Bafut DO with Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence to the left


Bafut witnessed a rare show of unity, patriotism and youthful enthusiasm as thousands of young people took part in activities marking the 68th edition of Cameroon’s National Youth Day, culminating in a colourful march-past held in the municipality.

Presiding over the event, the Divisional Officer for Bafut, Forku Djokem Andelys, praised the massive turnout of youths, describing it as a clear demonstration of their attachment to the unitary state and their commitment to national cohesion.

“The youths have come out in their masses to demonstrate their patriotism and adherence to the unitary state,” the administrative authority said. He noted that beyond the message of the Head of State, the event served as a rallying call to youths of the North West Region to seize opportunities, embrace peace and contribute meaningfully to national development.




The Divisional Officer further highlighted the vibrancy and dynamism of Bafut youths, commending the council leadership for creating platforms that engage young people productively. According to him, the call by the Head of State for job creation is already finding expression in Bafut, where youths are increasingly taking initiatives in various sectors. “What we witnessed today is a real manifestation of zeal, anxiety and commitment to unity and stability,” he added.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Bafut Council, Ngwakongoh Lawrence, expressed gratitude to the youths for their overwhelming participation in the celebration.

“I want to appreciate the efforts of the Bafut youths for their massive turnout today,” the mayor said, while acknowledging that much more remains to be done. He described Bafut as one of the largest subdivisions in Mezam Division, with a population of over 180,000 inhabitants, a factor which, he noted, makes it challenging to adequately meet the diverse needs of young people.

Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence used the occasion to advocate for deeper decentralization, calling on line ministries to fully transfer competencies and resources to councils. According to him, empowering councils will enable them to initiate more development projects capable of creating employment and opening up opportunities for youths with different technical and professional skills.

The President of the CPDM Youth Wing in Bafut, Kongni Herman, also lauded the youths for their resilience and commitment, especially in the face of the socio-political crisis that has affected the subdivision for nearly a decade.

He described the celebration as the successful conclusion of activities that began on February 1 and climaxed with the march-past. “For the past nine years, the young people of Bafut have played a crucial role in promoting peace and tranquility through communication and sensitization,” he said.

According to him, youth leaders have consistently engaged peers, elders and community members on the importance of peace as a foundation for development. He emphasized that while both government and council are creating opportunities for young people, these opportunities can only be fully exploited in an atmosphere of peace. This, he said, has motivated youths to collaborate with administrative and security authorities to restore calm in the subdivision.

This year’s celebration was particularly symbolic, as it marked the first time since the outbreak of the Anglophone crisis that staff of the Sub-Divisional Delegation of Youth Affairs in Bafut took part in the march-past, dressed in full ceremonial colours.

Other groups, including the Cameroon National Youth Council and CPDM militants, also participated actively in the parade, reinforcing the message of unity, hope and national renewal.

As the celebrations drew to a close, one message stood out clearly: the youths of Bafut remain at the heart of Cameroon’s aspirations for a united, stable and prosperous nation.