UJAD (Union of African youth for development) recently held a conference debate under the theme "African youth, development of its mainland actor." at the University of Yaoundé 1.
The conference debate saw the participation of a sociologist, an economist; a business leader and a philosopher and five sub-themes were selected which includes; Theme 1: "The quest for excellence among young people as a cornerstone of development. By: Prof. Ebenezer Njoh Mouelle, teacher of universities, Theme 2: "The contribution of the State in socio-professional insertion of young people". By: Representative of the MINFORPRA, Theme 3: "Appropriation of the social environment by young people: an asset for their development. By: Dr. Leka Essomba, sociologist, Theme 4: « private Entrepreneurship, source of jobs for young people and development. By: Benjamin Basanta, head of business, Theme 5: "Economic issues for a proactive involvement of youth in development. By: Marie Joséphine Mpacko, specialist in economic affairs.
The audience composed largely of young students appreciated the initiative. During the question-and-answer session, the panelists attempted to respond to the various concerns of these young people who were asked to integrate in the professional world for some time.
According to Benjamin Lekoua, CEO of the structure X Net Phone, first phone 100% Cameroonian, the youth must be taken seriously. Former Communication Minister encouraged youth to network and strive to be self-employed. "Engage in so many activities in order to realize your projects. Public function which is saturated cannot recruit everyone. I think that auto-employment will be the solution. Do not be the cars of mediocrity, be the locomotive of excellence. I have seated next to me a locomotive (making reference to Benjamin Lekoua)"he said.
With regard to the reluctance of banks to fund projects of the youth, Marie Joséphine Mpacko, economic affairs officer suggested that the youth take advantage of microfinance institutions who may not be that big but serve similar purpose.
