English Content
As part of the 60th anniversary of Youth Day in Cameroon, celebrated this year under the theme
“Youth at the heart of great hopes for a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon,”
the East Region hosted the official launch of activities for the Youth Fortnight, a period of nationwide mobilization leading up to the grand celebration on February 11.
From Yokadouma to Gari-Gombo, the events highlighted a dynamic, responsible and forward-looking youth committed to peace, social cohesion and local development.
Yokadouma: Football as a Symbol of Unity and Social Cohesion
As part of the sporting activities marking the launch of the Youth Fortnight, the Yokadouma Municipal Stadium hosted the grand finale of the inter-neighborhood football tournament titled “60th Anniversary of Youth.” Organized from January 28 to February 1, 2026, the tournament brought together young people from different neighborhoods in a spirit of friendship, fair play and healthy competition.
The highly anticipated final match opposed FC Barcelone and JER, delivering an exciting and technically impressive game. After an intense contest, the youth team from the Relais neighborhood emerged victorious, winning the tournament trophy — a strong symbol of dynamism, solidarity and civic engagement among local youth.
The event was honored by the presence of Mounouna Foutsou, Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, accompanied by the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works, Dr. Armand Ndjodom, as well as the Senior Divisional Officer of Boumba-et-Ngoko, Mr. Nouhou Bello.
The Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC) was represented by its First Vice President, Gaël Sop Brice, acting as personal representative of the CNYC President.
Gari-Gombo: Strong Youth Mobilization and Civic Engagement
The official launch of the Youth Fortnight continued in Gari-Gombo, in a ceremony marked by both solemnity and celebration, with strong participation from young people, administrative authorities, traditional leaders and political representatives.
A Warm Welcome and a Message of Hope
In his welcome address, the Mayor of Gari-Gombo, Hervé Simomori II, expressed the pride of his municipality in hosting such an important event:
“You are the Minister of Youth, and your presence reassures the youth.”
He described his municipality as a model of peaceful coexistence:
“Our municipality is cosmopolitan, with many refugees living in perfect harmony with the local population.”
Referring to the laying of the foundation stone of the Multipurpose Youth Promotion Center (CMPJ), he added:
“By laying the first stone of the CMPJ this morning, the youth express the hope that this infrastructure will soon be made available to them. The youth of Gari-Gombo are ready to play their part in the seven-year mandate of the Great Hopes of the Head of State.”
“Youth Are Not a Burden”
Speaking on behalf of the CNYC, Gaël Sop Brice delivered a powerful message:
“Youth are not a burden.”
Within the framework of the CNYC’s special civic and electoral education campaign, he encouraged young people to become more involved in public life:
“Not too young to run,” he declared, calling on youth to dare to engage in politics and take part in governance.
Civic Responsibility and Recognition of Youth Support Programs
The Municipal President of the CNYC in Gari-Gombo, Hamadou Haminou, reassured the government representative of:
“the civic-minded and patriotic character of the youth in this municipality.”
He also expressed gratitude for the Special Three-Year Youth Plan, which has enabled many young people in the locality to achieve socio-economic integration.
Concrete Support for 29 Young Beneficiaries
A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of equipment for 29 beneficiaries of the 2026 cohort of the Special Three-Year Youth Plan in Boumba-et-Ngoko, representing an investment of over 50 million CFA francs.
The support covers several strategic sectors:
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Agriculture: tricycles, chainsaws, cassava grinders, wheelbarrows
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Agro-processing and small industry: fryers, cookers, large pots, sewing machines
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Digital economy: laptops, printers, binding machines
These young entrepreneurs are organized into economic clusters in pioneer villages, promoting self-employment, local wealth creation and the fight against youth unemployment.
Installation of the Municipal Youth Councils
René Ahanda, a senior official at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, explained that the Municipal Youth Councils are:
“mechanisms for mobilizing, hosting, mentoring and involving young people aged 15 to 34 who voluntarily commit to a one-year learning pathway within a municipality.”
A total of 25 young municipal councillors were trained in citizenship, leadership and local development.
During their official installation, Mayor Hervé Simomori II told them:
“I ask you to learn alongside us, to stand with us, because I am sure many of you have talents. From today onward, you are the reflection of the dynamism of our society.”
A Strong Message from the Minister of Youth
In his speech launching the Youth Fortnight, Minister Mounouna Foutsou emphasized that this 60th edition represents:
“an opportunity to promote the values of patriotism, solidarity, responsible citizenship and commitment.”
He reminded participants that the theme aligns with the high-level vision of the Head of State, who has placed youth at the center of national action.
Addressing young people directly, he declared:
“Rest assured, dear youth, I have not come empty-handed, but with the concrete realization of the promises made by the Head of State.”
He concluded with a call for initiative and boldness:
“I invite you to dare, to explore innovative sectors, to commit yourselves and to seize every local opportunity available to you.”
A Call for Responsibility and Patriotism
Taking the floor, Secretary of State Dr. Armand Ndjodom expressed:
“Infinite gratitude and recognition to the Head of State for choosing Boumba-et-Ngoko for this launch.”
He urged young people to demonstrate responsibility, civic-mindedness and patriotism in the face of social challenges and potential manipulation.
A Youth Fortnight Launched Toward February 11
Through sport, civic engagement, entrepreneurship support and youth participation in local governance, the launch of the Youth Fortnight in the East Region reflects a generation that is aware of its role and ready to actively contribute to Cameroon’s development.
Activities will continue across the country in the lead-up to the grand celebration of Youth Day on February 11, the climax of this 60th anniversary marked by hope, unity and national ambition.
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