Over a dozen staff of the Cabinet, General Secretariat and Security Services of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had their own share of May 20, 2016, awards recently at the esplanade of the Star Building when Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang, decorated them with medals.

"In the name of the Head of State and by virtue of the powers conferred on us, we make you Commander of the Order of Valour," Prime Minister Philemon Yang repeated the traditional phrase as he hung the distinction around the neck of his close aide in charge of Special Duties, Dr. Sakeo Kong.

Then followed the Head of Government's Security Chief, Colonel Deke Joseph and his counterpart, Police Officer Missapa Pierre. They were both raised to the rank of Commander of the Cameroon Order of Merit.

Three other officials were decorated with Medals of Knight of the Cameroon Order of Merit, while six more security staff of various ranks and corps earned Medals of Merit of the Armed Forces.

A colourful moment entitling the happy recipients to bouquets of flowers and embraces from colleagues and relatives was followed by a sumptuous meal. The Prime Minister was assisted by the Deputy Secretary General in the Prime Minister's Office, Pascal Nguihe Kamte and the Technical Adviser Number 1, Prof. Touna Mama.