• Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai praised Buea youths for marching under heavy rain during Cameroon’s 60th National Youth Day celebration.
• Despite steady rainfall and some students fainting, participants remained disciplined, proudly representing their schools before regional authorities present.
• The Governor said the peaceful event showed strong mobilisation, resilience, and a return to stability in the region.
The Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, has applauded young people in Buea for their strength and commitment after they marched under heavy rain to celebrate Cameroon’s 60th National Youth Day. The colourful ceremony took place at Independence Square, popularly known as Bongo Square, and drew large crowds despite the bad weather.
The 60th National Youth Day was celebrated on Wednesday in Buea, the regional capital of the South West. Students from primary, secondary and higher institutions across the town gathered at Bongo Square for the traditional march past. Dressed in clean and well-arranged uniforms, many of them waved small national flags as they proudly represented their schools.
Although rain fell steadily throughout the event, the programme continued without interruption. The downpour soaked uniforms and shoes, yet the students maintained discipline and marched in rhythm before administrative, municipal and traditional authorities.
However, the long hours of standing and marching in the rain affected some participants. A few students reportedly fainted during the parade and were quickly attended to, as health officials and teachers stepped in to assist them.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai described the rain as a good sign and praised the youths for staying focused.
” The young men of the Southwest region and those of Buea, have demonstrated their resilience, their determination, their commitment that under the sun or under the rain they are mobilise…. we want to congratulate them” He said
The Governor further explained that, the celebration lasted for over three hours, which, in his view, showed strong mobilisation. He added that the peaceful and successful organisation of this year’s event reflects a return to normalcy in the region, which has faced socio-political challenges in recent years. He reassured the population of government efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South West.
Some students also shared their experiences. Ashu Batuo James, a Lower Sixth student of Bishop Rogan College Buea, said they had prepared for days for the march past. He explained that they were constantly reminded to be disciplined and represent their school well. For him, taking part in the ceremony for the second time was both an honour and a memorable experience.
