By Brian Mboh
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, has hailed the Na-We-We Sports Jamboree as a lasting force for civic development, urging other associations to follow its example. He made the remarks at the close of the two-month-long sports festival, held in the industrial town of Tiko in the Southwest Region.
The closing ceremony, which took place at the Upper Costain Football Field and was followed by a gala match, brought together hundreds of participants from across the country. It provided a platform for final exchanges of goodwill, while showcasing civility and patriotism among the youth.
Speaking to the press after presenting awards to the winning team, Minister Foutsou described the Na-We-We tournament—organized by the Local Youth Corner—as a leading driver of peace, unity, and national pride among young people. Now in its fifth edition, he noted that the event had proven its value and significance over time, and encouraged other organizations to emulate its approach.
In response to the government’s high praise, the promoter of Na-We-We, Achaleke Christian Leke, reflected on the initiative’s journey. He explained that it began with its first edition in Douala, rooted in a commitment to empower young people and cultivate responsible, civic-minded behavior.
This year’s edition placed a special emphasis on combating drug abuse, a theme that aligned with ongoing efforts by local authorities in the Southwest to curb harmful substance use. Beyond the football matches, Leke outlined that the jamboree also included clean-up campaigns and the planting of over 500 trees to help sustain the region’s mangrove ecosystem.
As part of the closing activities, outstanding students from the General Certificate of Education examinations were recognized, and back-to-school supplies were provided for learners in Tiko.
The tournament’s grand finale delivered a thrilling football encounter, with Justice Team emerging champions after defeating Solidarity Team in a penalty shootout. The match had ended goalless in regulation time, as both sides fought for control but failed to break the deadlock. With no goals scored, the contest went straight to spot-kicks, where Justice Team held their nerve to secure victory.
The ceremony also marked the end of the civic and patriotic holidays and signaled the launch of back-to-school civic education activities. The programme further featured the national caravan for mass and civic education, which will take sensitization campaigns to neighborhoods, villages, and streets across the country.
