BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou has officially launched the 59th edition of Youth Day celebration in Idenau, West Coast Subdivision of Fako Division, South West Region.
This was during a ceremony held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in the presence of the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, Fako Senior Divisional Officer, Viang Mekala, Limbe City Mayor, Paul Efome L.M Ngale Divisional Officers for Limbe I, II and III Subdivisions and other top officials.
The 59th Edition of Youth Day celebration in Cameroon shall be celebrated across the national territory under the theme ‘Youth, Maturity, and Responsibility, For the Consolidation of Peace, Security, Economic Growth and the Democratic Process.’
According to the Minister, the theme seeks to foster civic participation of young people in the upcoming presidential election.
Minister Mounouna Foutsou, during the launching ceremony expressed words of gratitude to the population of Ideanu and the South West Region in general, for the warm reception.
He added that the Youth Day commemorated in the South West Region of Cameroon, was born out of the desire to foster togetherness of Youths from East and West Cameroon, following the February 11, 1961 Referendum.
The Federal authorities decided to devote the national day to Youths in recognition of their vital role and to provide them with an opportunity to express themselves and develop their potential, thereby enhancing their role and encouraging them to contribute to the building of the young independent state. The Minister further reiterated that the Youth Day is a powerful vector of national unity and demonstration of the interest public authorities have in young people as they are the leaders of tomorrow.
The celebration of the youth event which covers the first 11 days of February provides an ideal period to showcase the various opportunities offered to young Cameroonians by the government and diverse partners.
In the course of the celebration, the Minister reminded youths through the Head of State’s Speech on December 31, 2024, to perform their civic responsibility by participating in the upcoming presidential elections through voting in a peaceful manner.
Some youths of the South West Region, through the youth plan of Moral Civic and Entrepreneurial Rearmament were recognised with some financial support to foster their business plans”. The Minister urged the recipients to focus on their business plan and demonstrate economic patriotism. “We therefore expect each one of you to abide purposely by this solemn commitment. Whatever the case, our support team is by your side to guide you along the right path.
Do not hesitate to share with them any concerns or difficulties you may have. Also boost your fighting spirit as promoted by the national civic education through Moral Civic and Entrepreneurial Rearmament to overcome any obstacles”, the Minister advised.
The event wrapped up with the beneficiaries promising to make judicious use of the financial support placed at their disposals.
Speaking earlier, the Mayor for Idenau Council, Tonde Lifanje Gabriel welcomed the Minister and his entourage to his municipality which he described as the Land of Investment and Hospitality. He opined that the launching of the National Youth Day was an unprecedented event in his municipality.
“The people of West Coast rejoice to this choice to launch the Youth Day here, through my municipality, I express my sincere gratitude to the Head of State and promise to reciprocate”, Mayor Tonde Lifanje said.
Prelude to the launching of National Youth Day in Idenau, the Minister inaugurated the Multipurpose Youth Empowerment Centre, located at Middle Farms Bota Limbe and constructed by Limbe I Council, with aim provide the locality with a space for youth mentoring.