The Head of State, Paul Biya, who took the oath office for his 8th mandate on November 6, has outlined the development vision he has for Cameroon for the next seven years. He defined the roadmap of development vision in a solemn address to the nation during his swearing-in ceremony at the National Assembly.
Paul Biya, who was carrying out the ritual for the 9th time following his ascension to power in 1982, began by extending gratitude to the Cameroon people, whom he praised for honouring him with another mandate. He reiterated his commitment to hearken to the aspirations of citizens given that they have renewed the confidence on him despite the numerous challenges they face.
Biya said he is aware of the ailing issues which are making life difficult for Cameroonians, saying he was committed, more ever before, to change the narrative.
Furthermore, Biya reiterated his attachment to the values of his leadership borne by the principles of vigour and moralisation. The sacred task to serve the Cameroon people, he said, is for him a duty predicated on building a united, stable and prosperous nation. He expressed gratitude to all those who had, in several ways, helped Cameroon in its journey to emergence. Biya said he was conscious of the diaspora whose sustainable partnership has enabled the country to count several gains.
In the same light, he was appreciative of the youths whom he described as the drivers of the economy. The new mandate, he said, will be marked by a synergy between the youth to make a great future for generations to come.
He urged the youth to protect and promote the country, which is the common patrimony of all citizens. Biya rebuked calls for violence and destruction carried out, most especially, on social media and some irresponsible politicians. He said youth and women are at the centre of his special attention and development agenda for the next seven years. He stated in categorical terms that the rights and privileges of the youths and women were to be protected and upheld. Over the years, youths have been empowered through the creation of schools and universities across the country, promotion of scholarships and the professionalisation of education, accompanied by the provision of opportunities.
These and more were to remain Biya’s dedication. Moreover, he used the opportunity to announce the government’s intention to finance projects for the benefit of the youth, which will significantly improve their welfare.
Biya also informed the national and international community of plans to re-launch PhD studies in the Cameroon state universities. This, he hoped, would offer more opportunities for the youths. It will be done alongside the organisation of competitive entrance into the Higher Teachers’ Training College. “Starting from the next financial year, a portion of the State’s investment budget will be allocated to labour-intensive projects benefiting youths nationwide,” he stated. This, he said, will be implemented in collaboration with regional and local authorities and associations.
Cameroonians, he assured, will have to watch out for investment projects that will be executed across the national territory in the areas of energy, agriculture, road infrastructure and public health. The President said the fight against corruption will be strengthened while reforms geared towards making the state machinery more functional, will be enforced in cognizance of the peculiarities of the Cameroon context.
While commenting on security issues, the President regretted that the Northwest, Southwest and Far North have been going through untold suffering and destruction for several years. He underscored government’s determination for a return to peace, stability and order. The military, he noted, has proven its bravery and professionalism in attaining positive results alongside the efforts of the collaborative populations.
He appealed to the traditional authorities, elite and other stakeholders to continue to sensitise their people on the values of peace that provides an enabling environment for general welfare of the nation.
Moreso, Biya extended gratitude “to the friendly countries that have begun prosecuting the sponsors of these criminal acts who are hiding within their territories. I encourage those partners who have not yet taken action, to follow suit and confront these terrorists who, from their countries, continue to incite violence against our innocent people with impunity”, he appealed.
Biya did not fail to salute the input of partners to ensure the rehabilitation of these crisis-hit communities. Overall, he appealed for peace, national unity and reconciliation at the basic level, especially with the prevailing post-electoral tensions around the country.
He congratulated ELECAM for the successful organisation of the presidential election which he said reflected the aspirations of the majority of citizens. He said it was time for all Cameroonians to close ranks and put all hands on deck for a united and a prosperous nation.
By Yerima Kini Nsom