Annual Empowerment Initiative Targets Self-Reliance, Job Creation and Sustainable Livelihoods in Upper Muea
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
Upper Muea witnessed a defining moment in its community development journey as His Royal Majesty Chief Edward Nganje Molinge officially launched a Youth Empowerment Scheme aimed at strengthening livelihoods, promoting self-reliance and preparing young people for professional and economic relevance .
The initiative was unveiled during the first-ever open-door interactive meeting this Saturday January 31 2026 between the traditional authority and the youths of Upper Muea, an event described by many as historic and transformational. Addressing a packed audience at the palace, Chief Molinge said the meeting marked a turning point in the way leadership engages young people, giving them a direct platform to express concerns, share ideas and access opportunities. “This meeting is one which changes the narrative in Muea,” the Chief declared. “It is the first of its kind, an open-door meeting that allows the youths to speak and be heard. Unity is a prerequisite for progress, and the time is now for that unity to be shown.”
At the heart of the initiative is a grant-based empowerment scheme designed to support between five and ten youths annually. Beneficiaries will receive financial support ranging from FCFA 300,000 to FCFA 500,000 to boost small businesses, agricultural ventures, trades and other income-generating activities. According to the Chief, the scheme is not charity but an investment in people with discipline, vision and commitment. “Even if I sit on this throne for the next 70 years, I will make sure I empower 70 people,” Chief Molinge said, drawing applause from the audience. He urged beneficiaries to see empowerment as a responsibility to uplift others, rather than a personal gain.
The empowerment scheme cuts across sectors and professions, recognizing that economic development requires both entrepreneurs and skilled professionals. While encouraging business owners and farmers to apply, the Chief also made a passionate appeal to graduates and trained professionals to submit their CVs to the palace for job placement and professional networking.
“There are young people from this community today occupying high-level positions because I personally facilitated their placement,” he revealed. “If I don’t have your CV, I cannot recommend you. With your CV, I don’t need you to write a long application, I will recommend you directly.”
He cited missed opportunities in sectors such as nursing, where qualified youths remained unemployed or underemployed simply because their profiles were not available when vacancies arose. With connections in major cities like Douala and within financial institutions, Chief Molinge stressed that structured documentation and readiness were key to unlocking opportunities.
In an interview with the press, the traditional ruler explained that youth empowerment had been a core priority since his designation, noting that the community had already sponsored about 60 students at the University of Buea. The new scheme, he said, expands the focus to investment, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, while also providing technical guidance through the traditional council.
Chief Molinge further underscored Upper Muea’s identity as a cosmopolitan and inclusive community, stressing that the empowerment scheme would not be discriminatory. “If you are qualified and you identify yourself as a community person, you will benefit. We promote social cohesion and reject tribalism,” he said.
Beyond economic empowerment, the meeting also addressed social issues, particularly the fight against drug abuse. The Chief issued a firm warning against narcotics, stating that anyone involved in the drug trade should not seek audience at the palace unless they were ready for rehabilitation. “Drugs are a plague on our society. Wealth from such activities is not welcome here,” he cautioned.
Interventions during the meeting reflected strong youth support for the initiative. The President of the Youths, Leonard Kamga, praised the Chief’s leadership and called for greater collaboration with government authorities to combat drug abuse in the town. The Chairman of the Upper Muea Traditional Council, Mola Elinge Njoke Paul, described Chief Molinge as a visionary leader whose policies were already bearing fruit.
In his closing remarks, Chief Molinge encouraged youths to refine their business ideas, seek assistance in project writing where necessary, and actively engage with the scheme. He also announced future activities, including another youth-focused meeting in December and a grand community gala in December 2026, featuring inter-youth competitions to foster unity and participation.
As Upper Muea continues to evolve, the launch of the Youth Empowerment Scheme signals a deliberate shift toward inclusive leadership, structured opportunity and long-term development, placing young people firmly at the center of the community’s future.