In his address to the nation’s youths on the eve of the 59th National Youth Day celebration, President Paul Biya emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering young Cameroonians.
He highlighted the importance of education and training, saying, “I know that, as with all young people worldwide, your education and training mean everything to you”.
The president noted that the government has made significant efforts to expand and diversify the school and university landscape. New specialized courses have been introduced, and vocational training centers have been established to provide young people with the technical skills needed to access the labor market. He cited the opening of the Nanga-Eboko and Lembe-Yézoum vocational training centres as examples of these efforts.
To address the challenge of youth unemployment, President Biya announced the establishment of a regulatory framework to support the recruitment of first-time job seekers. He also mentioned the creation of a National Directory of Jobs, Trades, and Professions, which will help to consolidate, analyze, and disseminate information on available job opportunities in the country.
The president urged young Cameroonians to seize the opportunities available to them, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and livestock farming. He cited the success stories of Samuel Tony Obam Bikoue and Tata Bakary, who have established thriving agro-industries and farming complexes, respectively.
President Biya also emphasized the importance of civic engagement and moral values. He encouraged young people to participate in the moral, civic, and entrepreneurial rearmament programme designed to strengthen their civic engagement. He reminded them that they are Cameroon’s present and future, and that they have a vital role to play in building a strong and prosperous nation.
President Biya’s address underscored the government’s commitment to empowering young Cameroonians through education, training, and job creation. He urged young people to seize the opportunities available to them and to play an active role in building a brighter future for their country.
Claudette Chin
