By WIFAH JENNYHANS NDE
Despite calls for boycott by those in the Diaspora and actual boycott by some political parties of this year’s National Day celebration, the people of Limbe turned out massively for the annual Unity Day celebration at the Manga Williams Avenue Grandstand.
Celebrated under the distinguished patronage of H.E Paul Biya, president of the Republic of Cameroon, represented in Limbe by the Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, Zang III, the National Day for 2017 had as theme: “Armed forces and the Nation in full synergy for a Cameroon united in diversity and devoted to the ideals of peace, stability and prosperity”.
Upon the arrival of the SDO at about 10:30am and with the presentation of the National flag was the singing of the National Anthem which ushered salutation by the SDO to all the military forces that were present. Then was award of medals to some 33 meritorious sons and daughters of the Limbe municipality who have been outstanding in service to the Nation.
These 33 men and women were served their recognition from the Head of State by the Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, Zang III. Amongst them were Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council, the development guru, Motanga Andrew Monjimba, and Mr Oumarou Bouba who both received medals of Officer of the National order of Valor.
Also decorated was Mr. Kwi Bangsi, veteran journalist and station manager of Ocean City Radio who was recognized for his over 27 years in the journalism profession.
This was closely followed by march pass parade which was in three phases; the military, schools and political parties and social groups all from the Limbe municipality. With military commands from Commandant Andono Charlie and rhythms from the Limbe City Council band, the military led the march pass. In a well regimented parade, National Gendarmerie, the Rapid Intervention Battalion, the Marine forces, Retired Military men, Police and the customs department all filed past the Manga Williams Avenue grandstand.
After military parade was the civilian march pass which began with the scouts, Red Cross then scholars from primary through secondary to some higher institutions and then vocational training centers. In all, over 20 primary schools, 11 secondary, 5 higher institutes and vocational training centers both government and private marched pass the grand to display patriotism and respect for their fatherland, Cameroon.
Carrying messages such as “No to tribalism, yes to National integration”, “Do your politics and allow us go to school”, “National Unity is sacred, let us keep it jealously”, “Peace a catalyst of socio-political economic development in an emerging Cameroon”, these youngsters contributed their quota to strengthening national unity, peace and prosperity.
The climax of this segment of the march pass came when students of Government High School Limbe came up with a pair of student, dressed like a couple set for the alter and when they got to the main tribune, the bride was unveiled then she smiled and waved to the grandstand that greeted her with thunderous plaudits.
The gesture according to some officials was a depiction of union of the two Cameroons, the West and the East Cameroons that came together on a decisive plebiscite on February 11, 1961. To them this is prove that young Cameroonians now have a better understanding of their history and that as much as Cameroonians accept to live together, there should be equal respect to all Cameroonians and equitable distribution of national wealth.
An anonymous source equally told The SUN that if these young Cameroonians can conceive this idea and finely present it like they did, Cameroonians should be preparing for worse days ahead compared to the present socio-political situation affecting the country if problems are not solved with urgency, “for knowledge is power”, he said.
This phase of the march pass gave way to the final phase, comprising political parties and social groups. In total, 4 political parties led by the ruling CPDM, UNDP and ANDP and some 20 social groups participated at this year’s National Unity day in Limbe.
Speaking to the press at the end of the ceremony, the Divisional boss, Zang III congratulated all Cameroonians who braved the odds and turned out massively for the celebration. “In Limbe today, you have seen that Cameroon is one and indivisible from the huge turnout. I hope you shall tell the message and you saw it. In Limbe, we have said no to ghost towns, no to vandalism, no to secessionists. That is the message; we are all relied behind the head of state as you clearly saw with Cameroonians from all parts of the country here in Limbe, proud to be Cameroonians” Mr Zang furthered.