The city’s capital is showcasing the colours of both countries as popular mobilisation gears up to give the Nigerian Head of State a hectic reception.

Momentum is gathering in the capital city, Yaounde, for the welcome of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, today for a two-day high-level friendly and working visit at the invitation of the Head of State, Paul Biya. The visit, which comes just two months after President Buhari’s swearing-in ceremony on May 29, 2015, has filled not only Cameroonians, but also the over 4 million Nigerians resident in Cameroon, with joy as there are great expectations, especially in the strengthening of fruitful bilateral relations and a common ruthless strategy to eradicate the terrorist sect, Boko Haram.

In taxis, gatherings and streets in Yaounde yesterday, most city dwellers seemed to agree that President Buhari’s visit is most welcome and timely. Their thoughts were echoed on the numerous banners in some streets of the city, carrying messages addressed to the august guest and recalling the good state of relations between both countries that share a 2,000-km long frontier. Some leaders of the Nigerian community disclosed that delegations from the ten regions were already in Yaounde to see their new President and extend messages of encouragement during the meeting planned for later this afternoon.

On the Cameroonian side, political parties, cultural groups, civil society organisations and city dwellers, have been mobilised to line up the highway to cheer the Nigerian Head of State and his Cameroonian host, President Paul Biya, when both drive past in their motorcade from Nsimalen International Airport to the Hilton Hotel and during trips thereafter to and from the Unity Palace.