NW CNYC President Urges Youths to Turn Their Voices, Talents Into Tools For Positive Change

North West Regional President Of Cameroon National Youth Council, Mekom Samuel Speaking At The Event 

By Raymond Dingana

The North West Regional President of the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC), Mekom Samuel, has challenged young people to use their voices, talents, phones and influence to build their communities instead of deepening the divisions facing the region.

Mekom made the call on Saturday September 5th, 2027 during the closing ceremony of the 2026 North West Youths Sports Jamboree, where he urged youths to reject hate speech, tribal hatred and destructive disagreements.

He said the North West needs young people who can listen to one another, tolerate different opinions and use their influence responsibly.

“Our region does not need a generation that masters the art of shouting at one another. We need a generation that masters the art of listening. We need young people who can use their phones, their voices and their influence to build bridges rather than burn them,” 

Mekom noted.

CNYC President Speaks for Young People

Mekom also used the occasion to draw attention to the difficulties faced by young people across the North West.

He said many youths are still struggling to find jobs, create businesses, develop their talents and acquire skills that can improve their lives.

“We still seek greater opportunities for entrepreneurship, more spaces for sports and talent development, stronger pathways for skills acquisition. We want young people to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their communities,” 

he explained.

On behalf of young people in the region, Mekom appealed to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, to introduce programmes that can reach young people in rural communities as effectively as those in the towns and cities.

CNYC Regional President, Youths Reject Hate Speech and Division:

The CNYC regional president further called on youths to channel their energy into fighting hate speech and other forms of division.

He warned that hate speech cannot lead to peace or development but only creates more problems within communities.

“We do not need young people who spread hate speech faster than they spread hope,”

 he indicated.

Mekom also called for tolerance in the way young people handle disagreements.

“Let us learn to disagree without destroying one another, compete without hating, lead without humiliating, and correct without insulting,”

 he advised young people.

Bui Takes Jamboree Trophy

On the sporting field, Bui Division emerged champions after defeating Momo Division 4-3 in the final football match to lift the main trophy.

Bui Division Celebrating Trophy 

The jamboree also featured handball, volleyball, basketball, choral singing and other activities, bringing together young people from across the region.

With the event coming just before the start of the 2026/2027 academic year, the North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, used the occasion to call for an effective return to school.

North West Governor, Adolph Lele Lafrique Preaching Effective Schooling 

His message was supported by North West Youth Ambassador Dr Taniform Peter, who also called on the warring parties to cease fire for the sake of children's education.

More Than a Sporting Event

The closing ceremony ended with messages that went beyond sports.

Unity, love, peace and peaceful coexistence featured prominently as participants reflected on the role young people can play in rebuilding the North West.

For Mekom, the challenge is now for young people to move beyond words and competition and put their talents, influence and energy to work for their communities.

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