Bahiru Adamu: Youth Peacebuilder with a great sense of leadership

Bahiru Adamu a young Cameroonian based in Bamenda, North West Region. He is a student, an aspiring peace leader. He is passionate about serving his community, helping and fighting hate speech in his environment. Bahiru Adamu is a Junior Ambassador for Cameroon to the United Nations and a Youth Parliamentarian. His actions and works can encourage young Cameroonians to better their future and their communities. Get to know more about the young parliamentarian and a #defyhatenow advocate for peace.

• What is your full name and what do you like to be called?

Bahiru Adamu is my name. I prefer to be called Adamu.

• Where were you born?

I was born in Wum, Menchum division in the North West Region of Cameroon.

• How do you remember your childhood? If in Cameroon are there any parallels between growing up then and now?

 I was born in CAMEROON and have lovely memories about my childhood. I remember it to be a moment of peace and prosperity. There was no kidnapping, killing nor gunshots. The first time I saw a gun was when I was 6 years old. It was during 11february March past, when military Men were marching. There was no money but families were United and happy. All that is history now. There’s no Peace, no Prosperity in the country, especially my own side of the country, the North West Region of Cameroon. Families are in ruins and children see blood and are exposed to violence daily from a tender age. It’s rather unfortunate and this is partly why I engaged in peace building so that the next generation can enjoy what I enjoyed while I was a child. This has pushed me into Leadership and Advocacy.

• What is your profession and why did you choose it?

I’m currently a student teacher and a youth leader because I have a passion to serve. 

• How did you get into this line of work? Is your passion your career?

I got into my career through Volunteerism and I love it.

• What has been the highlight of your career? A moment you cherish to date?

One of the greatest moments of my career is when I was selected as a Youth Parliamentarian. The most memorable experience is addressing the National Assembly full of delegations from across the National territory.

• What challenges have you faced while doing what you do?

As for challenges, I face security, health, financial challenges as well as lazy and corrupt Collaborators.

• Which man do you look up to in your life? Who inspires you?

 I look up to the former US president Barack Obama but the person who inspires me most is late civil Rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Having achieved as much as you have because you navigate the world as a man, would you have achieved more or less otherwise?

 I think achievements come from mindsets not from any other criteria. 

• What do you hope the future holds? And what can you tell young men as they work towards their goals?

I Look forward to a bright future though one can’t really tell what the future holds for certain. Young people should not give up on their dreams. With hard work and prayer everything is possible… Thank you so much