The Head of State’s personal representative, Prime Minister, Philemon Yang yesterday chaired the march-past marking the 49th National Youth Day in Yaounde.

The remarkable presence at the Yaounde 20th May Boulevard, Wednesday 11th February, 2015, of the African Commonwealth Youth Ministers and Delegates who were attending this year’s celebrations added grandeur to the colourful celebrations placed under the theme “Youth and the Preservation of Peace for an Emergent Cameroon.”

The participation of the august guests from 15 African Commonwealth countries came on the heels of their first Africa Region- Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting (AR-CYMM) that was held in Yaoundé from the 8-10 February, 2015.

After the replay of the Head of State’s message to the youths, the stage was set for the march past parade which started with primary schools drawn from all the seven subdivisions of Yaounde.

The pupils marched-past, chanting patriotic songs celebrating patrimony and portraying shared values between Cameroon and the Commonwealth member States.

While brandishing the national colours, youths of the primary sector equally wielded the Commonwealth flag as they recited values such as peace, solidarity, equality, democracy and hard work in their songs to the admiration of the Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Deodat Maharaj, African Commonwealth Ministers and Delegates who could not hold back their emotions as they were seen applauding to the spectacular display of the kids.

With colourful choreographic movements, the youths marched-past carrying placards and banners portraying messages of patriotism, resolute stand behind the Head of State and the Defence Forces in the current war against the insurgent group Boko Haram as well as their commitment to foster national unity and integration.

Messages such as “Youths; Vigilance, Patriotism and Solidarity against Terrorism”, “Cameroon Troops together with President Paul Biya to Defeat terrorism” were abound while columns of youths marched with renewed resolve to support the Head of State in consolidating peace and national unity.