20th May: Nkambe defies “unpatriotic boycott calls,” celebrates in pomp

Nkambe—“In defiance of unpatriotic calls for a boycott,” the people of Nkambe central subdivision in the Donga Mantung Division of the North West region joined the rest of the country in commemorative activities marking the 45^th National Day on Saturday May 20.

Chaired by the Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung, Ngone Nodemessappe Bernard, the activities at the Nkambe municipal grandstand featured a military and civilian past.

Commanded by Captain Bamu, the military march past which preceded that of civilians was led by troops of the 25^th Motorised Infantry Battalion (BIM) that is lodged in the town.

Government Francophone Practising School Nkambe and her thrilling majorette led the parade of educational institutions after the Red Cross and Boys Scouts.

Among other educational institutions that took part in the march past were Government Bilingual High School (GBHS), Government Technical High School (GTHS), Government Teachers Training College (GTTC) and Christ the King Teachers Training College, all of Nkambe.

Conspicuous among the many socio-cultural, economic groups and associations that took part in the National Day parade was the female football team of Bang Bullet FC of Nkambe who received thunderous applauds from the tribune.

Three political parties—including the Social Democratic Front (SDF) of Ni John Fru Ndi were shortlisted for the parade in Nkambe but it boycotted.

Led by the section president, Ngala Gerard the ruling Cameroon People Democratic Movement (CPDM) largely dominated the march past with the presence of about 2,000 militants with some carrying posters displaying messages like “the Donga Mantung I section of the CPDM says yes to social peace and national unity.”

The UDP of Alaji Bako sealed the march past which also marked the end activities that lasted for over two hours.

Speaking to reporters after the march past, the SDO for Donga Mantung said though the usual numbers recorded in previous celebrations was not there this year, “you’ll agree with me that the quality was there.”

“We’ve witnessed a very qualitative march past and I take this opportunity to congratulate all those who participated in one way or the other to bring about the success of today’s celebrations. Here, I am thinking of the various committees, the schools, the political parties—particularly the CPDM that mobilised their militants and they came out in their numbers,” Ngone Ndodemesssappe Bernard said.

 “I also wish to thank the population of Donga Mantung and Nkambe in particular who have come out in their numbers in defiance of the unpatriotic calls for people to stay at home,” the senior administrative officer said further.

The 2017 national Day was celebrated under the theme, “Army and the nation in full synergy for a Cameroon, united in its diversity and devoted to its ideals of peace, stability and prosperity.”

By Ndi Eugene Ndi in Nkambe