Recently, the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde welcomed Cameroonian soccer legend Jacques Songo’o, the former goal keeper of the Indomitable Lions. He was accompanied by Colette Mvieh, a Cameroonian businesswoman, and Annette Friède Hell, a Biology teacher at Elig-Essono High School of Yaoundé.

They were met by Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II, Protocol Officer Dora Hell, and Cultural Instructor Amadou Mountapmbeme.

Welcoming Mr. Songo’o and his friends, Mr. Quiroz lauded his historical achievements noting: “Heroes like you are role models for all Cameroonian youth. You offer a living example of extraordinary achievements that the youth can emulate and aspire to.

This nation has given the world renowned athletes like Samuel E'to'o, Luc Mbah Moute, you, and others like the players for the Indomitable Lions. While not everyone can become a star athlete, everyone can become successful by pursuing their dreams. What would be your message to Cameroonian youth?”

Mr. Songo’o replied: “My message to Cameroonian youth is to study and work, work, work for success. Any success requires tremendous preparation and work. In life you try, you fail, start again, succeed, fail again, and then start again, with the determination to succeed.

Success takes perseverance and determination. Nothing is given to you. Sometimes you have to overcome great obstacles. You have to find your talents, believe in yourself, and work for success, beginning with earning an education, which is necessary to meet your goals.”

During their meeting, the group also discussed their belief that Cameroon will attain its development goals due to its leadership vision, immense natural and human resources, history of peace, and the immense talents and contributions of the Cameroonian people, including women and girls.

They also highlighted the importance of private sector growth to promote development in Cameroon, as in all nations. They also observed that private sectors which operate in transparent manners and invest in people through philanthropy in key institutions – such as health and education – launch their nations forward towards prosperity.

“As Ambassador Michael S. Hoza has said, the youth look up to role models like you – champions of success - whom they can emulate in whatever their chosen professional field.

To achieve their dreams they look for a future of prosperity. Private sectors create jobs which are needed for a large number of youth entering the workforce.

When Cameroonians conceive a business or enterprise, they have the potential to hire and train Cameroonian youth who need to work. Promoting a positive spirit of entrepreneurship that delivers quality products and superior customer service will further expand the success of businesses.

Foreign investments are important, but also necessary are businesses from Cameroonians to benefit Cameroonians. In the same manner, it is important for private sectors to invest in their nations, communities, and fellow citizens to assist in development goals,” said Mr. Quiroz.

Also offering advice for Cameroonian youth, Ms. Colette Mvieh said: “Success is just around the corner if you believe in yourself and persevere. Don’t be intimidated by obstacles, focus on how you are going to meet your goals.”

Ms. Annette Friède Hell said: “as a teacher, my advice to Cameroonian youth is that the beginning of achieving your dreams starts in the classroom, by dedicating yourself to your studies.”

According to Wikipedia, Mr. Songo’o has “spent the vast majority of his professional career in France and Spain, at the Deportivo de La Coruña team, appearing in more than 200 official games over the course of six seasons and winning the 2000 national championship – also representing the Cameroonian national team in four World Cups."