Chantal Biya Receives New Year Wishes

The ceremony took place at the Unity Palace on Friday, January 4, 2013.

There was total communion, sharing and feasting at the Main Residence of the Unity Palace on Friday, January 4, 2013 when spouses of members of the diplomatic, national constituted corps and special guests presented happy and prosperous New Year 2013 wishes to Cameroon's First Lady, Chantal Biya. The event came to add to the celebrations that started on Thursday, January 3, 2013 when members of the diplomatic corps as well as those of the national constituted corps presented 2013 New Year wishes to the Head of State, Paul Biya.

Solemnity, chatting, hugs, offering of bouquets of flowers and gifts, taking of pictures to immortalise the event, sharing of drinks and food and dancing animated by some musicians aptly describe 2013 New Year wishes to the First Lady, Chantal Biya.

The spouse of the Ambassador of Chad to Cameroon who is dean of the diplomatic corps, Odile Yoossem-Kontou Noudjiamlao set the ball rolling. She led the delegation of spouses of members of the diplomatic corps to shake hands, hug and take pictures with Chantal Biya as each of them wished happy and prosperous 2013 to the First Lady. The first phase of the ceremony rounded off with the First Lady taking group pictures with the wives of members of the diplomatic corps and sharing a communion drink with them.

Then came the turn of spouses of members of the national constituted corps and the First Lady's special guests with each delegation leader handing a bouquet of flowers to Chantal Biya.

There was a total of 23 delegations. The wife of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Cavaye Fadimatou opened this phase of the event, the longest as she led the delegation of spouses of Bureau members of the National Assembly. Dr Mrs Linda Yang, the wife of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang came second leading the delegation of the spouses of members of government. The protocol and solemn part of the event ended at 1:55 p.m., with Bendji Ange leading the delegation of Bakas and Mbororos. After a short break, the First Lady shared a meal and danced round some stands for a more convivial and joyous fellowship with her well-wishers. Some of the musicians who animated the event included Bam's, Ama Pierrot, John Duchant, K-Tino, Lady Ponce, Ekek's, Sergeo Polo. Each person who shook hands with the First Lady went back home with a memorable New Year present from Mrs Biya