As the days draw nearer for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Armed Forces in Bamenda, the population is in an expectant mood ahead of the event. Local officials in the North West Region headed by Governor Abakar Ahamat have also been multiplying preparatory meetings to make sure that nothing is left to chance come the d-days of November 29th and 30th, 2010 when President Paul Biya who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, is expected the chair the anniversary ceremony.
In effect, Bamenda is virtually set to host the event with worksites producing a new twist to development in the North West. Governor, Abakar Ahamat has qualified the event as an honour to the entire region. With only 800 beds available in Bamenda to host guests during the occasion, the neighbouring West Region has been fully brought to assist in hosting some of the guests.
Solidarity is therefore password as the nation mobilizes towards the hitch-free celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Military in Bamenda on November 29th and 30th, 2010. From the look of things, metropolitan Bamenda will become too small to contain thousands of guests set for the event. Governor Abakar Ahamat disclosed that the few beds in the City the West Region has been contacted to extend solidarity with 700 other beds already shortlisted in Bafoussam, Dschang and Mbouda.
At the Regional Delegation of Tourism it was made known that the entire North West Region has about 73 lodging establishments offering 1.394 rooms with 1429 beds. Unfortunately, many of the structures are planted in far off divisions with poor road networks linking such localities and the Regional Capital, Bamenda.
However, the entire region is poised with the best touristic attractions to show guests during the event. Endowed with rich and varied touristic potentials categorized into natural sites, the North West distinguishes itself as the land of Fons with royal palaces that are in themselves attractions. It also harbours great museums in neighbourhoods like the Babungo palace, Akum, Nso , Bafut, Bali, Kom etc. Monuments, Arts and Antiquities are a trademark of the people who excel as blacksmiths and great Carvers. That apart, lakes, waterfalls, landscapes, forest reserves and caves are prominent in the region. Thus, the region harbours the Lakes Awing, Wum, Oku etc. Landscapes in Sabga, Babanki and the Bamenda Station hill are also a joy to see while the Mbatu Shrine, German Fort and Gerrman Cemetery, Botanic gardens and handicraft shops offer a lot more in souvenirs.
