The 49th Youth Day was celebrated at the new ceremonial ground at the Vallée de la Bessèkè between Bonanjo and Akwa.
Several youths from different academic institutions, youth associations, political parties and professional establishments, yesterday, February 11, 2015, participated in a march past at the major street of Vallée de la Bessèkè, where the new ceremonial ground is now located. The objective was to make known the ideals of President Paul Biya, which are peace preservation and the walk towards emergence by 2035.
The march past in Douala, presided by Littoral Governor, Joseph Beti Assomo, climaxed the celebrations. It came shortly after the rebroadcast of the message of President Biya to the youths delivered on the eve of event. Excerpts of the very rich presidential address were throughout the ceremony replayed on a giant screen posted opposite the grandstand near the former Directorate of Customs.
The youths, all in various uniforms, mostly marched behind a thrilling display of nicely dressed ‘majorettes.’ Peter K., a student, said while the kindergarten children sang to encourage patriotism, they displayed their enthusiasm for peace and the determination to support the serenity needed for emergence. Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Youth and preservation of peace for an emergent Cameroon,” Lodjio Martine, a trade unionist, called on youths to be patient, shun vandalism, anarchy, addiction and delinquency, which should help in building the nation.
Earlier on, City Council officials said they were demolishing the old grandstand at “Place de l’Udeac” near the seaport to set up a new one at Vallée de la Bessèkè. They attributed this to overcrowding at the port, with heavy-duty vehicles now occupying “Place de l’Udeac.”
