By Solange Tegwi
The Youth Member of Parliament for Yaoundé II in Mfoundi Division, Honourable Jean Daniel Obama, has urged young people to work together in order to address the persistent challenge of youth unemployment and underemployment.
Speaking recently, Hon. Obama stressed that unity and collaboration among young people are essential if meaningful progress is to be achieved.
“If young people want to go far, they must walk and work together,” he said, underscoring the importance of collective effort in overcoming economic hardship.
He noted that the Head of State’s Special Plan for the Promotion of Youth Employment, alongside other government incentives, could deliver more tangible results if properly embraced and implemented with integrity from the top down to the grassroots. According to him, these initiatives are central to the current “Septennat of Great Hopes” mandate, which places young people at the heart of national unity, stability and prosperity.
Hon. Obama argued that peace and stability can only be sustained through prosperity, which he described as the product of consistent creativity, hard work and solidarity. He added that gainful employment helps to ward off what he termed three major evils affecting young people — boredom, vice and need — factors he said often push them towards deviant behavior.
The Youth MP further cautioned against what he described as the “easy life” mentality. He encouraged young people to step out of their comfort zones and demonstrate integrity, particularly when entrusted with financial or material support for projects.
“When we request funding to execute a project, making every effort to deliver quality work opens the door to greater opportunities,” he said, adding that credibility and accountability are crucial in building trust with potential partners and sponsors.
Hon. Obama also criticized self-centeredness, calling instead for a spirit of patriotism and mutual support. He reminded young people that they share common struggles and aspirations.
“We are all in the same boat, battling for survival. If you see an opportunity that another young person qualifies for, it is patriotic to assist them,” he said. Without genuine synergy and collaboration, he warned, young people risk stagnation. Citing an African philosophical principle, he added: “I am because you are.”
The MP acknowledged that the government has put in place strategies aimed at easing the burden of youth unemployment and expanding opportunities in both the public and private sectors. However, he stressed that these opportunities require competence and professionalism.
“Nothing comes on a silver platter,” he remarked. “It is not enough to know where you want to go; you must be willing to do what it takes to get there.”
He encouraged young people to cultivate interests in sectors that matter to national development and to intentionally pursue training program that enhance their skills and employability.
According to him, professionalism, continuous learning and a strong work ethic are indispensable if the country is to harness the full potential of its youthful population.
Hon. Jean Daniel Obama concluded by reiterating that unity, competence and integrity among young people are critical to building a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.
