The hot sun at the Tiko Airport could not discourage the huge population from waiting and waiting with all anxiety. At exactly 1: 32 pm, the Presidential Helicopter transporting the Presidential couple touched down at the historic airport.
All that it takes to welcome an August guest was put in place; the military guard of honour; the regional constituted corps and the population among others. Traditional dance groups did not fail to be part of the event. The event at the Tiko Airport recalled the same event that took place 50 years ago, precisely on September 30, 1961 when President Ahmadou Ahidjo touched down and moved to the Mountain Hotel in Buea where the reunited Cameroon was born.
Everything went as programmed. After alighting from the Presidential Helicopter, President Biya and wife were welcome by the Governor of the South West Region; Bernard Okalia Bilai, the Senior Divisional Officer for Fako; Zang III and the Mayor of Tiko, Daniel Mokondo. This was followed by the offering of bouquets of flower by two young children; a boy and girl; accompanied by warm words of welcome. The solemnity of the event could be seen in the playing of the National Anthem by the Presidential Guard band followed by the inspection of the guard of honour commanded by Col. Eyong Ebot Tambang and handshaking with the Regional constituted corps There was anxiousness in the population that had assembled at the airport as everyone waved in expectation to touch either the President or his wife. Their anxiety met with satisfaction when President Biya moved closer to them and waved in return.
While elderly people; some of whom could recall the historic past the Tiko Airport played in Reunification watched with nostalgia; younger people who only read in books wondered how it all happened. The airport which had virtually been abandoned has been completely refurbished to suit the grandeur of the event.
