By NEB
In his inaugural speech after taking the oath of office as Cameroon’s Head of State for an eighth term last November 6, President Paul Biya announced plans to re-launch PhD studies in Cameroon state universities as well as the organisation of entrance examinations into ENS.
Biya revealed that, “I have just ordered the resumption of doctoral studies in universities during this academic year. I have also decided to reinstate competitive entrance examinations for admission into the higher teachers’ training colleges”, he said.
Youths, women at the limelight
The Head of State unveiled that his focus in the next seven years will centre on youths and women, with various projects to empower the groups. “One of my main objectives in this regard is to promote greater youth and women empowerment and protection. As you are aware, commendable efforts have been made in recent years to support young people, including the construction of numerous school and university facilities, the promotion of youth education, the professionalization of teaching and the creation of new job opportunities for young people. We will intensify these efforts, ensuring that young people and women enjoy greater protection at school and at work, but also elsewhere, to ensure their self fulfilment. Trades and other activities that are particularly appealing to girls and women will receive greater State support, especially financial support”, he detailed.
Aware Of Challenges
Biya admitted being well aware of the pertinent issues which are making life difficult for Cameroonians. The burden to drive the statecraft to safer shores, he said, was the core responsibility for the role he was once again signing up to assume.
Furthermore, Biya sustained his attachment to the ordeals of his leadership borne by the principles of vigour and moralisation. The sacred task to serve the Cameroon people, he said is for him a duty in building a united, stable and prosperous nation.
Fight against corruption on
Also, the fight against corruption will be strengthened while reforms geared towards making the state machinery more functional will be enforced in cognizance of the peculiarities of the Cameroon context.
Battling Insecurity
Biya found the need for the security preoccupations to be readily responded to with appropriate measures in order to curb terrorism and its fallout.
Notably in the North West, South West and Far North, which have undergone untold suffering and destruction for several years, he underscored the government’s determination for a return to peace, stability and order.
The military, he noted, has proven its bravery and professionalism in attaining positive results alongside the efforts of the collaborative populations.
He addressed an appeal to the chiefs, other living forces, to promote sensitisation to the armed civilians who continue to pose threats to general welfare.
Moreso, Biya extended gratitude “to the friendly countries that have begun pursuing and bringing to justice the sponsors of these criminal acts who are hiding within their territories. I encourage those partners who have not yet taken action, to follow suit and confront these terrorists who, from their countries, continue to incite violence against our innocent people with impunity”.
Biya did not fail to salute the input of partners to ensure the rehabilitation of these crisis-hit communities. Overall, he appealed for peace, national unity and reconciliation at the basic level, especially with the prevailing post-electoral tensions around the country.
All hands on deck
“Electioneering for the post of president is past and gone. It is now time to get together. This country is our shared heritage. It is our most precious asset. Rather than destroying it, we have to build, strengthen and modernize it. We should end the hate speech flooding the public space, especially social media”, President Biya urged.