Youth Question – What to do?

To our youth:

I have heard the question so many times: "We now know our situation in the Cameroons. Now, what do we do?"

#1 The number one thing to do, as a young citizen of the State of former British Southern Cameroons, is to KNOW at least the outline of our state's history. That is key to knowing where we are coming from.

#2 Sharpen at least one skill. Every human has a skill (even a stopped clock is right twice a day). Yes, you have a skill. Identify it and sharpen it. You will need it sooner than you think.

#3 Establish your own entities of trust. This could be as small as two citizens who know our history and trust each other to be committed to the restoration of our state.

#4 Hold meetings, but avoid anyone who does not bring anything to the table.

These are more than enough tips to keep us busy.

The number one thing NOT to do is take to the street without first having an intellectual conversation with yourself about why you are taking to the street. When your intellect is at peace with your reasons for taking any action, your body language will exude dignity, and don't be surprised when even Nyamfɨkahs respect you.

PS: It is not as if, after restoration, every citizen of our state will walk around with free money in their pockets. On the contrary, if you look at the numbers, we are more likely to be in debt (thanks to 50 years of "chop-broke-pot-ism") than swimming in money. Then what do we gain, some might ask? Freedom, which comes with responsibilities. And if you ask me, as long as I am responsible for cleaning my backyard, I can also clean my front yard, and no Nyamfɨkah should stand between the back and the front. So it is time for the Nyamfɨkahs to step aside. No hating, but when a system becomes a nuisance to the way people need to live their lives, it is time to call a Nyamfɨkah by its name: Nyamfɨkah!

— Wanaku Verdzekov