Solemnity and serenity marked the welcome ceremony at the Yaounde Nsimalen Airport on July 29, 2015 organised in honour of the Nigerian leader.
The atmosphere at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport was filled with anxiety and ecstasy on July 29, 2015 as the population came out in their numbers to join their President, Paul Biya in welcoming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari who is on a two-day friendly and working visit to Cameroon.
The anxiety and the tight security that characterised the ceremony at the airport yesterday was understandable considering the growing threat and attacks the two countries; Cameroon and Nigeria have been witnessing from the Islamist sect, Boko Haram. The welcome ceremony kick started at 11:10 AM at the Presidential section of the Nsimalen Airport as the Nigerian Air force plane transporting the Nigerian President taxied to a halt. On hand at the foot of the plane to welcome him was, President Biya accompanied by some members of his official delegation. The little class II pupil, Mekou Ndzomo Emmanuelle Maya of the St. Joseph Bilingual Primary School, Mvolye had her own rule to play when she offered a bouquet of flower to the visiting President accompanied by warm words of welcome.
The mounting of the military honours, the honouring of the flags of the two nations by the two Heads of State and the singing of the Anthems of both countries by the Presidential military band all combined to give the solemnity a friendly and working visit deserves. Everything took place in strict respect of official protocol. After all the official and diplomatic niceties at the ceremonial ground, the two leaders retired to the Presidential Lounge where they had a brief stopover before taking off for the Hilton where President Buhari is lodged.
The cream of the country’s top ranking administration notably from the executive, legislature and security as well as the diplomatic corps was present. All these took place amidst continuous animation at the esplanade of the Presidential Lounge from dance groups from Mfoundi and Mefou Afamba. Also present was a dance group from the Nigerian community in Yaounde, notably the Akwaibom Cultural dance.
