Head of State’s 91st birthday: Bike riders, youth groups nationwide steal show, celebrate Biya as hero.

Echoes from across the 10 Regions of the country indicate that thousands of youths from different walks of life and commercial bike riders stole the show, using different words and adjectives to paint President Biya as a national hero, monument and more.

It is a twist which for supporters of the Head of State, shows Biya is rather getting more popular among young people. 

Whatever be the chemistry between President Paul Biya and the youths and commercial bikers, his supporters are now saying the mammoth crowds that paraded across major towns and cities show Biya has a special connection with even the most common of Cameroonians.

While at the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex it was a tradition that gained extra beauty with thousands of youth celebrating the Head of State, the ambiance witnessed in the other nine Regions of the country has generated excitement and surprises.

At the Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex, Biya, in the thinking and declarations of the youth who mounted the rostrum has shown resilience, strength and wisdom in governing Cameroon, even in the face of challenges.

At least four of such youth leaders, amongst them the President of the Cameroon National Youth Council, CNYC, Fadimatou Iyawa, had more kind words for Biya, whom the affectionately referred to as the “Father of the Nation”.

In their declarations, they depicted the Head of State as a patriarch who, over the years, has put youth in his development agenda and political vision. They mentioned different youth initiatives and special programs Biya has put in place over the years, as reasons enough for them to continue believing in his leadership.

The youth leaders, whose speeches were greeted with deafening choruses of celebration as members of government watched on, declared unwavering support and attachment to Biya. 

They argued that at his age and position as Head of State, President Biya symbolises love, unity, togetherness, tolerance and openness in the interest of a more united and indivisible Cameroon.

Meanwhile, still in the nation’s capital, it was Centre Region Governor, Naseri Paul Bea, who received another group of young people. They also celebrated the Head of State and sent a special message to him through the governor of the Centre Region.

Douala bikers offer special cake to Biya

While Yaounde was vibrating to the rhythm of the Head of State’s birthday celebration, commercial biker riders in Douala, in the Littoral Region, stormed the streets in their thousands same day. They youngsters took to the esplanade of the Governor’s Office in Bonanjo and offered a special birthday cake to Governor Samuel Ivaha Diboua.

Beyond asking the Governor to send their gift to the Head of State, the bikers assured the administrator that they are committed to continue supporting President Biya. They also asked God to give the Head of State good health and long life.

Hon Malomba, SW Chiefs join youth in Buea

In the South West Region, the beauty of celebrations presented itself in the form of a parade across Buea.  Thousands of commercial bike riders and taxi drivers paraded from Bongo Square to the Governor’s Office. 

The youthful, energetic and dynamic Member of Parliament, MP, for Buea Urban Constituency, Hon. Malomba Esembe led the caravan. 

Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai received the jubilant crowd of youngsters in the presence of some traditional rulers. Besides cutting a birthday cake to immortalise the day, the youngsters sent a special walking stick to the Head of State, through the Governor of the South West Region.

They later handed over a Message of Goodwill to the Head of State, through Governor Okalia Bilai.  The youth, in the message that was read out, said as President Biya, “marks this milestone, may you be surrounded by love, serenity and grace. Your commitment to serving our nation is nonpareil and we are grateful for all that you do to make Cameroon a better place for its citizens".

They also said the message of Biya to young people on the eve of the 58^th Youth Day, was assuring and convincing. They said they are confident in the future of the country under President Biya.

Governor Okalia Bilai, who received the message and gift for onward transmission to the Head of State, thanked the youth for rejecting violence and embracing peace.

Bamenda bikers, youth want another mandate for Biya

Just like their peers nationwide, commercial bike riders and hundreds of youths in Bamenda, in the North West Region, took the celebration to a whole new level. 

Beyond gratifying the Head of State, the bikers begged him to seek re-election in 2025.

One of them brandished a placard with the message: “The commercial bike riders of the City of Bamenda plead with you to be their candidate at the 2025 presidential election”.

After riding across the streets of Bamenda and putting on T-shirts bearing Biya’s picture, the bikers ended at the North West Governor’s Office. 

The Member of Parliament, MP for the Tubah/Bafut, Constituency, Hon Agho Oliver, joined the youngsters to present a special gift to the Head of State. The gift, which is a broom, Hon Agho said, is to enable Biya sweep the challenges affecting the country and other vices such as corruption and hate speech.

The Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele L'afrique, who received the youth, described Biya as a rare gem. He told them that Biya is the wisest man in Africa.

 The City Mayor of Bamenda, Paul Achobong; the President of the North West House of Chiefs, Fon Kevin Shumitang; the President of the North West  Regional Assembly, Prof  Fru Agwafor III among others attended the ceremony.

West, North Regions not left out 

The Governors of the West and North Regions also received special guests, Tuesday as Biya clocked 91. Hundreds of youths and bikers emptied to the regional offices in Bafoussam and Maroua, to show support for Biya.

Given the magnitude of celebrations witnessed this year, many Biya and regime supporters are stating that the Head of State is now a national monument.