The 59th Youth Day celebrations took place in Bafut on February 11, 2025, at the Nsob ceremonial ground, under the auspices of the Divisional Officer for the Bafut subdivision, Forku Djokem Andelys. The event saw a significant turnout of youths, surpassing previous years' attendance, despite the ongoing crisis. This year's celebration was held under the theme "Youth, maturity and responsibility for the consolidation of peace, security, economic growth, and the democratic process" .
Participants included youths from schools across Bafut, the national youth council, and the YCPDM, as well as traditional dance groups. The celebration began with a replay of President Paul Biya's speech to the youths on the eve of Youth Day.
Divisional Officer Forku Djokem Andelys expressed pride in the community's resilience and their understanding of the government's vision. "I am proud being the Divisional Officer for Bafut because they have shown the community spirit of resilience and have proven to have understood the plea of the government and authorities to come to terms with the vision of the head of state through their massive turnout on this occasion of the national youth day," he said.
He emphasized Bafut's vast human and natural resources, which the state is willing to help exploit to alleviate poverty and reduce hardship. "I think those who are left behind will make a step to get out of the bushes and reintegrate with the society. The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) center is not far from here, at the DDR center they will be trained in diverse workshops like carpentry, welding, mechanic just to name a few which will go a long way to empower them. So I urge all the youths of Bafut to take this as a big opportunity to exploit."
Ngwakongoh Lawrence, Mayor of Bafut
Mayor Ngwakongho Lawrence stressed the importance of youths' participation in the electoral process, particularly in this electoral year. "Your worries can't be completely solved but giving a chance to our champion of the great CPDM party who has been doing a lot is a strive for greater achievements. The youths which the head of state is offering better opportunities have to get themselves registered into the electoral register to cast their vote."
He announced that youths without birth certificates would be issued them free of charge, and that ELECAM would be set up in the municipality to facilitate voter registration. "In that light every youth of Bafut from the ages of 18 years old to 40 years without birth certificates who presents their court judgments will be issued birth certificates charge-free. I am equally going to make sure that in the days ahead we get ELECAM right here in the municipality so that we can all register and perform our civic right at the polls."
The 59th Youth Day celebration in Bafut served as a platform for youths to take charge in developing their community.
By
Munya Charles Babila.
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