National Youth Day Celebration in Bda: The Future with Primary School Pupils (PhotoNews2)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

National Youth Day Celebration in Bda: The Future with Primary School Pupils (PhotoNews)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

National Youth Day Celebration in Bda: The Future with Nursery School Pupils (PhotoNews)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Message du Chef de l’Etat à l’occasion de la 49eme édition de la Fête Nationale de la Jeunesse

 Chers jeunes compatriotes,

M’adressant à vous à la même période, l’an dernier, je vous avais laissé entrevoir une relance de la croissance de notre économie. Et cela naturellement avec de belles perspectives de création d’emplois. Eh bien ! cette relance s’est confirmée au cours de l’année passée. Les statistiques sont là pour le prouver.

Comme je l’ai souligné dans mon message à la Nation, en décembre 2014, 283.443 emplois ont été créés par les administrations et les entreprises. Pour l’année 2015, nous prévoyons la création de 350.000 emplois nouveaux. A pareil moment, l’année prochaine, nous aurons l’occasion de faire le point sur tous les emplois créés depuis 2011.

Il convient évidemment de se féliciter de cette évolution. Mais nous devons également le reconnaître : nous sommes loin de cette glorieuse reprise sur une longue période, seule capable de transformer notre pays en eldorado.  

L’embellie de notre économie doit durer et se consolider pour conduire à l’émergence.  En tout état de cause, notre jeunesse continuera à y trouver son compte.  

Je sais bien que beaucoup parmi vous, qu’ils aient fait ou non des études, se retrouvent sans emploi. Je sais bien que beaucoup parmi vous, pour survivre, se rabattent sur des options précaires, sans lien avec leur formation ou leur diplôme. Il y a à cela plusieurs raisons qui tiennent au contexte international et à notre système d’enseignement. 

Pendant près de 20 ans, l’iniquité des termes de l’échange et les différentes crises économiques et financières successives ont ralenti notre processus de développement et tari de ce fait l’offre d’emplois.

Est aussi probablement en cause, l’orientation tardive de notre système éducatif vers la professionnalisation.  

Nous avons longtemps cru qu’il suffisait de rendre l’enseignement accessible au plus grand nombre, et d’en relever sans cesse le niveau, pour régler mécaniquement le problème du chômage. 

Nos écoles, nos collèges et nos lycées, nos universités et grandes écoles, doivent sans cesse s’adapter à l’évolution du monde. Dans notre quête de développement, laissons-nous guider par l’impératif de former des jeunes aptes à construire notre pays. 

L’évolution technologique a changé le cours des choses.  La nouvelle économie est dominée par l’informatique.  Il nous faut accentuer la formation des techniciens et des ingénieurs. La professionnalisation engagée dans l’enseignement secondaire et l’enseignement supérieur vise à répondre à cette demande.  Sans doute faudra-t-il aussi, dans cette optique, redonner au travail manuel, qui fait figure de parent pauvre, la place qu’il mérite.  

Notre pays ne cache pas ses ambitions dans les domaines agricole, minier, touristique, artistique, sportif et environnemental. L’artisanat et les petites entreprises occupent encore chez nous une grande place. Il est indispensable, dans ces conditions, d’avoir de meilleures structures de formation dans les filières qui préparent nos jeunes à ces métiers. 

Ces secteurs sont de vraies niches de croissance et d’emplois qualifiés, tels que plombier, électricien, mécanicien auto et industriel, etc.

 Avec l’industrialisation, notamment les grands projets structurants et notre révolution agricole, nos besoins dans ces spécialités ne feront qu’augmenter. Faudrait-il rappeler que dans certains pays plus avancés, ces métiers sont parfois mieux rémunérés que ceux du commerce et des services ?

Sous cet angle, la professionnalisation de l’école étant d’adoption relativement récente au Cameroun, il est clair qu’elle n’aura pas d’effet immédiat sur l’emploi.  

Comment faire, me demanderiez-vous, quand il y a urgence, et que par nature, la jeunesse est impatiente ?

J’invite le gouvernement, à travers les structures mises en place, à poursuivre la formation professionnelle, la promotion de l’auto-emploi et le financement des microprojets. Je demande également aux chambres consulaires, aux organisations patronales, bref au secteur privé, de prendre leur part de responsabilité.

Chers jeunes compatriotes,

La mutation dans laquelle notre pays est irréversiblement engagé, ne peut se faire qu’avec vous, et pour vous.  

Comment pourrait-il en être autrement alors que les jeunes représentent la moitié de notre population ?

La jeunesse est également réputée ardente.  Je le comprends.  Mais elle doit faire preuve de modération dans son élan, et prendre la mesure des réalités.  

Vous devez surtout vous défier des chants trompeurs des oiseaux de mauvais augure, ces marchands d’illusion qui n’ont pour projet que la déstabilisation via les réseaux sociaux. Ces prophètes irresponsables cherchent de façon évidente à vous instrumentaliser.

Dans la période délicate que traverse notre pays, menacé par un ennemi impitoyable, jamais notre cohésion nationale n’a été aussi indispensable.

Ce n’est pas au moment où notre avenir national s’ouvre sur des perspectives favorables que nous devons prêter l’oreille aux sirènes de la désunion et de la déstabilisation.

Chers jeunes compatriotes,

Je vous ai toujours fait confiance. Je vous sais jaloux de notre unité. Je vous sais épris de paix, de progrès et de justice. Je connais aussi votre bon sens et votre pragmatisme. 

Le douloureux spectacle qu’offrent aujourd’hui certains pays déchirés par la guerre civile, les antagonismes religieux, les déplacements de population et l’anarchie, ne peut que vous dissuader, j’en suis sûr, de vous laisser entraîner dans pareilles aventures.

Je vous donne en exemple nos jeunes soldats qui veillent à notre sécurité le long de nos frontières.  Leur vaillance, leur sens du devoir et du sacrifice, nous montrent ce que peut être, porté au plus haut degré, l’amour de la patrie.

Ce combat qu’ils mènent en notre nom, au péril de leur vie, est celui de toute la Nation. Avec le soutien de chacun d’entre nous, il ne fait aucun doute que  nous en sortirons vainqueurs. Les pays amis, les pays épris de paix et de liberté, la communauté internationale, l’opinion mondiale, sont avec nous.

Bonne Fête de la Jeunesse à toutes et à tous !

Vive la jeunesse camerounaise !

Vive le Cameroun !

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

President Biya's Message to Youths (Complete Speech)

 Dear young compatriots,

In my address to you at this same time last year, I gave you a glimpse of our renewed economic  growth and, of course, positive job creation prospects. Well, this recovery was confirmed in the course of last year. There are statistics to prove it.

As I mentioned in my 2014 end-of-year message, 283 443 jobs have been created by government services and enterprises. In 2015, we expect 350 000 new jobs to be created. At this time next year, we will have the opportunity to take stock of all the jobs created since 2011. Obviously, this is commendable. However, we must also recognize that we are far from a glorious sustainable recovery that can alone transform our country into an eldorado. Such bright spell must be sustainable and consolidated to lead to economic emergence. At any rate, our youth will continue to reap its benefits. I am well aware that many of you, whether educated or not, are unemployed. I am well aware that to survive, many of you resort to precarious options that are unrelated to your training or qualification.
This situation is in several cases due to the global context as well as our educational system. For nearly twenty years, unfair terms of trade and successive economic and financial crises have slowed down our development process and thus made job opportunities scarce. Another possible cause is the delay in gearing our educational system towards professionalization.

For a long time, we believed that it sufficed to make education accessible to the greatest number and continually raise its level, to mechanically resolve the unemployment problem. Our primary, secondary and high schools, universities and professional schools must constantly adapt to the changing world. In our quest for development, we should be guided by the need to train youths who are capable of building our country.

Technological advancement has changed the way things are done. The new economy is computer-
dominated. We should focus on training technicians and engineers. The ongoing professionalization of secondary and higher education seeks to meet this requirement. In this light, manual labour, which has been neglected, will definitely need to be given its deserved place from primary school.
In a country like ours, whose ambitions in the areas of agriculture, mining, tourism, arts, sports and the environment are an open secret, and where handicraft and small enterprises still occupy a prominent position, it is indispensable to have better training institutions that prepare our youth for these trades.
These sectors are real niches for growth and skilled jobs such as plumbing, electricity and motor and
industrial mechanics.

Industrialization, especially key anchor projects and our agricultural policy will only increase our needs in these specialties. Needless to point out that in more advanced countries, such trades are often better paid than those in the business and service sectors. From that perspective, given the relatively recent adoption of professionalization of education in Cameroon, its impact on employment will definitely not be immediate. You might then ask me: given the urgency and the fact that youth are naturally impatient, what do we do and how? I urge the Government to use the existing structures to continue providing vocational training, promoting self- employment and micro-project financing. I also urge every trades chamber, employers’ organization, in short, the private sector, to pull its own weight.
Dear young compatriots,

Our country’s ongoing and irreversible transformation is only possible with you, and for you. How could it be otherwise when the youth represent one half of our population? The youth are also known to be passionate. That, I understand. However, they should show some moderation in their drive and be realistic. Do not be misled notably by birds of ill omen, dreamers and enthusiasts of virtual calls for destabilization through the social networks.

These irresponsible prophets are desperately seeking to manipulate you. Never has our national cohesion been as indispensable as during this delicate period when our country is facing external threat from barbaric enemies. It is not at a time when our nation’s outlook is bright that we should listen to calls for division and destabilization.

Dear young compatriots,

I have always trusted you. I know you treasure our unity. I know you cherish peace, progress and
justice. I also know your good sense and your pragmatism. I am certain that the horrific scenes
being witnessed in some countries torn by civil war, religious conflicts, population displacements
and anarchy will deter you from getting involved in such adventures. Take the example of our young soldiers who are ensuring our security along our borders. Their bravery, their sense of duty and sacrifice show us what utmost love for fatherland can be.
The war they are waging on our behalf, at the risk of their lives, involves the entire Nation. There is no doubt that with the support of us all, we will emerge victorious. Friendly countries that cherish peace and freedom, the international community and world opinion are on our side.

Happy Youth Day to all of you!

Long live the Cameroonian youth!

Long Live Cameroon

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Donga Mantung Youths Support President Biya, Military (PhotoNews)

  

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Fantasia at First Horse Race in Bamenda Organized by Prime Ministry (PhotoNews)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Bamenda Culture and Heritage Trade Fair: NW Fons Boycott Ama Tutu Muna

 Asta Biven Shei

Ama visiting culture and heritage stands with Guardians

Arts and Culture Minister Mafor Yaah Yefon  Ama Tutu Muna launched the Bamenda Culture and Heritage in Bamenda today January 7, 2015 amidst controversy and flaring tempers. The most serious threat to the successful launching of a project which aims to brandish Bamenda as a heritage city kept observers in a mode of stress as no traditional ruler was present. Tongues are still waging in Bamenda over what might have happened that those who are considered as the custodian of culture and tradition were all absent. The Eye was reliably informed that North West traditional rulers are aghast with Minister Ama Tutu Muna for transferring some of the artifacts of the regional museum to Yaounde lately. According to the hint North West Fons allegedly vowed to boycott any activity organized by Minister Ama Muna until all the North West Artifacts to Yaounde were brought back. Artifacts of 300 to 400 years old previously at the North West Regional museum were transferred to the National Meseum in Yaounde, on the instruction of Arts and Culture minister. Mafor Yefon Ama Tutu Muna, Minister of Arts and Culture according to what we gathered ordered for the transfer of the said artifacts on drummed up claims that they were not secured in Bamenda. Northwest fons had at a point in time threatened to stage a protest march to the nation capital. North West Fons Union also expressed disgust over the decision by Arts and Culture minister. “We are disappointed that the decision has been taken not only by one of our daughters, but someone who has been honoured with the distinct titles of Mafor by the Meta fons and Yefon by the Nso palace”, one traditional ruler is quoted to have vomited on phone.One of the traditional rulers we met at the Bamenda Commercial Avenue after the launching questioned what the Ministry of Culture was promoting in Bamenda when North West Artifacts are in Yaounde. "We are disappointed" He concluded. In fact we were even informed that she was greeting people with gloves as if Northwesterners are ebola patients", hammers another elite who was standing nearby.

Ever since the artifacts of the Bamenda regional museum were transferred to Yaounde, traditional rulers have not been happy with Ama Tutu Muna. It is even alleged that she may likely be stripped of the titles of Mafor and Yaah Yefon. Yet Ama is also quoted to have said over CRTV radio that “Who says they are not safe here? Have they come to inspect where the museum is? Before you begin to say something is not safe, have you come to the ministry to verify?”. Since then, she had been a loggerhead with traditional rulers.

Matters came to head when the fon of Njap who was spotted at the Horse race organized by the Prime Ministry could not pass at the Culture and Heritage village. Popular opinion in Bamenda holds that it would not be easy for Ama to reconcile herself with North West Fons. Even the Forum Traditional of Traditional rulers that were announced as a partner in the organization was also absent. The one-week culture and heritage trade fair was greased by a horse race organized by the Prime Ministry. The horse race turned out to be the major attraction.

(UP Next: Why Nkwen, Mankon, Mbatu, Nchomba, Njaah, Nsongwa Dance Group, Mayors not seen)   

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Thousands March in NW to Support of Cameroon Military (PhotoNews)

 Photos of the March in Bamenda

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Thousands March in NW to Support of Cameroon Military

 Fai Cassian Ndi

Message from CNYC Donga Mantung

From Bamenda the regional headquarters to Donga Mantung, Bui, Menchum, Boyo, Ngoketunjia and Momo, thousands trooped into the streets as early as 6 am carrying placards to express their support to President Biya, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the suffering population of the Extreme North, the Soldiers in the field. Placards such as “There is no Place for Boko Haram in Cameroon” as well as the flag of Cameroon could he seen in every hand.

The crowd that stormed the streets of Bamenda and marched to the Commercial Avenue was estimated at more than 50.000 people. In Bamenda, the administrative authorities of the region, Mezam, Bamenda I, II and III as well as the populace marched from three different angles to converge at the Bamenda Grandstand for an ecumenical service.  Present at the Bamenda Commercial Avenue were North West Governor, Adolph Lele Lafrique, SDF National Chairman Ni John Fru Ndi, Minister of Arts and Culture Ama Tutu Muna, the SDO for Mezam, and thousand others buried in the crowd.

NW Governor and SDF Chairman

Talking at the Bamenda Commercial Avenue, Vincent Nji Ndumu, the Government Delegate to the Bamenda City Council expressed gratitude for standing behind President Biya in the fight against Boko Haram. He said the population of Bamenda and the entire North West Region is down with Boko Haram and Up with H.E Paul Biya, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. The CBC Pastors, PCC, Muslims and other denominations jointly prayed for peace to reign in Cameroon. In giving support in prayers, they prayed for peace and unity. “The greatest need is not money or power, it is peace and unity”, they jointly call on the Almighty to pour his blessings for it to happen. To the Imam of Bamenda, Boko Haram is cruel and destructive and the quoting from the first Chapter of the Quoran, he said that Allah has always been in support of what is good and that Allah should continue to give courage to the military.

In his closing remarks, NW Governor quoted Chapter 2:179 of the Holy Quoran and Prophet Mohammed in the Honda expressed gratitude to the population for their massive turnout. “Lets be the protectors of this country by working in close collaboration with the administration and the military. The Head of state has affirmed that Boko Haram cannot be against us”.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)