President Paul Biya : Exceptional Welcome Back Home

Those who still doubted the Government’s press release of October 8, 2024 that, “the Head of State is in good health and will be returning to Cameroon in the next few days,” certainly believed at last like the Biblical Thomas yesterday October 21, 2024 that President Paul Biya was indeed up and doing. His return home, visibly strong and healthily-looking, got prophets of doom who had predicted his demise all wrong. 
His looks equally clearly confirmed the press release of the Civil Cabinet in the wake of the widespread, but unfounded rumours, which after debunking the claims reassured Cameroonians and the international community, “On his excellent state of health,” adding that, “The Head State continues to exercise his duties in Geneva and has never departed the city following his visit to Beijing.” He therefore returned home to continue his State duties. 
It was indeed an exceptional welcome home for President Paul Biya yesterday in all aspects. The turnout of the population from the Nsimalen international airport through the itinerary of the Presidential Motorcade along the streets of Yaounde to the esplanade of the State House proved their anxiety to once again commune with their leader. In fact, the welcome setup at the airport was far from the ordinary. Besides the Mefou and Afamba South Section of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), and other neighbouring Sections of the ruling party as well as Active Youth for Chantal Biya (JACHABI) that usually animate at the airport during departures and arrivals of the Presidential couple, other groups turned up in their numbers. They almost competed for attention with songs and banners all wishing warm welcome to the Head of State and divine wisdom for him to continue piloting the affairs of the country in all serenity. “Long live H.E. Paul Biya, father of the nation,” read one of the banners as those who brandished them vigorously sang and danced throughout the period. 
It was indeed a festive atmosphere which got to the apex when the Presidential plane landed at about 4:37 pm. As the air carrier taxied to a halt, those singing sang as if it was their last time with the rest of the anxious population either clapping or waving the national flag.
At the foot of the plane was the Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh ...