Youth: Embracing Positivity For Efficiency!

Cameroonian youth will this Wednesday February 11, 2026 celebrate yet another National Youth Day, culminating weeklong activities that focused on their know-how, challenges and what government is doing to keep the youngsters on the right path, no matter what. The 60th edition of the Youth Day will be celebrated on the theme, “Youths at the Heart of Great Hopes; for a United, Stable and Prosperous Cameroon.” Logically, this emphasises the role of young people as key drivers of national development, unity and stability in the ongoing seven-year term of office of President Paul Biya christened, “Greatness and Hope.”
This certainly explains why the National Youth Council and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education have been drilling the youngsters, through parades and educational forums, on the virtues of national unity. Focus has been on economic patriotism, local production consumption and youth guarantee in battling ills like drug abuse and hate speech. At least, this can prepare them to tackle life’s challenges head-on and to be results-oriented.
However, the nationwide celebrations will, like in previous editions, be taking place against a backdrop of repeated outcry of youth unemployment or under-employment and several other challenges that sometimes mar their effective growth and derail some of the much-talked about leaders of tomorrow. Double-sword difficulties which either galvanise resilient youngsters to engage in one activity or the order in seeking salvaging solutions to the societal woes; standing taller than the problems, or sinking in despair. While the former are cited as the radiant youth and the stars in the country’s skies, the latter are a serious call for concern. They who easily give in to drug consumption with all its ills, or embrace easy life channels with get-rich-quick manoeuvres that only bring disgrace on their families and nation.
Youthfulness is an asset that must be harnessed and canalised for short and long-term use. Their vitality and sometimes, ingenuity, must be made to go the positive way for better productivity. For, everyday realities depict two categories of Cameroonian youth- Those transforming speed brakes to springboards and others waiting just for any mishap to hang unto and justify their waywardness. It is obvious that any society is made up of all these people, but what makes a difference is the capacity of all and sundry to tailor mindsets, drive positive thinking and prepare the terrain where the youngsters can extensively showcase their know-how, get recognised, feel part and parcel of society and contribute to nation-building.
This is certainly the challenge that must be surmounted. Government has put in place wide-ranging programmes and projects to boost youth activities. It is even said that the programmes and projects are so many and as diverse as the youth problems that some people sometimes wonder how well they can deliver. This too may reflect government’s will to propose solutions to problems that youth face so as to enable them thrive in their fields of training and giftedness in order to contribute to the growth of the national economy.
While engaging in moral rearmament endeavours to bring back to the national fold those who are insubordinate, the powers that be may as well need to revisit certain actions and policies susceptible to giving a push to youths venturing into certain fields. For, there are good grains of ingenious and promising youth in several fields in the country who if wisely supported can develop their initiatives and why not rekindle the spirits of those already hoping against hope.
Examples abound in varied sectors. Cameroon Tribune recently published an article on a youngster, Eric Wirngo Jaidzeka, based in Wouri Division of the Littoral Region who is actively involved in metallic work, notably local fabrication of tricycles. With his small and medium-sized enterprise; Eriko Metal Welding, the young man ha...