CCDI Graduates First Batch of Consultants, Sets Ambitious Vision for Cameroon’s Security and Development Future

Dr Kilian Tameh, Director of Consultancy at CCDI

The Cameroon Civil Defence and Intelligence (CCDI) commission has graduated its maiden batch of trainees, marking a historic milestone in the country’s quest to strengthen civil protection, intelligence professionalism, and national development capacity. The ceremony, held at the University of Yaounde I campus, brought together administrators, trainers, parents and partners who have accompanied the institution’s demanding nine-month professional program.

In his opening address, the Director of Consultancy, Dr. Killian Tameh, expressed profound appreciation to the trainees for the “enormous sacrifices” made throughout their training. He also thanked parents and guardians for standing firmly behind the students and acknowledged the lecturers who, in his words, “equipped the trainees with the knowledge they need to face the task ahead.”

Reflecting on the journey of the first cohort, Dr. Tameh noted that beginning such an institution came with inevitable challenges, especially in ensuring professionalism, technical grounding, and ethical discipline. However, he emphasized that CCDI sought experts in each field—from communication for development, technical English, public speaking and geopolitics to agribusiness and climate intelligence—to ensure robust training.

“This is the maiden edition, and though we had loopholes here and there, we are proud of the team we put forward,” he said. “By next year, the training of consultants will be even more top-notch. We are rebranding Cameroon with young Cameroonians trained through this professional program.”

First batch of consultants from CCDI

Speaking on the strategic vision behind the initiative, Chief Tieminie Michael, Public Relations Officer of CCDI, described the graduation as the beginning of an ambitious national journey. He explained that the first batch aligns with a broader 2035 vision aimed at training thousands of young Cameroonians in specialised civil defence and intelligence fields.

“We need more trainees to deploy into the field. The assurance is there—they have the skills, and the openings are available,” he said. Despite financial constraints and the difficulties of launching an institution of this scale, the PRO maintained that the CCDI team remains determined to expand and modernise its programmes. Efforts are underway to seek national and international funding to strengthen future cohorts.

On the practical readiness of the graduates, Chief Michael was resolute: “We are very optimistic. Centres have been opened, and more will be created across all 360 local government areas. The training has placed special emphasis on agriculture and agribusiness intelligence. We are preparing professionals who can drive transformation—from converting pineapples into juice to exporting finished agricultural products. Cameroon has everything, and these young people will help unlock that potential.”

Adding an international perspective, Dr. Oumarou Bouba confirmed that CCDI operates as a branch of the International Civil Protection Organisation (OIPC), founded in 1931 in Geneva. He highlighted that the programme is rooted in key fields such as medical, security, financial, and agricultural intelligence.

With the first cohort now stepping into the field, CCDI leaders say they are confident that the graduates are equipped to fill critical gaps in Cameroon’s evolving security and development landscape—making this maiden edition not just a graduation, but a defining moment in the nation’s march toward resilience and transformation.

By Yusinyu Omer Yinyu