Bipindi Takes Over Relay Baton of 2013 National Day Launch

The cosmopolitan locality in the South Region, Monday may 13 hosted the second phase of the launch of activities.

The forest people of Bipindi in the Ocean Division of the South Region yesterday, May 13, 2013 in word and action expressed satisfaction for hosting the second phase of the launch of activities leading up to this year's 41st edition of unitary State in Cameroon billed for Monday May 20.

The Bantu and pygmy communities cohabiting in this locality in bliss and devotion openly reminded the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Bidoung Mpkatt that they have been honoured and uplifted by government's choice of their community for the event.

Dr Bidoung Mpkatt in his opening speech called for synergy of action from the Ngoumba, Fang, Bulu, Ewondo, Batanga, Bassa, Bamileke and Haussa communities living together in Bipindi. He reminded Bagyeli pygmies that they were dear to the Head of State. Being a hard-working community that is attached to tradition, endowed with rich artistic know-how and special natural medicine, they were challenged to promote unity and national integration as championed by the Head of State. Bidoung Mpkatt urged all to contribute their quota to catapult the country to emergence.

The choice of the locality to launch activities leading up to the National Day to be commemorated on the theme, "The Army and the Nation, Working Together Towards Meeting Security Challenges for an Emerging Cameroon," was to celebrate achievements and virtues of Bipindi people, Bidoung Mpkatt noted.

Flanked by the Ministers of Social Affairs, Catherine Bakang Mbock and that of Posts and Telecommunications, Biyiti bi Essam, Dr Bidoung Mpkatt, on instructions from President Paul Biya donated machetes, axes, soap, salt, boxes of match, rice, javel water, wheelbarrows, kerosene, fresh fish, shoes, wheel chairs, hoes, grinding mills, compressor and wine to the indigenous population to improve their economic activities and livelihoods.

Mayor Elias Mandeng Bilong of the Bidindi Council said the 29 villages in the council area were pleased with measures taken by government like the provision of schools, water, opening of earth roads and above all, the recruitment of their sons and daughters.

Pygmies Feast

Prior to the launch of activities, Bidoung Mpkatt and his accompanying delegation met with pygmies in four Settlement Camps out of the eight in Bipindi. In the Mandtoua settlement camp Minister and his entourage met with the first set of over 450 pygmies. The pygmies in pure traditional attire and dance, heartily welcomed Bidoung Mpkatt and were grateful for his message of love and unity from the Head of State. At the Kouambo Settlement Camp, similar joy was evident. The Minister Delegate in the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Jules Doret Ndongo, elite of the area recounted achievements.

A representative of the Bagyeli while thanking government for providing them with basic amenities like education, requested more respect for their social rules. Catherine Bakang Mbock in the third stopover heralded the Head of State's message of goodwill to minority groups. The last lap, hectic and full of activities was in the Bifoum Pygmy Settlement Camp, all in the company of South Governor, Jules Marcellin Ndjaga.