Hon. Joshua N. Osih’s 2024 End-of-Year message is a passionate call for change, blending storytelling with bold policy promises. Addressing Cameroon’s systemic challenges, Osih articulates a vision for a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation, particularly going along with the country’s youth. His speech is not merely rhetorical but lays out a clear roadmap for development.
Osih’s message emphasises the role of education in shaping Cameroon’s future, using Aissatou’s story to highlight the resilience of young Cameroonians. He describes her as “studying under a thatched roof without furniture, yet her eyes bright with determination for a better tomorrow,” proof of the indomitable spirit of the country’s youth.
To ensure such determination is not wasted, Osih pledges to implement the Family Allowance Bonus program, ensuring “no child’s potential is limited by poverty, and no teacher’s dedication goes unrecognised.”
He also underscores the SDF’s focus on digital innovation, stating, “Our digital school initiative will make education more accessible and affordable for all families.” These commitments aim to bridge educational disparities and equip the youth with tools for a brighter future.
Osih does not shy away from confronting Cameroon’s structural inequalities. Highlighting the plight of children without birth certificates, he declares, “This is not merely a bureaucratic failure, it is a moral one.” His proposed solution is transformative: making the issuance of birth certificates a government obligation, removing the financial and logistical burden from families.
Women’s rights are another focal point, with Osih referencing Mireille’s struggle to register land in her name. “Her story echoes through the hills of our country,” he states, vowing to end discriminatory land ownership practices. His stance against the destruction of communities like Dikolo highlights his commitment to justice, as he declares, “These are not isolated incidents they are symptoms of a system that has forgotten its purpose: to serve the people.”
Osih paints a grim picture of Cameroon’s economic reality, noting, “One in three Cameroonians lives below the poverty line.” Yet, his message is one of hope, promising a shift toward “industrialisation, innovation, and sustainable development.” These reforms, he asserts, are “not just about growth figures, it’s about creating opportunities for every Cameroonian to build a dignified life.”
A reformed civil service is central to this vision. Osih envisions a system where workers are fairly compensated and protected, pledging, “A social security system will protect all workers not just civil servants, but farmers, traders, and independent workers too.”
Osih’s message reflects a deep understanding of Cameroon’s conflict-ridden regions. He acknowledges the toll of ongoing violence, stating, “Over 900,000 displaced citizens, countless lives disrupted, communities torn apart this is the price of failed leadership.” He promises to resolve these conflicts within the first 100 days of an SDF government through “dialogue, justice, and concrete action.”
His interaction with security personnel like Bouba reveals a commitment to improving their conditions. “Our discussions were not just about their needs as officers but as parents, as citizens dreaming of a better future for their children,” Osih said, linking their well-being to broader societal reforms.
Osih’s speech ends with a rallying cry for electoral participation.
“As the electoral register reopens on January 2nd, remember that your participation is more than a civic duty. it is your power to write the next chapter of our nation’s story,” he urges.
He invokes the legacy of Ni John Fru Ndi, emphasising, “The legacy of our late National Chairman demands nothing less than our full commitment to change.”
Osih’s promises go beyond addressing current challenges; they paint a picture of a nation transformed. His proposals from accessible ID card issuance and fair land ownership laws to robust education reforms and conflict resolution form a cohesive strategy for rebuilding Cameroon.
“2024 has shown us both the depth of our challenges and the height of our potential. Together, we will build a Cameroon where every voice matters, where every child can thrive, and where prosperity is truly shared.” he declares
Hon. Joshua N. Osih’s address is a vision of hope and determination. With policies that prioritise education, economic inclusion, gender equity, and peacebuilding, his promises go along with Cameroonians yearning for change. As the country steps into 2025, Osih’s words challenge citizens to harness the “wind of change” and actively shape a better future. His vision, underpinned by actionable commitments, offers a roadmap for a more just and prosperous Cameroon.
By Bakah Derick
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