The 162 tonne-Independence and Reunification Monument measuring 17.2 metres in diameter and a total of 10 metres high now stands tall at Upper Farms on the slope of Fako Mountain. The Head of State, President Paul Biya accompanied by his wife, Chantal Biya unveiled with satisfaction the curtain of the monument amidst continuous animation from a medley of dance groups.
The ceremony was brief; about 25 minutes, but highly symbolic. After unveiling the curtain on the plate and the one on which is engraved the wordings; "on Wednesday the 19th of February, 2014, His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon unveiled the 50th Anniversaries of Independence and Reunification"; the Head of State listened with particular interest the technical explanations on the edifice from Kizito Ngoa, the engineer who conceived the monument. The monument itself immortalises the logo of the 50th Anniversaries of Independence and Reunification approved by the Head of State for the two historic events.
The monument is a whole package of historical and socio-cultural diversity of the nation. All these are ably represented on the artistic fresco on the wall behind the giant structure. The images on the fresco bare a multiplicity of symbols translating lubricants such as prosperity, fertility and geographical diversity among others.
"The celebration of Reunification couldn't have been complete without this monument", former Mayor of Buea and present Senator, Hon. Mbella Moki told CT. As to how the structure will be managed after its commissioning, the present Mayor, Patrick Ekema recalled the monument will immediately become the patrimony to be managed by the Buea Municipality. "We will protect it by building an entry gate to ensure people wishing to visit and take snap shots pay a token which will be used in maintaining the structure against wear and tear", he said. Located on the slope of the mountain, at the vicinity of the Governor's office and the Presidential Palace; the Independence and Reunification Monument is expected to pull the interest of tourists, many of whom will be forced to penetrate Buea town before accessing it.
Wednesday's commissioning exercise was witnessed by a medley of the population including local administrators, traditional leaders from the four corners of the South West Region and several animation groups. The monument, it should be noted has as project owner, the Minister of Culture, designer and supervisor; Valoris firm, contractor, SARMETAL and about six artistic contributors all operating under the general supervision of Martin Belinga Eboutou; National President of the Organisation Committee of the 50th anniversaries of Independence and Reunification.
