By Mbuh Stella
A simple social media post by Fon Ngum IV, traditional ruler of Oku, has sparked a youth empowerment movement in Oku, drawing widespread praise and participation from across the community.
On February 19, the traditional ruler shared a short message on Facebook, challenging successful sons and daughters of Oku to mentor at least one young person in 2026.
“I challenge every successful Oku son or daughter: mentor one young person this year,” he wrote.
Within hours, the message began circulating widely. Four days later, it had evolved into a full-fledged mentorship drive.
Rapid Community Response
At least 38 entrepreneurs have since volunteered to train more than 138 young people in practical skills, including Food processing, mechanics, agriculture, engineering and small business management. Eleven additional volunteers pledged to mentor as many youths as possible.
Supporters say the swift response reflects strong local commitment to development driven from within the community.
Fon Ngum IV, who is also a member of the North West House of Chiefs, has been praised for encouraging private-sector involvement in youth development.
Widespread Praise
Community members and social media users have lauded the initiative.
Chotazoh Pontrice Mopao described the monarch as “a Fon with great vision for his people,” while Delvine Ngong wrote that the call revealed Oku’s hidden talents and innovative spirit.
Immaculate Epse Kpuntir highlighted the value of youthful leadership, saying the initiative showed “the goodness that comes with having young leaders.”
Rodrick Wanyu called it “the best development initiative happening in Cameroon now.”
In a region affected by economic hardship and years of instability, many see the mentorship drive as more than a training scheme, looking at it’s economic importance to the North West region.
Mofor Hanson urged young people to respond, noting the difficulty of daily survival without stable income. Michael Nfon thanked the ruler for “lifting his own children up,” while Louis Deng emphasized the positive outcomes of energetic leadership.
Support Beyond Oku
The mentorship drive has also attracted attention from outside the community. Brayan Naoussi, who said he was not from Oku, expressed interest in training two youths in green spice cultivation. Prince Babel Wepnyu described the empowerment vision as “worth joining.”
Addressing Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment and limited access to vocational training remain major challenges in the North West Region and across Cameroon.
Analysts say community-led initiatives like the Oku mentorship programme can help bridge skills gaps, promote self-reliance, and reduce dependence on external support. By mobilizing established business owners, the traditional ruler has placed private initiative at the centre of local development.
Hope for the Future
In a region affected by economic hardship and years of instability, many on social media see the mentorship drive as more than a training scheme. They view it as a sign of renewal and shared responsibility.
Youths from Oku and beyond are lining up at the different workshops, indicating their interest to learn the different skills advertised.
In Oku, a brief online message has become a powerful reminder that meaningful change can begin with a few words and a community ready to act on them.
Many are encouraging traditional rulers to lead such campaigns in their respective communities
