By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi and Che Buzie in Buea
The population of the Southwest region in Buea observed the 52nd edition of the National Day celebration with a display of patriotism and resilience in the face of its peculiar challenges.
The celebrations this year stitched with the theme; “Army and Nation, together for a united, peaceful and prosperous Cameroon”, brought together administrative, legislative, municipal, traditional, religious authorities and the general population at the Buea Independent Square. The ceremony presided by Southwest Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai commenced with the award of medals of recognition to meritorious recipients. A total of 75 medals were awarded of various categories including; National orders, Orders of merit, labour medals amongst others.
With an impressive turnout filling to capacity the two stands, and an impressive number by the road sides complimenting the multitudes who marched past the Independence Square, Southwest Governor said it was eloquent testimony of the resilience of the local population and that life is steadily returning to normal in the regional capital seven years down in the current socio-political instability in the Southwest and Northwest regions.
“Following the theme, we are happy to have witnessed today at the grandstand the military and civilian march pass. We are proud, and we want to thank particularly the people of Buea and that of the entire Southwest region, for their resilience and patriotism.
“We encourage them to continue like this. What we have seen today demonstrates that life is fully back to normal in Buea, activities have fully resumed. The local population should trust the authorities of Buea”, Okalia said.
Over 80 decorated in Limbe
In the Fako Divisional headquarters of Limbe, the colourful march past lasted for close to two hours.
The event was highlighted by the award of Labour medals and state medals to some distinguished Cameroonians among them the City Mayor of Limbe Paul Efome was knighted with two medals viz Cameroon Order of Valour and Cameroon Order of Merit.The mayor of Limbe I Council Mbwaye Eposi Florence was decorated with a Knight of Cameroon Order of Merit just like the Director of Regional Hospital Dr. Nyenty.
During the reception at his Bobende residence, a very happy medals recipient, City Mayor Paul Efome, told the press that “For receiving this dual medal today, and coming from the Head of State and especially on the National Day, I am very, very proud. It goes without saying that there is no award or reward without hard work. This makes me to understand that I have more to do. Seeing the joy being expressed by the administration over this medal award puts a lot of challenges in front of me to do more.My position is one that is there for me to serve the population. It didn’t start today, it started many years ago. I want to thank the administration and especially the Head of State for noticing my participation in nation building and also for being patriotic and for noticing all the values in me.This is not only given to me as one of the youngest city mayors but also as one of the young people in Cameroon that the Head of State has distinguished and it is an encouragement to all youths to do what the state wants. I want to thank all my peers, those who have collaborated with me and made my hardwork shine. I want to thank everybody who has celebrated with me today”.