For inspiring NW youth: Senator Enwe Francis gets recognition as peace ambassador, role model.

The award was handed to the lawmaker by over 10 youth-led organisations, associations and cooperatives in the Region.

This was on the sidelines of the North West Youth Summit, NWYS, where the vocal lawmaker served as guest speaker. 

The Youth Summit was organised by the Cameroon National Youth Council, in collaboration with Cameroon Renewed and the Next Generation team of youth organisations. It ran held from February 15 to 17. 

‘Recognition big surprise for me’

Speaking to The Guardian Post in a telephone interview after the recognition, the celebrated son of Momo Division, said it came to him as a big surprise.

“…after giving the award, they sang a song that led to tears flowing down my cheeks. I was so emotional,” he said. 

He said the award as Peace Ambassador and Rolde Model is not just for him but for all the youth with whom he wants to work hand in glove to ensure the return to normalcy in the restive Region. 

“We must all work for peace,” he told the youth while recounting strides he has been making to ensure an end to the ongoing bloodletting in the Region. 

“I told them that I am ready to carry on with this assignment. I also told them that I think we need to also have a report same time next year when we will be having another summit on how far all of us have gone in the process of bringing peace to our Region,” he said.

He urged the thousands of youth present to collaborate with him to ensure those who have picked up arms against the State heed the peace call of the Head of State, President Paul Biya, drop their weapons and join DDR Centres. 

Also dedicates award to NW elite, politicians 

The award, Senator Enwe said, was also dedicated to other elite and politicians of the North West Region, who he said are working tirelessly and doing their utmost to ensure the return to normalcy. 

“People don’t see it openly, reason they keep complaining. I told the youths that politicians from the North West Region are not sleeping,” he assured the youths. 

Collaboration with youth fruitful move 

Senator Enwe, who has stealthily been instrumental in luring separatist fighters to drop their weapons, said collaborating with youth is a fruitful move towards ensuring return to peace. 

“I had a meeting with bike riders on February 16, 2024, and we had a wonderful exchange. They were also very happy and stood up and committed themselves, saying that ‘we are ready to work with you. You have proven to us that you have an open heart,” Senator Enwe said.

He also challenged bike riders to change their ways of doing things..."be very humble, kind and be good with passengers so that even if strangers enter the North West, they will see things differently," he admonished them.

Appeals to elite to be soft-spoken 

Senator Enwe appealed to other elite of the Region to be soft-spoken towards the youth.

“…cajole our brothers and talk to them. You know there is a particular way to talk to them. You cannot talk to them with authority,” he appealed. 

Zoom on Senator Enwe’s message to youth 

Addressing the youth at the summit as guest speaker, the member of the Upper House of Parliament, lauded the organisers for their tireless efforts in orchestrating the gathering of minds and spirits, noting that their dedication and vision have paved the way for an event that promises to be nothing short of transformative.

He said the summit is a veritable opportunity for participants to “unlock our potential, nurture our skills, and ignite the flames of entrepreneurship that will propel us towards a future brimming with promise and opportunity”. 

Senator Enwe said experiences garnered through the Summit will not only enrich the minds of participants but also ignite the flames of innovation and entrepreneurship within their souls. 

“You are architects of tomorrow, destined to leave an indelible mark on the fabric of our society. Do all to engage in local opportunities. We have everything, so consume proudly North West and proudly Cameroon,” he challenged the youth. 

Senator Enwe said the journey of self-discovery and empowerment is within a context of pressing issues that demand the attention and action of all and sundry.

He underscored the importance of voter registration among the youth, noting that: “Our voices are our most potent instruments in the democratic process that we can truly shape the destiny of our Region and nation. Let us not underestimate the power of our votes, but rather wield them as tools for progress and reforms”. 

Within a global and local context plagued by uncertainty and unrest, Senator Enwe said it is imperative for all to raise a generation of leaders guided by integrity, compassion, and vision. 

“We must reject the shackles of corruption and tribalism and instead embrace the principles of meritocracy and inclusivity. For it is only through unity and cooperation that we can overcome the myriad of challenges that lie ahead,” he told youth. 

Condemns continuous killings in NW, SW 

Senator Enwe who has equally served as Member of Parliament, MP, used the opportunity of the Summit to in unequivocal terms, condemn the heinous acts of violence that continue to ravage the North West and South West Regions of the country.

“The senseless loss of innocent lives and the destruction of communities tear the fabric of our society, leaving wounds that may never fully heal. We must stand together in solidarity, resolute in our commitment to seek peace and foster reconciliation. Violence has never been a solution to any conflict. Violence was wrong yesterday, it is wrong today, and it will be wrong tomorrow,” he declared. 

Urges diaspora-based citizens to stop fueling crisis back home

The lawmaker also lamented the actions of certain individuals in the diaspora, whom he said, instead of contributing to the development and prosperity of their families and communities, have chosen the path of destruction and despair. 

“Their misguided endeavours not only undermine the efforts of those working tirelessly for progress but also jeopardize the future of the youths back home. Let us not be swayed by the allure of violence and destruction, but rather embrace the path of peace, progress, and unity in our fatherland,” he stated. 

Senator Enwe challenged the youth to while navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, do so with “unwavering determination, boundless optimism, and a steadfast commitment to building a better future for ourselves and generations to come”. 

He concluded that: “Together, we have the power to shape our destiny and carve out a brighter tomorrow; one defined by hope, resilience, and shared prosperity”.