By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Youths in Mfou, a town on the outskirts of Yaoundé in the Méfou and Afamba Division of the Center Region, celebrated the 2025 edition of National Youth Day with fervor and dedication.
Hundreds of institutions and political parties gathered at the Mfou ceremonial ground to mark the 59th edition of the event, themed “Youth: Maturity and Responsibility for the Consolidation of Peace, Security, Economic Growth, and the Democratic Process.”
A Lower Sixth student expressed enthusiasm for the celebration, stating, “I am so happy to be part of this year’s National Youth Day. It reminds me of my commitment to serving my country.”
Another student echoed the sentiment, noting the significance of the event in fostering unity and peace. “It’s wonderful to see friends from other schools and sing the Youth Day marching song together,” they said.
Tina, a Class Six pupil, shared her excitement, saying, “I marched and sang the song with pride. It was a great experience.”
Students from teacher training and vocational institutes in Mfou pledged to promote peace, reflecting the day’s theme. The event began with a replay of President Paul Biya’s speech, delivered in English and French on February 10, the eve of Youth Day.
In his address, Biya emphasized the government’s commitment to providing relevant training opportunities for youths entering the labor market. He encouraged them to leverage digital technology for self-employment and urged caution against divisive influences as elections approach.
“Do not let irresponsible individuals use you to create chaos in our beloved country,” Biya said.
The march past featured youths carrying peace plants and messages advocating for tolerance and peaceful coexistence, underscoring the day’s focus on unity and responsibility.
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