By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – President Paul Biya has reassured Cameroonian youths of his continued commitment to their welfare, employment and future, as he addressed the nation on Tuesday, February 10, on the eve of the 60th edition of National Youth Day, celebrated on February 11.
In a message delivered ahead of the celebration, the Head of State described Youth Day as a “welcome opportunity” to speak directly to young people about the challenges they face today and the prospects that lie ahead. He acknowledged their “difficulties, frustrations, fears and worries,” while also recognising their hopes, expectations and legitimate aspirations.
President Biya said he was fully aware of the concerns of young Cameroonians, stressing that under his authority, the government has continued to make “tireless and commendable efforts” to find appropriate solutions. He reiterated that the youth have always been, and will remain, at the centre of his actions.
Just months after his re-election, the President expressed deep satisfaction with the role young people played during the presidential election, thanking them for what he described as their invaluable support. According to him, the backing of a large majority of youths was a decisive factor in the election, reflecting their confidence in his vision for society and appreciation of his track record.
“When taking the oath of office, I made a solemn commitment to devote all my energies to the advent of a stable, united and prosperous Cameroon,” President Biya said, adding that he intends to honour this pledge despite challenges arising from an increasingly difficult international environment.
A major focus of the address was youth employment. Acknowledging that many young people struggle to find jobs or achieve their goals, the President cautioned against despair and risky ventures, urging them instead to persevere, trust their abilities and remain enterprising.
He announced that youth integration into the labour market would be one of the main priorities of his current seven-year term, highlighting the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan recently unveiled by the government. The plan, he explained, aims to create synergy among the State, the private sector, and society to promote job creation.
Among the measures outlined are tax exemptions for companies that recruit young graduates, the allocation of 50 billion CFA francs in the Finance Law to support youth entrepreneurship, increased subsidies to the National Employment Fund, and the integration of young people into State-financed labour-intensive projects.
President Biya also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the education system to ensure access to quality training that enables young people not only to find jobs but also to create them. He noted that public sector recruitment alone cannot solve youth unemployment, hence the continued emphasis on entrepreneurship.
He commended youths excelling in sectors such as agricultural processing, construction, services and the digital economy, as well as those serving in the defence and security forces. A special tribute was paid to young people in the informal sector, who, he said, work daily to support their families while steering clear of crime and delinquency.
“There is no such thing as odd-job,” the President said, stressing that every honest activity contributes to national development.
Looking ahead, President Biya promised to entrust more young people, both women and men, with high responsibilities in public affairs. He cited upcoming opportunities, including changes in the management of State corporations, the formation of a new government, and the organisation of legislative and municipal elections, noting that electoral timelines may be slightly adjusted due to constraints, in line with the law.
The Head of State also reminded youths of their responsibilities towards their families and the nation, calling on them to shun delinquency, drug abuse, immoral behaviour and the excessive use of social media. He urged parents and educators to play their part, while announcing firm instructions to strengthen the protection of young girls against harassment and abuse in schools, families and workplaces.
President Biya further commended young Cameroonians for their maturity and contribution to nation-building, while urging them to continue safeguarding peace, national unity and institutional stability.
