets and at home for taking part in such events.
The meeting that was presided at by the Second Assistant Senior Divisional Officer, 2nd ASDO for Meme Division, Hermia Njonje was meant to evaluate last year’s celebration and propose solutions to improve on this year’s event.
Addressing those present, the 2nd ASDO for Meme said the upcoming National Youth Day celebrations is at a time when the country and in particular the North West and South West Regions are experiencing a lot of socio-political unrest coupled with the upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections of which many are worried on the outcome. With the present situation, she noted there is need for everyone to mobilise to see that everything moves on well and the event is a success.
On his part, the newly appointed Divisional Delegate for Youth Affairs and Civic Education, William Ewosu Achalle presented a rundown of last year’s activities for further modification, in order to have a better celebration this year.
Some teachers who opted for anonymity proposed that parents should be informed of the increased security measures in order to motivate them to send their children for the event.
In order that the day is celebrated hitch-free, 12 committees were set up to pilot the activities of the celebration in the domain of protocol, décor, media, match pass, security, and many more. These committees were tasked to start work immediately so as to avoid failure.