59th National Youth Day Activities: Kick-off Given In Idenau

The scotching sun that beamed in the border coastal town of Idenau, West Coast Subdivision in the South West Region on February 1, 2025 could not deter thousands of youth, elite, traditional rulers, political figures and the population of the locality from thronging on the ceremonial ground to witness the launching of activities to mark this year’s edition of the National Youth Day. The Minister of Youth Affairs, Mounouna Foutsou, accompanied by South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai gave the kickoff in a massively attended and colourful ceremony pregnant with symbolism and significance. The event interspaced by cultural animation by youth cultural groups from different ethnic groups across the country did not only showcase Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity and a harmonious living together but also portrayed the intrinsic patriotic and civic responsibility values authorities want to inculcate on the youth. Minister Mounouna Foutsou in his launching speech unveiled the theme of the 59th edition of the National Youth Day as approved by the President of the Republic, “Youth: Maturity and Responsibility for the Consolidation of Peace, Security, Economic Growth and Democratic Process.” The theme, he stated, was inspired by the call by the President of the Republic during his December 31, 2024 address to the nation, for commitment to restoring security, strengthening economic growth and significantly improving the living conditions of Cameroonians while showing prove of maturity, responsibility and ensuring peace and stability prevail before, during and after the 2025 elections. Meanwhile, the Youth Affairs and Civic Education boss traced the origin of the Youth Day to the erstwhile West Cameroon which he said was born out of the desire to bring together youth from East and West Cameroon following the 11 February 1961 Plebiscite. “The Youth Day is thus a powerful vector of National Unity. It is also a demonstration of the interest public authorities have in young people as hope of the nation who, thanks to their dynamism and numerical strength, will certainly lead Cameroon towards emergence,” he said. The 59th edition of the National Youth Day, the Minister added, is laden with innovations validated in the hamonised national programme by the Head of State. Some of the innovations include the institution of the Youth Month which is aimed at stepping up activities promoting youth an...