Civic Consciousness, an Imperative

Youths are often qualified as the future of a nation not just because they have the challenge to take over the command baton from their leaders, but also have to prepare themselves for the task ahead.

Thus, when those who founded modern-day Cameroon dedicated the 11th February, a historic day during which the then Southern Cameroons voted in a plebiscite in 1961 to join the then Republic of Cameroon, which was separated from them by colonialists, the message was obvious - give the youth a chance to reflect on their contribution in nation-building.

Respecting such a milestone in the historical evolution of Cameroon, President Paul Biya last Monday 10, February 2014 in his traditional address to the youth, recalled their place in ensuring the daring task of forging a strong and viable Cameroon where youth are expected to fit in.

It may not be strange to hear complaints of hardship, lack of jobs, the domineering presence of the elders, and economic hurdles that make it difficult for graduates and others in the job market to make a head way. Yet, existing avenues for youth to express their worries and the overture for them to demonstrate their determination to make the society much better for their survival and for the rest of the nation are either not well taken by all, or hardly receive the required attention from them.

It was understandable that President Paul Biya came back on the recent reorganisation of the National Youth Council and the participation of the younger generation during the 30 September 2013 legislative and municipal elections.

Even if some argue, through empirical observation, that the political apathy in the country has often concerned mostly the youth, the fact remains that the recent elections in the country equally served as a step forward for those who have the faith and determination to make things happen. The same sense of civic involvement was evident with the reorganisation of the National Youth Council which the Head of State qualified as 'satisfactory.'

"Regarding the general youth policy, I would like to welcome the election of new executives of the National Youth Council at both the national and local levels. Through these elections, which were conducted satisfactorily, the Cameroonian youth showed that they are part and parcel of our lofty vision which is to make Cameroon an emerging country by 2035," President Biya said in his message.

Of course, those who despair quickly fall prey to vices such as alcoholism, drug addiction and the general passivity that speaks of a forsaken people. President Biya captured the situation of such youths by pointing out the moral decadence that they face today. "I equally expressed my concern about the decline in public morality in our country. I deplored the fact that the youth, who are our most valuable asset, our future and the future of our country, have not been spared." Those who fall within this category risk missing out on the train of development as defined by the emergence vision of the Head of State.

It may not be a revelation recalling that the growing economic opportunities being announced in Cameroon, like in most African countries, can only have meaning if the youth who are being called upon to play a key role in such projects take full cognisance of their strategic place within such an emerging environment. Indifference and desolation cannot improve their lot.

Picking on specific concerns like the civic responsibilities of the youth in making Cameroon worth living, could not therefore have been just another reminder by the Head of State. This means those who are conscious of their role today in nation-building stand a better chance to take up tomorrow's challenges. Failing which, those who wait only to either criticise, without squarely facing the hurdles that lie ahead, may miss out on the important place that society wants them to occupy.