Time for scepticism is over, be role models – Minister Foutsou tells South West youth

Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), Monouna Foutsou, has told 28 beneficiaries of the three-year Special Youth Plan to shun scepticism and become role models to other youths by utilising what government has granted them under the youth plan.

The Minister was received at the Buea Municipal Council headquarters on Friday evening where he came to hand over support materials to young beneficiaries of the three-year Special Youth Plan, as well as entrepreneurial and rearmament equipment to some centralised services of MINJEC.

“You ought to know how to get involved and seize every local opportunity offered to you… The period for doubt, scepticism and being discouraged is over. It is time for self-confidence. During the implementation phase of your project never back down from anything. Use your moral, Civic and entrepreneurial lessons to overcome any difficulty you may encounter” the minister said.

“Be role models to your peers who are following your footsteps,for your immediate environment and for Cameroon, your Fatherland,” he urged them.

meanwhile the Minister had during the event handed out to about 16 youth cash prizes ranging from FCFA 1 million to 6 million and entrepreneurial equipment, among them poultry equipment, grinding mills, and refrigerators, to 12 other youth.

The cash prizes are aimed at sponsoring these youths in their entrepreneurial projects ranging from poultry to ICT projects.

Simon Kalla Ndive, who was awarded FCFA 4 million for his drink making project, said: “After receiving this money, I hope to execute it well. This money will serve as a booster to my community, why not to my municipality, because it will create opportunities for other youths. I don’t think I am going to run this project alone.”

Buea Mayor, David Mafani Namange, exhorted the beneficiaries to “use the equipment judiciously so as to merit the conference of the donors,” adding that opportunities such as the Special Youth Plan warrant youths to “take the bull by the horn” and support government in achieving sustainable development and social cohesion.

The Special Youth Plan was launched by President Biya on February 11, 2017, to empower youths in income generating and self employment initiatives.

The plan targets four sectors of the economy: agriculture, industry and handicraft, the digital economy and technological innovation.

According to Prince Paul Ngalle, Southwest Regional President of the National Youth Council the youth should give absolute importance to the youth plan as it is hoped the plan will result in the economic empowerment it seems to promote.