05/02/2026
The War No One Sees
He was 16, the star of the FENASCO games, and the one the administration of the school predicted would have 11 A’s in his GCE. Then, someone handed him a "solution" for his exam anxiety. Just a small pill. Just a "boost" for the night. Just once. 🚩
It didn’t start with a crash; it started with a whisper.
At first, the drugs promised him a superpower: Focus. He could read all night without sleep. Then they promised him Peace—a way to forget the pressure of being the family’s only hope. They promised courage in the face of bullies. But addiction is a dishonest tenant. It starts by demanding for a room, then it slowly takes over the whole house.
When I stand in front of any group of young persons like the ones in this video, I don’t see just "kids." I see Targets.
There is a silent heist happening in our school yards from Molyko to Akwa, from Yaoundé to Bamenda. The "deal" is simple: They give you 30 minutes of a chemical high, and in exchange, they take:
•The drive to earn that Professional Degree.
•The memory of your mother’s prayers and your father’s sacrifices.
•The spark in your eyes that made the whole Quarter proud.
•Your Freedom to say "No" when the pressure mounts.
In all centers of Royal Heralds Worldwide this week, we're observing our yearly "Battle for the Young" program. It's not a physical war requiring tanks and soldiers. It’s a war of Hijacking. This year, our focus is a Campaign Against Drug Abuse.
This year's battle is to rescue the brain of our youngsters from substance abuse.
The human brain is the seat of human ambition and it doesn't finish developing until age 25. When drugs enter the picture during these formative years, they re-wire how we feel pleasure and handle stress.
The person selling those drugs to you isn't just selling you a high; they’re stealing your "tomorrow" before you even get to live your "today." They may disguise it as "fun," "stress relief," or "just one try" but believe me, that's a weapon fashioned against your future. Drugs drown dreams.
To all the students reading this: Your sanity is your currency. Your health is your wealth. Don't let a temporary trend turn your life into a permanent tragedy.
Your brain is a masterpiece under construction. Don’t let a pill, a smoke, or a drink burn down the building before the roof is even on.
You aren't "boring" for saying no to drug abuse. Those who think they’re "exploring" by getting involved with drugs are not aware that their destinies are being hunted. To the dealers, addicts are not just "customers"; they are casualties.
To all our elders, please let's jointly protect the younger generation. Every time a young mind falls into the trap of substance abuse, we lose a piece of our future.
It’s not a trend. It’s a trap.
It’s not "cool." It’s a toxic chemical chain.
I’m standing here today because I refuse to watch another African star go dim. Dear youth, your potential is the most expensive thing you own—it’s the wealth of your entire lineage. Don’t sell it for a "500-franc high."
The "War No One Sees" is won one decision at a time. If you’re a student, a parent, or a teacher who is tired of seeing our stars go dim, please share this post.
Let’s break the silence. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hide it—fight it.
Share this to your story, you might just save a brother or a sister today.
