By Doh Bertrand Nua
The encomiums were showered on him inBuea, the regional capital of the country’s South West region, during a send forth ceremony for the diplomat after he successfully completed his diplomatic assignment in Cameroon.
Speaking at the ceremony, the representative of the region’s governor, DrMuhammadou, described H.E. Mohammed Bashiras a devoted professional and dear friend of Cameroon.
“I will like to seize this opportunity not just to appreciate the frank and friendly collaboration of a dear friend of Cameroon in general and the South West Region in particular, but also to salute the professionalism, determination and devotion he has shown throughout his mission,”DrMuhammadou stated.
According to him, the outgoing Consul General has been instrumental in alleviating the suffering of Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria, as well other activities which have earned him praises from Cameroonians across the board.
“H.E Ibrahim Mohamed Bashir, besides being a keen observer of our government efforts in restoring peace in our region, has been a leading actor who has contributed immensely towards alleviating the suffering of our compatriots. I thus keep in mind your support within the framework of the delicate dispatch, a few months ago, of food aid given by the Head of State for the benefit of refugees, our compatriots in Nigeria,” he added.
Thus,DrMuhammadousaid the diplomat’s job helped in strengthening the friendly bond between Cameroon and Nigeria, with Nigerian citizens feeling the positive impact.
“The Nigerian citizens resident within this region, have benefited supervision from a man with exceptional human qualities, who, in every circumstances, has been able to work towards strengthening a circular and mutually beneficial relationship that we share with our brotherly country,” the Secretary General noted.
On his part, H.E Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Cameroon, appreciated the veteran diplomat for passion for his job and the people he served.
“I want to say to the Consul General, well done for what you have done for this land, and for that which you have done for our country and for both countries. We are really appreciative of your contributions and your sacrifices in this land. We wish you and your family journey mercies back home and all the best in your future endeavours,”H.E Abayomi said.
The High Commissioner also pleaded with the governor’s representative and all other stakeholders to continue with the support and collaboration they have shown the outgoing Consul General to his successor whenever he or she arrives.
“We are grateful and hope that the relationship, the collaboration that you have developed with H.E Bashir, will also be extended to his successor when he or she comes in so that we can continue to work as brothers, to forge ahead for the development of our two countries,” the High Commissioner said.
Addressing the dignitaries, the outgoing Consul General,H.E. Ibrahim Mohammed Bashir, while thanking God for his successful deployment in Cameroon, also praised the governors of the North West and South West regions for their collaboration which, he said, enabled him to successfully carryout his mission.
“I thank God for good health that I have been able to successfully complete my tour of duty. I thank each and everyone here today. I enjoyed the collaboration of the Governors of the North West and South West Regions. We collaborated, and we worked together as a team. We worked together for the good of the two countries and that is why we are here today. I am going to miss Buea, but the town is going to be part of me,” he added
The send forth ceremony was attended by a cross section of people from all works of life as well as friends of Nigeria resident in Cameroon.
It should be recalled that H.E. Ibrahim Mohammed Bashirwas appointed the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the North West and South West Regions in January 2018. Since then he has managed to unite Nigerians in the two regions as well as protect those who needed his services.