The 60th edition of the Youth Day in Yaoundé ,Buea ,Tombel, Tiko etc, stood out as a powerful demonstration of unity and hope with Pupils, students braving the uninvited heavy rains to celebrate.
The 60th edition of Cameroon’s National Youth Day was celebrated in grand style in these different towns that saw heavy down pour during the march pass.
In the chief town of the South West Region, with a colourful and well-attended march past at the Independence Square, popularly known as “Bongo Square” on Wednesday, February 11.
Despite a persistent downpour that soaked the ceremonial grounds, scores of young people turned out for the traditional match, demonstrating spirit and commitment to national unity and peace. The highlight of the celebration was the traditional march past, which drew a huge mobilisation of students from primary, secondary and higher education institutions across Buea.
Clad in neatly pressed uniforms and some waving miniature national flags, the students marched rhythmically before administrative, municipal and traditional authorities. The heavy rain did little to disrupt the programme as contingents maintained discipline and enthusiasm throughout the parade.
Even as rain poured steadily over the ceremonial square, the youthful participants remained firm. Shoes and uniforms were dampened, yet the determination of the marchers never wavered. The atmosphere was one of pride and celebration, with cheers from spectators who equally braved the weather to witness the Diamond Jubilee edition of the annual event. The 60th Youth Day celebration was a strong statement of spirit in a region that has faced socio-political challenges in recent years.
In Tombel, Yaounde and Tiko, the rains were not a hindrance albeit the uncomfortable atmosphere in soaked attires.
Students, youth groups, pupils March passed chanting songs of unity and progress.
Authorities in difficulty.
Regional authorities in the South West, including Governor Okalia Bilai, found it difficult to board their vehicles after the Youth Day march past in Buea today, due to a stream of rainwater spilling from gutters blocked by uncollected trash and sand—a persistent problem in the city.
Mayor David Mafani Namange and the President of the South West Regional Assembly, Zacheus Bakoma Elango, were also among the officials affected.
The dignitaries were forced to hop into their cars from the very edge of the grandstand stairs, after water flooded the surrounding area and made it impossible to step out without getting severely soaked.
The scene laid bare Buea’s long-standing drainage crisis, one symptom of a city seemingly abandoned to a host of urban ills: from blocked gutters to crumbling roads, a limping electricity supply, and lack of pipe-borne water, among others.
In 2023, a flash flood at Buea Town killed at least two people and destroyed several houses. The Council blamed it on blocked waterways. But years on, the problem remains unsolved.
Today, even a moderate rain makes it nearly impossible to walk on Buea’s streets, because runoff, having nowhere to go, claims both the sidewalk and the road.
Authorities came face to face with the mess today. But whether they will take any actions to stem this problem, is another matter entirely.