Unity in cultural diversity:

Variety displayed at Yaounde book fair 

By Rachel NtubeNgwese in Yaounde

Ferdinand Leopold Oyono was

honored at the Y’de book fair

The international book fair that ended last week in Yaoundé has showcased in high profile the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Cameroon and beyond. Organized under the patronage of the president of the republic, the fair was officially opened by the Prime Minister Philemon yang who seized the opportunity to reiterate government’s determination to implement policies geared towards the promotion of a dynamic cultural industry and the valorization of different cultures within communities.

                 The fair pulled together authors, publishers and writings in an educational exchange platform and presented them an opportunity to showcase their knowhow and evaluate public appreciation of their talents. The variety of books and artistic displays presented offered a suitable atmosphere to disseminate Cameroonian ideas and values, as well as appreciate the cultural creativity of Cameroonians and Africans drawn from within and out of the country.

                Apart from books, the variety of craft designs depicting the beauty of Africa could not be ignored. Traditional dance groups also through their spectacular displays not only attracted visitors but also left no passersby indifferent.

                It also provided a suitable opportunity for the government to better pay homage to some renown Cameroonian authors whose written works stood the test of time especially in domains of revolutionary literature, African renaissance, the valorization of ethnic languages, the evolution of the African man and the beauty of the continent in general.

                In this respect, to better appreciate the talents of some of these authors, each day of the fair has been dedicated to pay homage to each of the five selected outstanding writers including Mongo Beti, King Njoya, Bernard Fonlon, Leopold Oyono and Francis Bebey respectively.

                The minister of arts and culture in his closing remarks said the organization of the fair presents an opportunity where the general public can meet authors who inspire them in one way or the other, making them to dream and authors who can represent the country in book fairs in the world. He also congratulated all local professionals taking part in the event for promoting republican values and fostering public-private partnership

                The five day fair that ended on 6 June saw an estimated attendance of at least 15 thousand visitors with over 100 renowned Cameroonian and foreign professionals drawn from over 25 African countries, Europe and north America. Amongst them were recognized publishers, public administrators and development partners who showcased the rich and diversified literary talents of Cameroon and Africa.