Celebrating Cameroonian Excellence and Merit. On behalf of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, Grand Master of the National Orders, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute, presided over the ceremony commemorating the centenary of Cameroonian merit on July 31, 2024, combined with the inauguration of the Museum of National Orders. The National Museum will now be the reference point for future generations who wish to learn more about the history and preservation of the national heritage.
An event in two parts!
First, the first medal, known as the Indigenous Merit Medal. It was created by the Frenchman, Théodore Paul Marchand, Commissioner of the Republic in Cameroon, within the Cameroonian Order of Merit.
It is the second highest decoration in Cameroon, created in 1924.
It was fitting that the event be celebrated in 2024 to mark the centenary.
And so it was.
Second section: the space dedicated to the National Orders.
The Museum of the Chancellery of the National Orders, now part of the National Museum, is a place rich in history and symbols for Cameroon.
Here, precious distinctions and coats of arms of the Republic, symbols of a grateful homeland and nation, are displayed.
● The Order of Valor
● The Order of Cameroonian Merit
● The Order of Agricultural Merit
● The Order of Sporting Merit
These distinctions are organized by grade.
The exhibition at the Museum of National Orders includes medals on display stands that illustrate their evolution over time. Discover them to the soothing rhythm of "Soir au village" by Manu Dibango, the legend of Cameroonian music.
The Prime Minister, Head of Government, representing the Head of State, Grand Master of the National Orders, continues the story.
"The very first medal was awarded to a fellow citizen on Cameroonian soil, following the creation of a German colonial order called the "Order of the Elephant" after the signing of the German-Douala Treaty on July 12, 1884. The memory of our compatriots, who were the first to be distinguished for their courage in service to our country, must be perpetually revived, for we are undeniably its custodians.
Aware of this reality, His Excellency Paul Biya, President of the Republic, Head of State, Grand Master of the National Orders, graciously authorized the opening of the Museum of the Grand Chancellery of the National Orders. Putting words into action, five members of the Grand Chancellery received their honorary distinctions on behalf of the President of the Republic, from the Prime Minister, Head of Government. Behavioral qualities, in addition to professional or technical skills: a grateful nation.
Laurentine BEKONO