Message from the Head of State to the Youth – 60th National Youth Day
My dear young compatriots, the celebration of this sixtieth edition of the National Youth Day once again offers me the welcome opportunity to address you on the many issues that concern you. I am aware that these issues relate to your present situation, but also, and above all, to your future. They concern your difficulties, frustrations, fears and worries, as well as your hopes, expectations and legitimate aspirations.
My dear young compatriots, I am fully aware of your concerns, all the more so because, under my authority, the Government is tirelessly making commendable efforts to provide appropriate solutions. This comes as no surprise, for I have never stopped, and will never stop, caring about you.
My dear young compatriots, as I address you this evening, just a few months after my re-election as President of the Republic, I wish to express my deep satisfaction for the role you played in this election and, above all, to thank you most sincerely for your invaluable support, without which none of this would have been possible. I am aware that the decisive factor in this particularly hard-fought election was the strong support of a large majority of young people for the vision I carry, as well as your appreciation of the record I presented. I also sincerely believe it reflects the trust and loyalty you have consistently shown me since I assumed office. For this, I am deeply grateful.
My dear young compatriots, upon taking the oath of office, I made a solemn commitment before you and the entire nation to devote all my energy to building a stable, united and prosperous Cameroon. I intend to honour this commitment, regardless of the difficulties and challenges posed by an increasingly demanding international environment. I am convinced that together we will achieve this goal, thanks to my unwavering determination, your courage and your many talents.
My dear young compatriots, I am aware that some of you feel discouraged when faced with difficulties in finding employment or achieving your ambitions. This may lead you to doubt the future, give up your dreams or embark on risky ventures. This cannot, in any way, be the solution. I encourage you instead to persevere, to believe in your abilities and to continue to take initiative and move forward, regardless of obstacles. This is the true key to success.
My dear young compatriots, I have promised in my recent addresses that your integration into the labour market will be one of the main priorities of this seven-year term. This is the purpose of the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan that I recently announced. The Government has already put in place incentive measures aimed at fostering strong collaboration between the State, the private sector and society as a whole to promote job creation for young people. These include tax exemptions for companies recruiting young graduates, an allocation of 50 billion CFA francs to support youth entrepreneurship, increased funding for the National Employment Fund and measures to integrate young people into labour-intensive public works. These efforts mark the beginning of the fulfilment of my commitments to you.
My dear young compatriots, under my authority, the Government will also continue to invest significant resources in strengthening and improving our education system. My objective is to offer as many of you as possible access to quality training that will enable you not only to find employment but also to create it. As you are aware, public sector recruitment alone cannot fully resolve the issue of youth unemployment. That is why I will continue to encourage entrepreneurship among young people and ensure that they receive appropriate support.
Despite the difficult context, I am pleased to note that many of you are excelling in fields such as agricultural processing, construction, services and the digital sector, where you are creating businesses and jobs every day. I also wish to commend your contribution within our defence and security forces, as well as the efforts of those in the informal sector who work tirelessly to support their families. There is no such thing as a small job. Each of you plays an essential role in the development and progress of our country.
It is for this reason that I will ensure that more and more of you, both men and women, are gradually entrusted with high responsibilities in the management of public affairs. Opportunities in this regard include the renewal of leadership in State-owned enterprises, the formation of the next government and upcoming legislative and municipal elections, even if their timetable may require slight adjustments in accordance with the Constitution.
My dear young compatriots, I would also like to remind you that while you have rights, you also have duties towards your families and the nation. I urge you to act responsibly. The future of our country lies in your hands. You must therefore avoid harmful behaviours such as delinquency, alcohol abuse, drug use, immoral conduct and excessive use of social media.
I also call on parents and educators to fully assume their responsibilities by guiding and protecting you, particularly young girls who are too often victims of harassment and abuse. I have issued firm instructions to the relevant authorities to strengthen their protection in schools, homes and workplaces.
My dear young compatriots, I reaffirm my commitment to spare no effort in creating the most favourable conditions for your fulfilment. This is reflected in the directives given to the Government, the reforms aimed at improving the functioning of the State and the firm fight against corruption and the embezzlement of public funds.
My dear young compatriots, as you celebrate the 60th anniversary of the day dedicated to you, I commend your maturity and your contribution to building our nation. I urge you to continue working to preserve our essential achievements: peace, national unity and institutional stability.
Happy Youth Day to you all! Long live Cameroon!
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