Yaounde, 10 February 2024
58TH EDITION OF THE YOUTH DAY
HEAD OF STATE'S MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
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My Dear Young Compatriots,
I always have the same pleasure and the same emotion in addressing you, as is the tradition, on the eve of Youth Day celebration.
It has always been a great and special opportunity for me, an ideal moment for you and me to reflect on issues that are at the centre of your concerns and your aspirations.
As with other youths the world over, the issues concern your education, your integration into the job market, your participation in nation building and, simply put, your future.
I can assure you that these issues have always been and will continue to be at the core of my priorities and, hence, of Government action.
My Dear Young Compatriots,
Before addressing these structural issues, I would like to mention two recent events which, I am aware, are particularly dear to your hearts.
Like me, you were certainly disappointed by the early elimination of our Indomitable Lions from the ongoing Africa Cup Nations in Côte d'Ivoire.
I congratulate you for demonstrating dignity in defeat as you have done in victory so many times before.
Rest assured that we will keep up the fight and that we will win again. After all, as you so aptly put it using a term the secret of which you alone have, we are the Continent.
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However, victory does not happen by chance. It requires not only talent, but also courage, discipline, organization and hard work.
That is definitely the secret of our compatriot, Francis Ngannou, who marveled the entire world in his maiden boxing fight.
I am aware of the importance of football to you. In our difficult context, the State is making enormous financial sacrifices in that connection, and is therefore entitled to require better organization and results.
We will see to it. The Government and particularly the Ministry in charge of sports have received clear instructions in that regard.
My Dear Young Compatriots,
I am aware that, like your parents, you are concerned about the recent hike in fuel pump prices. You are also worried about the impact that it could have on your living conditions.
I wish to assure you that the requisite efforts have been made to maintain the adjustment at a reasonable level. I have also instructed the freezing of the prices of cooking gas and kerosene in order to preserve household purchasing power.
You should know that this operation was inevitable, owing to the current budget constraints and our desire to avert shortages.
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Apart from the various support measures decided by me, constructive discussions are ongoing between the Government and its social partners. They seek to preserve the viability of the activities of the relevant sectors and the interests of users and consumers.
My Dear Young Compatriots,