Late Habissou Bidoung : Chantal Biya Pays Homage To Departed Collaborator

Cameroon’s First Lady, Chantal Biya, joined scores of mourners in Yaounde over the weekend in an emotional ceremony to bid farewell to one of her closest aides, Habissou Sadjo epse Bidoung Mkpatt, who was Secretary General of the Chantal Biya Foundation and Chargé de Mission at Civil Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic. December 27-28, 2024, will forever remain engraved in the hearts of the First Lady and particularly to the husband of the deceased, Minister of Arts and Culture, Pierre Ismael Bidoung Mkpatt, alongside family members and well-wishers. They were all obliged to say a final goodbye to someone who was not just a competent and loyal collaborator, but also a source of inspiration, an exceptional wife with a generous heart. 
The solemn journey began at the Nsimalen International Airport on December 27, when Brussels Airlines flight number 369 touched the tarmac. It was about 9:15 p.m. The First Lady, alongside several members of government, members of the Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC), members of the Chantal Biya Foundation, State dignitaries, the Muslim community, staff from the Ministry of Arts and Culture, CPDM supporters and mourners had gathered at the VIP lounge of the airport to receive the mortal remains of Mrs Bidoung Mkpatt. Grief filled the air at the site of the husband to the deceased, as he came out of the plane, walking through the VIP lounge, visibly shaken and sad. 
The mourners understood the long-awaited but dreaded moment had arrived. The mortal remains of Habissou Sadjo epse Bidoung Mkpatt had landed and was about to be carried into the VIP lounge. The First Lady and the entire audience stood up in honour. Thereafter, Imam Aboubakar of the Etoudi Mosque in Yaounde, took to the rostrum for a brief prayer, noting that when death comes knocking, nobody can stop it. Although the congregation was sad, the Imam said it was an occasion for people to know that one day they will die, hence a moment to return to God the creator and live according to His will. Before the corpse left the airport for her residence at the Ngousso-Fougerole neighbourhood, the First Lady bowed in front of her casket in honour and recognition. At the funeral home at Ngousso, the First Lady was still with mourners as they all lifted prayers to God for His mercy and the peaceful rest of the soul of the departed. At this point, prayers were coordinated by the Archbishop of Yaounde, a Protestant pastor and another from the Adventist denomination. 
On Saturday December 28, as early as 7:00 a.m. the mortal remains were transported to Nanga Eboko in the Upper Sanaga Division. It was time for testimonies and a final adieu. On behalf of the family, Halidou Sadjo recounted the life of her sister which he said was spiced with love and kindness for others. Through one of the deceased’s brother who accompanied her to Barcelona, Spain, Dr Sali Aminon revealed that her sister complained of cough and chest pain. Af...