Limbe: PCC Peace Office Restitute On Creative Arts For Peace

Over 30 peace builders are restituting in a conference at the Victoria guest house in the town of Limbe, South West region organized by the peace office of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon. 

The restituting conference which is aimed at transforming minds through creative arts work, comes at a time when three separate workshops had been organized so far in Limbe, Douala and Buea to train participants on the need to use creative arts through theatre, films and painting to push for peace in their communities. 

The conference which commenced Sunday November 28, 2021 is expected to come to a close Tuesday November 30, 2021 at the same venue with a display of different productions from the three different groups that is theatre arts, painting and short videos for peace. 

At the beginning of the conference, the National Coordinator of the PCC Peace Office Rev Nta Williams welcomed the participants and handed to them the special gifts from the moderator of the PCC. So far, participants have had to engage themselves in the different production groups with the expected results being the contribution of a quota to preach peace in Cameroon. 

The exercise is being coordinated by the new P.O of the Peace Office  Ngale Nelson Smith. 

The restitution workshop is said to end with activities lined up such as the projection of some productions in the midst of some dignitaries in Limbe.

By Penn Elvis

Littoral Region: Menchum Youth Champions Unity Tournament, Splashes Cash

 Youths and internally displaced persons from the  Menchum Division of the North West region resident in the Littoral region have expressed great joy and happiness as they take part in the Menchum Unity Tournament donated by a son of the soil Ibrahim Manta aka Kawu Yaya. 

Being someone who hails from Wum, Kawu Yaya is a sports lover and thought it wise to contribute in the well-being of his fellow age mates who are now resident in Douala as a result of the ongoing sociopolitical crisis that has greatly witnessed an adverse effect on the town of Wum. 

With the recent scuffle between the Muslims and the Aghem indegens, Kawu Yaya has pledged to use his initiative to preach peace and living together amongst children of Wum be it Hausa, Aghem, Mbororo, Bu amongst other tribes in Wum and Menchum as a whole. 

The tournament is made up of five male football teams  consisting of Bu road fc, Star boys fc, Mujang fc, Cheychey fc and Ndunei fc while handball girls have four teams consisting of  Bu road girls, Understandable girls, Star girls and Cheychey. The cup donor, has set aside 500,000 Frs CFA for football and 250,000 Frs CFA for handball girls. The semi final  matches have been scheduled to take place at the stade CICAM on December 12, 2021 and the grand finale slated for December 19, 2021at same stadium. 

Ibrahim Manta the youngest millionaire in Menchum has promised to throw his weight behind the youngest club  that is participating at the ongoing Wum Council Unity and Peace Tournament holding at the Wum Municipal Stadium in Menchum Division.

FEHACU 2021: Young Dynamic C.E.O Inspires Through Development Of Skills

The maiden edition of the Festival of Heritage, Arts and Cultures 2021 has served as a springbok for various exhibitors to show case their talents of what they are made of in the cultural world. The exhibitors drawn from within the Bamenda III community while portraying their culturally made artistic works have in a way given hope for a bright future in terms of the production and use by the public who now cherish and chose to belong by making good use of such products. 

Ndifon Joel showcasing some of his art works at FEHACU 2021.

One of such traditionally made artistic work now cherished especially by the youths nowadays is the traditional dress whose design has caught their admiration who chose to belong and represent the culture by putting it on. 

The CEO of Jolly Dynamic Association, Ndifon Joel Ngum has over the past years succeeded to have brought to the lamplight the culture from the village where he comes from while making it unique. With the objective to train youths in vocational skills, he said the society needs people who can do works with the hands. ‘’Most of us are dependent on going to school, graduating and being employed by the government or by someone but we can do something with our hands and that is why we are pushing for and also need people to come in such an initiative so that it can be broad and many youths can be trained free of charge with Jolly Dynamic Association.’’ Ndifon Joel intimated while adding that in their association, they are trying to picture their traditional symbols and put them in their dresses so that they can be able to showcase to the world who they are and what they do.

Some youths during a beads training program.

Since their existence, Jolly Dynamic Association has had to work with the vulnerable people with focus on youths and persons with disability in a bid to end poverty by providing them with skills on development. In thinking forward, their challenge has been to maintain continuity while simultaneously achieving transformation.

Since its creation in 2016 based in Ndop, Ngoketunjia Division of the North West region, Jolly Dynamics Association have had to hold focus group discussions with other associations and the Ngoketunjia food security CIG with focus on GBV and the necessity of skill development in the midst of the crisis.

Some ready made products set for consumption.

The coming of FEHACU 2021 has been highly saluted by the young entrepreneur who aims that in subsequent editions there will be more to show of for people to learn and know the Ndop culture.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Jolly Dynamics Association is still imbedded in their place of origin in Ndop while focusing on having it's tentacles spread throughout the region. For the moment, they count an extension in Nkwen with more extensions envisaged. "We have an office where our activities are carried out on non ghost town days. Most of our trainees live in the urban space of Ndop so during prolonged home stay periods 'ghost towns' we gather in the home of the trainer where trainings are given to trainees. We have also establish a training center in Bamenda, Way-in Nkwen Market where some are currently being trained". Ndifon Joel intimated.

Some displays of Jolly Dynamics Association at FEHACU 2021.

As a result of the increased interest of many youths to be trained by the  association, their major challenge is the lack of equipments and training materials, coupled with the instability in the community as result of the crisis.

The association has plans of focusing it's tentacles on establishing and supporting community programs, develop capacities and strengthen it's partnerships.

By Peter Tasi

Bamenda III Youths Challenged To Uphold Cultural Values

Youths of the Bamenda III subdivision knowing the huge role they are to play in the future in preserving their cultural values, have been exhorted to learn, know and practice their culture as a way of safeguarding their different cultures for a bright future.

Some youths in traditional outfits.

The call made by the Fon of Nkwen HRH Azehfor III and re-echoed by governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique and Mayor Fonguh Cletus Tanwe, the youths were celebrated for contributing a quota to the success to the holding of the cultural festival.

Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, playing a drum during the visit to the stands.

The Festival of Heritage, Arts and Cultures in its maiden edition has seen the youths being encouraged at every level given that they are the future of the next generation.  Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique while addressing the huge crowd who came to witness the event and show case their rich cultural values. He called on them to uphold their identity and also applauded them for their patriotic spirit in pushing for living together in their communities.

HRH Fon Azehfor III flanged by V.P of the house of Chiefs and other Fons.

Fon Azehfor III explaining the meaning of an art work to his guests.

The Traditional Ruler of Nkwen HRH Azehfor III on his part implored the young people of Bamenda III not to relent their efforts to embrace change, learn new trades and skills that will enable them to create employment opportunities in the community. The Traditional Ruler told them to rely solely on hard work and living an honest life while staying clear off scamming, laziness and most especially the dreaded practice of land selling and other property to finance wayward expensive lifestyles. ‘’I am filled with so much pride seeing the youths embrace responsibility and a strong commitment to the prosperity of their community. They answered our call and turned out en-masse to clean the venue of this event. Your drive reflects the sacrifices of our forefathers, most of who served their communities selflessly and contributed to the growth of our village.’’ Fon Azehfor III highlighted while calling on the youths of the Bamenda III Subdivision to seek to put all hands on deck to build the community based on the pillars of love, peace and unity and see to it that 2022 should be a turning point in this conflict-ridden society.

In a bid to uphold the language and ensure that it is widely spoken by the youths who hail from the Nkwen village, HRH Azehfor III said with the putting in place of a Nkwen language committee which would organize holiday classes that teach the language and culture to kids between three and fourteen years of age, would be an opportunity which he has extended to those who as well love Nkwen to get their kids to learn the language and the culture ‘’as they say tell me something in a language I learned and I’ll understand, but if you tell me something in my mother tongue, you speak to my heart.’’

Mayor Fonguh Cletus Tanwe granting an interview to the press.

Bamenda III Mayor Fonguh Cletus at the carnival.

Mayor Fonguh Cletus Tanwe being the brain behind the cultural festival thanked the Fon and councilors for their endorsement and challenged the youths of his municipality to learn their culture so as to guarantee the future of their fondoms. Stressing on the need for the youths to valorize their languages. Mayor Fonguh Cletus announced that the Bamenda III council will see to the recruitment of teachers versed with the language of the two villages that make up the municipality while aiming that for the next academic year the language of the people will be taught in all schools in the municipality.

Some youths performing during albino dance.

Some of the youths on their part have expressed the wish that FEHACU should not only be for few days but should last for even two weeks and more to give them the opportunity to enjoy their rich cultures in terms of food, dances and others.

Some vibrant young notables of the Nkwen Fondom.

FEHACU 2021 which will draw its curtains Sunday November 28, 2021 taking place at Nkwen Fon's palace would have had the over 100 exhibitors show case their cultural values in arts and craft as well as traditional dances amongst others.

By Peter Tasi

FEHACU 2021 D-Day -4: Bamenda III Youths clean festival venue

 Thousands of youths from across Bamenda III municipality have cleaned the Nkwen Fon's Palace which shall be the venue of the maiden edition of the Bamenda III Festival of Heritage Arts and Cultures (FEHACU) 2021.

Youths contributing quota to success of FEHACU 2021.

The youths turned out within the early hours of  November 22, 2022 to keep their palace clean. 

According to George Ngu, Youth leader from Mbessi just coming to clean the palace is already an uncommon achievement for the maiden edition of the Bamenda III Festival of Heritage Arts and Cultures.

"I am so happy that this event is coming to our village. We have come out as  youths to work and clean our palace because this is where the event will be. We want to make sure that those who will be coming will meet a venue deserving of the Bamenda III people. I thank the Mayor and Our Fon for thinking about this." He said.

Fon Azehfor III addressing the youths after cleanup exercise.

His Majesty Fon Azehfor III of Nkwen has expressed satisfaction with the turn out of all his quarters and has indicated that the carnival to open the event will be key for all on Friday 26 November , 2021.

"I came out just to thank you for the love you have shown to this Palace and to the culture of Nkwen. I am inviting you to come out massively on Friday in the morning to walk and show the world our culture. Let the men be in their cultural attire just like the women." The Fon said

Youths being addressed by Mayor Fonguh Cletus.

"I lack words to thank you. Your turnout is evident that you have accepted to take over the cultural values of our municipality. Again I thank you. Let us make this bigger on the 26 and 27 because there shall be no dull moment." Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe corroborated. 

Some of the youths have described the cleaning of the palace as the best action by the youths so far in Bamenda III. According to many, considering that the palace is home to all, the cleaning should be a regular activity. 

The Bamenda III Festival of Heritage Arts and Cultures (FEHACU) opens on Friday 26 November 2021.

Tubah D.O Challenged To Beef Up Socioeconomic Activities

 The new Divisional Officer for Tubah subdivision in the Mezam division of the North West region has been told to ensure that Socioeconomic Activities are revived in his area of command. This, as a result of the ongoing sociopolitical crisis rocking the North West region has negatively affected the populis of the Tubah subdivision given that it is host to the University of Bamenda.

From left to right: Massango Metougue Narcisse, new Tubah D.O, Simon Emile Mooh, S.D.O Mezam, Alim Garga, outgone Tubah D.O.

The installation ritual performed by the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam Simon Emile Mooh served as a caution to the incumbent administrator given that he has been charged amongst other duties to beef up the economic growth in Tubah, settle farmer grazier conflicts, step up fight against Covid-19 and ensure population take their vaccines, instill peace and security, promote the spirit of living together, promote democracy, remind the population at all times to be law abiding and seeing into chieftaincy issues which are at his level. "Appointments are ways of the State to instill new dynamism in government policies which is perceived as an opportunity to try new management skills to be an example service provider as well as living together in communities." Simon Emile Mooh said while adding that such appointments come as an improvement of services of the State which are usual processes.

Massango Metougue Narcisse saluting the constitutional corps.

With the people of Tubah described as a hard-working people, Mayor Tanjong Martin of the Tubah council highlighted the rich agricultural prowess the people of Tubah possess and hold jealousy the educational citadel which hosts the university of Bamenda which is the University of the future which with the increase in population he said,  needs lots of developmental projects and for security to be stepped up. While thanking the outgoing D.O Alim Garga who had served the population of Tubah for eight years and five months, Mayor Tanjong Martin challenged the new Divisional Officer to emulate the example of Alim Garga who had taken up his residence in Tubah inspite of the current crisis thereby being the only divisional officer to live within his area of command. Alim Garga was saluted also for his steadfastness in preserving peace and had the people of Tubah at heart. He was as well saluted for his rich experience in managing those under his command, his contributions towards the successful hosting of the University games in 2017, successful organisation of the 2018 presidential elections and the 2020 municipal elections, supervising the opening of schools in Tubah, health centers and settled land and farmer grazier disputes during his term in office in the subdivision. 

Mayor Tanjong Martin, reading welcome address.

The new Divisional Officer for Tubah Massango Metougue Narcisse who is well versed with the Mezam division since he previously served as first assistant SDO for Mezam, said he is ready for the challenge and duties he has been handed to ensure that Tubah remains great and beautiful than before. 

Massango Metougue Narcisse, speaking to the press.

Born on March 16, 1988 in Manjo in the Mungo division in the South West region, is a graduate of ENAM and furthered his studies in political science in the University of Yaounde Soa and also a holder of a Masters one degree in mass communication. Before his recent appointment, Massango Metougue Narcisse served as 1st assistant SDO for Mezam for close to eight months.

Massango Metougue Narcisse being offered a gift by family.

By Peter Tasi

39th Anniversary Of Biya: Section President Urges Militants To Have Shift In Paradigm

Celebrations marking the 39th anniversary of President Paul Biya's ascension to power has been celebrated in the Mezam II Santa with CPDM militants challenged to have a shift of paradigm from politicking for personal interest to that of community development.

Executive members of the party in Santa flanked by Santa Administration.

The call made by Section President Shupong Michael on November 6, 2021 at the Santa council hall was clear for the CPDM militants of Santa to uphold community spirit while instilling in them and others the joy of having love at all times for one another, peace and above all unity. During the celebrations, all militants of the party did unanimously pledged to bury all hatred especially those nursed before, during and after the reorganisation process of basic organs of the party and promised to together as one make Santa great by all their might and efforts put together.

Shupong Michael, Santa section president

While acknowledging that this year's celebration is that of appreciation given the numerous achievements the people of Santa have had thanks to the Head of State President Paul Biya since his ascension to power interms of schools, health centers and other necessities. "The wish is that this celebration should usher in peace so that we can continue to fete and feast in a serene and convenient atmosphere in our beloved Santa" Shupong Michael elaborated.

Iris Tandong, YCPDM Santa section president.

YCPDM section president Tandong Iris made it clear they would step up ideas so that they continue working in the footsteps of their father, the Head of State while wishing that the government provides them with mini agro industries so as to preserve and as well process their farm produce. "I am making this appeal due to that, over the past months, there have been unproductive ghost towns which have played a part in our crops being destroyed given that majority are perishables." Iris Tandong pointed out.

While chairing the celebrations in Santa, Jules Roger, D.O for Santa challenged militants to at all times identify and cut the lines between CPDM and the government so as to guard going against state rules.

By Peter Tasi

Visually Impaired Challenge Population To Know Use Of White Cane

The Hope Social Union for the Visually impaired dubbed HSUVI has on October 30, converge on Bamenda at the special need entrepreneur group center with activities  to mark  the world white cane day 2021. This day which is usually celebrated on October 15, but due to the security concerns, it was deviated to october 30.

The white cane is a mobility device that assist persons with visual impairment to move about doing their activities. The white cane is also a symbol of autonomy, freedom, independence, and identity of someone who is visually impaired.

A view of HSUVI members at the S.N.E.G hall, fishpond hill, Bda.

According to the president of Hope Social Union for the Visually impaired (HSUVI) Ngong Peter, the month of October is usually considered as a month of blindness and that is why our celebration to mark the World White Cane Day 2021 edition is still in line. "We carried out a lot of activities, visited so many media organs, went to road junctions, placed posters and banners in strategic places in town to create awareness of the white cane day and it's uses" Ngong Peter said while making it clear to the general public that they do not possess magical powers as some people believe with their assumptions about the white cane. He went further to called on the general public to welcome them and be their friends.

Ngong Peter, President of Hope Social Union for the Visually Impaired.

Nsah Edwin, one of the Visually impaired persons who is the technical adviser number 2 at the coordinating unit of the association of persons with disabilities in Bamenda III subdivision says the Bamenda community is ignorant of the uses of white cane, some knew about the white cane but undermined the value and that is why we encouraged the Visually impaired persons to use the white cane everywhere they go.

Nsah Edwin, member of HSUVI

During the belated celebration of the white cane safety day, the president of HSUVI, Ngong Peter in collaboration with their partners donated the White Cane to some needy members of the union.

Jeff Ngawe, handing white cane to HSUVI member

The hope of the president of HSUVI is for more support so much so that a majority of the needy members have and use the White Cane so that some of their challenges are minimized.

By Kimbi Lionel & Tasi Peter