Omam Esther, Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon and Global Peace Ambassador, has called on Cameroonians to embrace national unity, women’s empowerment, and youth participation as the country celebrated its 54th National Day on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
Speaking during commemorations held under the theme,
“National Unity: Backbone of Our Defence System, Bedrock of Development,” the peace advocate said unity remains essential to Cameroon’s stability and future growth.
Addressing administrative authorities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, defence and security forces, women, and young people, Esther said peace and development could only thrive where citizens worked together beyond ethnic, political, and social divisions. “A nation cannot grow when its people are divided. Development cannot flourish where there is hatred, mistrust, or exclusion,” she said.
She described Cameroon’s diversity as a national strength and urged citizens to promote tolerance, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence within their communities.
Women Praised for Role in Nation-Building
During her address, Esther paid tribute to Cameroonian women, describing them as central to peacebuilding and national development. She highlighted the role women play in homes, schools, markets, farms, and public institutions, noting that they continue to uphold values of resilience, sacrifice, and unity. “Women are not only caregivers; they are nation builders,” she stated.
The Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon also called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making processes, arguing that stronger female participation would contribute to more peaceful and sustainable communities.
She further acknowledged the efforts of mothers, teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and young girls striving to overcome social and economic barriers.
Youths Urged to Reject Hate and Violence
Omam Esther also addressed Cameroon’s young people, encouraging them to become active contributors to national development.
She urged youths to reject tribalism, violence, and hate speech while embracing innovation, entrepreneurship, and dialogue. “Our nation is blessed with intelligent, creative, talented, and energetic young people,” she said.
She warned against the misuse of social media to spread division, instead encouraging young people to use digital platforms to educate, inspire, and unite communities.
According to Esther, empowering youths through education, skills, and opportunities would strengthen both national unity and economic progress.
Call for Collective Responsibility
In her concluding remarks, Esther said preserving national unity was a shared responsibility extending beyond government institutions.
She encouraged citizens to show mutual respect across cultural and regional differences and praised the country’s defence and security forces for their role in maintaining peace. “From North to South, East to West, we remain one people with one destiny,” she said.
As Cameroon marked 54 years of nationhood, the peace advocate called for renewed commitment to peace, solidarity, and inclusive development. “A united Cameroon is a stronger Cameroon. A peaceful Cameroon is a prosperous Cameroon,” she concluded.
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