Yaounde: Most Cameroonians have not been able to grasp the evolution of the celebration of 11th February as 'Plebiscite Day' to 'Youth Day'. In this mix-up, some Cameroonians have attributed the change to the Machiavellian manipulation of the Ahidjo regime; this is very far from the truth. The change has also impacted on the political evolution of the country. According to Cameroon News Agency, on 11th February 1961, eligible voters in British Southern Cameroons overwhelmingly voted to achieve independence by joining French Cameroon as opposed to independence in association with the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In commemoration of this historic day, 11th February was celebrated as Plebiscite Day and a 'National Day' in West Cameroon as from 1962. Before 1961, the people of British Southern Cameroons celebrated two prominent 'national' days: Empire Day, observed by all British colonies and Britain on 4 May in honour of the birthday of Queen Victoria, and 26 October as 'National Day' following the establishme nt of the Southern Cameroons House of Assembly in 1954. Empire Day was later changed to Commonwealth Day in 1958, following the decolonization process. With the success of the votes on 11th February 1961 and the territory's independence on 1st October 1961 by joining the Republic of Cameroon, the West Cameroon government celebrated several 'holidays': 24th May as Commonwealth Day, 11th February as Plebiscite Day, 1st October as Independence Day, and 26th October as 'National Day'. However, the celebration of numerous 'national' days in West Cameroon was deemed excessive. In 1963, the KNDP government announced that from 1964, the 'national' day of 26 October would be celebrated on 11 February and Plebiscite Day would be renamed 'Youth Day'. The goal was to emphasize the importance of youth in the future of the country. An Executive Council meeting in Buea in December 1963 outlined the day's activities, including the national anthem, reading of the PM's speech, traditional dances, athletic competitions, and the award of prizes. The maiden celebration on 11th February 1964 was marked by the presence of dignitaries from East Cameroon, including President Ahmadou Ahidjo and King Manga Bell of Douala. Events were held in Buea and Bamenda, with a canoe race in Victoria. The theme of unity and the success of the events impressed President Ahidjo's government, leading to the national celebration of Youth Day from 1966. The transformation from Plebiscite Day to Youth Day was not initiated by Ahidjo, but rather inspired by the successful celebration in West Cameroon. The first national Youth Day in both West and East Cameroon took place on 11th February 1966, establishing it as a national event. About the author: Professor Victor Julius Ngoh is a renowned Cameroonian scholar, historian, researcher, author, and political commentator who has written extensively on Cameroonian history. He teaches at the University of Buea and also at private tertiary institutions in Yaounde. His book 'Cameroon History Since 1800' is wide ly read and studied in schools across the country.
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