For promoting citizen engagement: Youth Affairs Minister ‘knights’ Hon Malomba.

The lawmaker was handed the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, MINJEC 2024 First Prize for Citizen Engagement. 

This was at the close of the minister’s working visit to the South West Region, on Sunday, February 2, in Buea. This was during the minister’s visit to the campus of the Catholic University Institute of Buea, CUIB. 

The visit to CUIB was the culmination of Minister Mounouna’s three-day visit to Fako Division, which began Friday, January 31.

The minister was in Fako Division to officially launch the activities of the 2025 Youth Day.

Meanwhile, highlight of the CUIB event was the presentation of the MINJEC 2024 First Prize for Citizen Engagement to Hon Malomba Esembe, the dynamic MP for Buea Urban Constituency.

In his remarks while handing over the award, Minister Mounouna Foutsou commended the MP for his exemplary initiatives, particularly the successful "Na We We Buea Urban Sports Tournament," held from July to August 2024. 

The tournament was lauded as a model of community-driven action that fostered social cohesion, civic engagement, and youth participation through sports. 

The minister also praised Hon Malomba Esembe for his continuous efforts to empower young people in his constituency, since his election in 2020.

Following the presentation, Hon Malomba Esembe demonstrated humility by respectfully presenting the award to the governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, who served as the distinguished patron of the "Na We We Buea Urban Sports Tournament".

Speaking to the press shortly after receiving the distinction, the visibly astonished MP, said: "I came here this morning, first and foremost, as a youth to join my peers in welcoming the minister and as a servant of the people to stand alongside the other officials of the Region to receive him. Little did I know that my efforts would be recognised with this prestigious award for outstanding citizen engagement in my constituency".

Hon Malomba, who sits atop the Parliamentary Network on Road Safety at the National Assembly, continued that: "I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for His grace and strength. I also extend heartfelt thanks to the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul Biya, for his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and the policies he has constantly put in place at the level of the State as well as at the level of the ruling CPDM party, which gave me the opportunity to vie and get the party’s nomination which has enabled me to serve my people as an MP. I equally appreciate the tireless work of Governor Okalia Bilai and his team in restoring peace and security in our Region, enabling me to work closely with my constituents".

Speaking further, Hon Malomba acknowledged the invaluable contributions of government institutions, corporate partners, civil society organisations, the media, and youth associations, among other partners whose collaboration made it possible to achieve impactful results in Buea Urban.

He has dedicated the award to the youth of his constituency.

"This recognition belongs to the vibrant youth of Buea Urban. I urge you all never to let your dreams die. Work hard, remain humble, and show respect to both elders and peers. Together in the spirit of 'Na We We,' we will contribute to a prosperous, one and indivisible Cameroon," he stated.

The recognition of Hon Malomba Esembe’s work, it should be said, highlights the power of citizen engagement and the importance of collaborative efforts in building a stronger community. 

The award is a testament to the transformative impact of leadership driven by inclusiveness and commitment to the well-being of the people.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3359 of Tuesday February 04, 2025