Celebrations to mark the 56th edition of the 56th edition of the National Youth Day in Bamenda on February 11 was void of any meaningful participation of the private sector.
The activities unlike in the years before the Anglophone crisis broke out was almost purely the exclusive of government officials, a few schools and other appointees.
The private sector that used to give the event extra flair was completely absent. The scenario according to observers just tells how crippled the crisis in the North West and South West has weakened the social fabric.
Those who hold this school of thought think instead of government fronting to give the impression that all is well, efforts should be doubled to address the crisis.
Others have blamed the ‘forced’ celebrations of Friday on the separatist imposed- ghost town that emptied the streets thereby causing a scary atmosphere across Bamenda.
In the past, lay private and confessional schools use to add colour to activities marking the day. This, they did with beautiful uniforms and nice marching steps. This is something that has been missing in Youth Day celebrations since the conflict started.
Those that answered present were ferried to the Bamenda Grandstand in military vehicles.
Students of the university of Bamenda, secondary schools and government services from Up Station were transported by soldiers to the ceremonial ground and back to their bases.
The number of soldiers almost outnumbered the number of civilians at the ceremonial ground.
There are those who think that the situation will remain like this until the Anglophone Crisis is solved.
