Yesterday, the finals of the football cup of Cameroon were played with Fovu of Baham lifting the trophy. Beyond the game, the gathering at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium yesterday was also to see the handing over of trophies to the various champions in all recognised sporting disciplines in the country for 2010. It was a big feast indeed. Although such a feast required the presence of the President of the Republic as has been the case in previous editions, his absence was very well replaced by the very efficient and momentous presence of his personal representative, the Prime Minister and Head of Government, Philemon Yang. Of course, State matters, can call off the absolute presence of H.E. the President, especially as no constitutional requirement obligated him to be there.

Praise must go to the Cameroonian youth for keeping the flame of fervour very high yesterday. And it is hoped that such fervour will be transferred to the commemoration of the Day of the African Youth to be observed in Cameroon today.

What an auspicious coincidence ! In a statement received in our newsroom late last week, Youth Affairs Minister Adoum Garoua announced that Cameroon will, today, November, 2010 join other African nations in commemorating the Day of the African Youth, under the theme : “dialogue and mutual comprehension”.

The Cameroon Cup final of yesterday way not so certain to hold. Indeed, it can be said to have been a result of “dialogue and mutual comprehension” because, just a few weeks ago, it was not so certain to play as Fovu Club complained and even threatened boycotting the event.

The club eventually accepted to play and, by so doing, made it possible for the entire sporting year to end successfully.

It is this spirit which the public authorities had in mind with the creation of the National Youth Council. Aware of the multifarious problems faced by the youths of Cameroon and least of which is not the difficult access to jobs, the government decided to set up this body which will, henceforth, serve as a forum within which all youth problems will be addressed.

This policy seems to have paid off. In the face of increasing difficulties, Cameroonian youths, rather than take to the streets to obtain their rights, have rather resolved to discuss with government authorities. In the area of sports, the youths do the nation proud and have never traded their talents for money or other forms of recognition.

The heavy turnout of the youths yesterday to receive their trophies and the celebration of their Day today are indices that point to the fact that Cameroon is going in the right direction; and that the concerns of the youth are being taken care of in a concerted manner; and in communion indeed.