Genuine Gifts

Visiting Bamenda from December 8-10, 2010 within the framework of the 50th anniversary celebration of the national defence forces in Cameroon, President Paul Biya took advantage of his presence in the North West Region to announce so much for the population that no one could remain indifferent. The gifts were so genuine that the communion between the Head of State and the people of the North West in particular and Cameroon in general went beyond the ordinary. To start with, President Paul Biya announced:

The creation of the University of Bamenda:When the Head of State started presenting the academic provisions that government had made in the region with the upgrading of the Teachers’ Training College, ENS Annex Bambili with the increase of intake and 18 departments operational in 2009 as well as a second cycle, few saw where he was heading. Then came the revelation; “That is why I am pleased to announce to you that I have decided to create the University of Bamenda.” The euphoria generated by the message was beyond description as the entire population including the Fons present in the grandstand stood up for a standing ovation to the Head of State who had just met one of their most pressing needs. Given that the people had long wanted a university and the fact that the institution will serve the entire nation, make such an offer significant.

The Bamenda Ring Road: For decades now, the people of the North West have been crying that the road which links six of its seven divisions should be tarred. Coming to Bamenda, where he had earlier announced to the people that he feels at home in the region, President Paul Biya could not be indifferent to such a request. Thus, he indicated that negotiations were on with major public works companies for the entire road to be rehabilitated. With parts of the road tarred and the contract for construction of the Bamenda-Mamfe-Ekok road already awarded, the Head of State’s message was simply a reminder that efforts to open up the region to the rest of the country and beyond were being taken seriously.

Energy Problems: Inhabitants of the North West Region must have until now thought that the Head of State was not aware of the frequent power failures or the shortage of energy supply in the area. But President Paul Biya went straight to the essential by stating that instructions have been given for the implanting of a thermal energy plant in Bamenda. This, in no way meant the Menchum Falls would not be exploited for energy supply in the North West. Of course, many have insinuated that the Menchum Fall can supply electricity beyond the national frontiers. Consequently, it was obvious that the Head of State came back to that long-term option for energy supply in the region.

Healthcare: President Paul Biya’s pronouncements on healthcare provision were not only exciting but realistic. When he announced that studies were on for the eventual construction of a referral hospital in the North West, people took the information at the same level as the creation of the University of Bamenda. Seeing such euphoric reception to the idea, the Head of State had to make himself clear “J’ai bien dit une etude” meaning he was talking about studies which should enable government implement the project thereby making it clear that he was not out for any demagogic promise that does not hinge on realistic field work. Thus, he preferred to insist on what had been done such as the Haemodialysis and other health infrastructure that are more feasible.

Prolonged Stay: Initially announced to last 48-hours, the visit by the Presidential couple in the North West ended up being for 72-hours. This shows how sincere the Head of State and the entire population that turned out to receive them were. President Paul Biya must have realised from the first day in Bamenda that the people had much for him and so he decided to prolong his stay and get all that they had for him. Consequently, on Friday December 10, 2010, he granted several audiences, the least of which was not his meeting with the Chairman of the opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF) Chairman, Ni John Fru Ndi. The audiences were definitely another genuine gift that the Head of State had for the population as they gave another opportunity for the Presidential couple to commune with the population again on Friday evening before taking leave of the North West Regional capital, Bamenda.

Richard KWANG KOMETA