Actualités of Monday, 7 April 2014

Source: Cameroon Tribune

Another Milestone for Chantal Biya

While in Brussels, the First Lady had a memorable time with her mates discussing subjects that best fit her humanitarian gestures.

When the motorcade carrying the Presidential Couple of Cameroon, serenaded its way through the arcades of Brussels into the plush quarters of Le Meridien Hotel, last Tuesday April 1, 2014 a lot of things were already pointing to the fact that the trip was going to be a memorable one. Judging from the intensity of the turnout from the local Cameroonian community living in Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg (Benelux Region), even the most unschooled of onlookers could rapidly tell that there was more than just excitement in the air. In fact, so intense was the communion, gratitude and love Cameroonians living in the Benelux Region showed towards their fatherland and its First Couple.

The demonstration of love, gratitude and above all recognition, continued throughout Mrs Biya's expedition in the "Heart of Europe". From the acclamation the First Lady of Cameroon who is also UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Social Inclusion received at her arrival at the eleven-floor of the Sheraton Hotel, to attend a working lunch organised by the Association of Spouses of African Ambassadors accredited to Belgium (ASAAB), there was all sign that Chantal Biya was at the centre of elevation throughout the intercontinental rendezvous. During the lunch Mrs Chantal Biya was amongst five African First Ladies honoured with a diploma of recognition for their solidarity and humanitarian actions carried out in their different countries. On the certificate of recognition was written: First Lady of Cameroon, Mrs Chantal Biya, Honorary Matron of the Association of Spouses of African Ambassadors in Belgium (ASAAB).

Looking at all what happened around Cameroonian First Lady, it is plain to say that the one thing that binds together all the encounters she had is the confidence people have in her person, motherliness and stewardship when it comes to leading goodwill gesture towards the most vulnerable people in Cameroon and beyond. During the lunch, Mrs Biya, the woman with the kind heart as she is known in many regions in the country, was centre of attraction. Many people, particularly women did not want to miss the opportunity of having a chat with the First Lady. As such, they kept interrupting her eating time to ask for her address, have a chat or immortalise their encounter with her through a picture. In a cheerful manner, the First Lady had an attentive ear towards whoever wanted to talk to her.

The diploma from ASAAB seems to accentuate her stewardship and the great leadership aptitude she has exhibited, in the creation and running of numerous national and international foundations and associations such as the African Synergy Against HIV and Suffering and the Circle of friends of Cameroon (CERAC). Also, her motherliness was recognised and underscored in the largesse of heart she has been seen to demonstrate in a propensity to rapidly run to the rescue and assistance of helpless people. Certainly she will be of great help to ASAAB, an association which is aimed to create a platform to talk about the challenges faced in the African continent and to organise events which aims at raising money for social projects in the Africa.

The First Lady's time in Brussels was definitely another milestone on the long walk to consecration. The enormity of the energy that emanates from her, suggests that she has a lot more to offer humanity.