Decent livelihood was probably one of the main preoccupations lingering in the minds of the bulk of Cameroonian youth as they commemorated the 48th National Youth Day yesterday 11 February 2014.

Behind that decency must understandably be concerns pegged on more humane conditions of life such as quality education, good housing, health care, and other social amenities which make life worth living. These values are in no way connected to the debaucheries that some youth have indulged in today, with subterfuges of joblessness resulting from social and economic hardship.

A flashback to the history of Cameroon bears eloquent testimony to the existence of similar, if not more challenges for Cameroonian youths some 50 or 60 years ago when the struggle for independence, and reunification where topical in the country.

Most, if not, all those who confronted the harsh reality of independence and reunification in Cameroon were youths, some of whom are still around today. By fighting hard for freedom and even making the supreme sacrifice of their lives to liberate Cameroon from the yokes of colonialists, our forebears wanted a nation where their kith and kindred would enjoy better health care, education, lodging and so on.

It will be illusory to say the challenges are fewer today, but it must be said that the nature of the fight is different. The swelling number of youth in search of jobs and the struggle to make ends meet continues to be disturbing, with the attendant consequences of disillusionment and despondency. Yet, the numerous "Major Accomplishment" projects launched by President Paul Biya nurse much hope for the future.

With a benchmark of 2035 as the year for Cameroon's emergence, the main levers of that vision can only be the youth. Thus, unlike those of the 50s and 60s who gave their lives for the liberation of Cameroon, those of today are being asked to make sacrifices that are within their reach. Unlike the colonial days, the youth in Cameroon today are well educated, have better educational facilities, more hospitals and even social amenities. What they obviously lack is the means to acquire these needs. Consequently, President Biya's fervent call to them is clear: "Although the commitment I expect from you does not require you to make the ultimate sacrifice, it is nonetheless crucial. It is about enabling our country to reach a level of development such that every Cameroonian can: live decently on his work, raise his children properly, and have decent housing and protection from disease," the Head of State said in his Youth Day message to the youth.

By inviting the youth to play a central role in shaping the future of Cameroon with a view of ensuring quality living conditions, the President of the Republic was definitely out to harp on the fact that those who fail to face national challenges may be excluding themselves from a vital part of the history of their country. Rather than cede to the trials and tribulations of today, the youth need to stand up to any setback to their progress and join forces with State institutions so that when the economic situation improves, they should have contributed their quota to nation-building.

The positive indicators being enumerated in the national economy can only have their meaning if the youth who are the main beneficiaries are fully involved. This must have explained the Head of State's analogy to those who fought for the country's independence and reunification with the youth of today who have the uphill task of ensuring emergence for Cameroon. "During that period of turmoil, those who dreamed of independence and national unity were young people like you. They differed in many respects: ideology, party, strategy and tactics. But the goal was clear: FREEDOM."

Consequently, by likening today's tests to yesterday's battle for freedom, Mr Biya wanted to underline the intrinsic connection between the personal ambitions of the youth and the vision for a strong, coherent and prosperous nation where all citizens live in peace and harmony.