The First Lady’s humanitarian association held its 21st General Assembly on December 19.

Excitement mixed with an enormous feeling of satisfaction gripped some members of government, orphans and special guests yesterday, December 19, at the headquarters of the association; Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC), as they joined the Founding President of CERAC, First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya and other members to celebrate a successful end of activities for the 2013 year marked by a positive balance sheet. The event which was punctuated by hilarious interludes was presided over by Cameroon’s First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya.

CERAC ladies had every reason to celebrate right into the early hours of yesterday evening. The day began with the association’s members holding CERAC’s 21st General Assembly chaired by the General Coordinator, Linda Yang who affirmed that the organisation of CERAC’s activities during this year was satisfactory and worth celebrating. She reiterated that from January 2013 until date, the group has carried out all the activities contained in its plan of actions and that members went an extra mile in accomplishing its mission of guiding the children who survived the Nsam disaster 15 years ago as well as assisting vulnerable groups such as orphans and rural women. The association, she announced, will intensify its humanitarian activities nationwide next year.

With an excellent grade for a work well done throughout the year, CERAC women joined by their Founding President, Mrs Chantal Biya, opened the floor for a splendid party that kept all guests in a beaming mood as they clapped and at times joined in dancing. At the party room were popular artists such as Amina Pulo, Ai-Jo Mamadou, Marole Tchamba, Nono Flavie, K-Tino, Coco Argentée, Linda Raymonde, Mathematik and Ama Pierrot who added extra touch of sound and style to the show.

The Brice Band and CERAC choir welcomed Mrs Biya into the show scene with songs of welcome and gratitude titled “Ndo’olo and Yaya kem”. As the ladies with their guests wined and dined, they could not resist good sounds from the Brice Band, le Choeur Classique of the Cathedral Church in Yaounde as well as displays from a dance group. From time to time, CERAC women alongside their Founding President had to abandon their meals to join artistes on stage. The climax of the event came when CERAC women cat walked in a fashion parade in which they depicted cultural wealth from all the ten regions of the country.

At 5:00 pm, as guests exchanged niceties and Christmas wishes, they savoured the First Lady’s special birthday cake as they bid farewell to one another hoping to meet same time, next year at the same place.

Brenda Y. NCHEWNANG-NGASSA