Mbengwi Station Congregation Pastor Inducted

Mbengwi Station Congregation Pastor Inducted

Rev. Enongene Nelson has been inducted and instituted as parish pastor and chaplain of PTTC/PHS Mbengwi during a divine service officiated by the Meta Presbyterial Secretary, Rev. Dr. Ebong Emmanuel Masango on Sunday January 31st 2021. 

Madam Tamanji Catherine, the congregational chairperson described the newly inducted as a square peck in a square hole considering his gentleness and spiritual integration with Christians. To her, his coming to the parish in 2019 was so timely, owing to the influx of new forms of religiosity and hurdles faced by the congregation. As expectations, she told him that "We know you as an energetic young man with so much in you to make the story of the congregation and the presbytery at large grow higher."

College of Pastors & Newly Inducted

Rev. Enongene Nelson, Inducted Pastor of PC Mbengwi Station & Chaplain of PTTC/PHS Mbengwi

With the timid school resumption this academic year after over 3 years of shutdown, Rev. Enongene succeeded to canvas for hundreds of students for the Presbyterian High School (P.H.S) Mbengwi that was speedily growing before the advent of the crisis. Many of the students were thus in church to see their new chaplain instituted and shared their knowledge of the man of God with Mbengwi Online. 

To Ndimuyang Helen, their chaplain is a nice, kind and gentle person, very encouraging, lively and lovely, always wanting the best for his students. Same opinion shared by Eni Blessing who added that the Rev. Enongene is a very young handsome man, caring and friendly. "Today was a wonderful day for us the students especially we the choir members. We really enjoyed everything that happened" she ended.

Eni Blessing (L), Ndimuyang Helen (R)
PHS Mbengwi Students 

But who really is the Rev. Enongene Nelson? Born on 1st February 1986 in Bakossi, he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate from Government School Dom, Bakossi, Tombel subdivision and later proceeded to Government Secondary School Ebonji from where he obtained his GCE Ordinary Level Certificate. He will later proceed to the University of Buea after obtaining his Advanced Level Certificate from Government Bilingual High School Essos, Yaounde. He graduated from UB with a Bachelor Degree in History and got enrolled in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary Kumba in 2013. Upon completing his pastoral training in 2016, he was posted to Ngie Presbytery where he served in several parishes. On May 29 2019, he was transferred to the Meta Presbytery as pastor of Presbyterian Church Mbengwi Station Congregation and Chaplain of PTTC/PHS Mbengwi. He's married to Mrs. Essame Mercy, a trained banker and they are blessed with children. 

Talking to Mbengwi Online at the end of his induction, the Rev. Enongene Nelson in expressing his heartfelt joy said "It's a wonderful and landmark occasion for me, the first of its kind in my ministry with so many natural significance to me as my children were also baptised today. We will never forget this day and this congregation because this is where I was inducted after working in 14 congregations. We trust God is going to use it to bless others and even call young men and women into the ministry because I'm sure they're inspired by what they've seen and experienced."

Rev. Enongene & Wife, Essame Mercy

Service

As special message to his Christians, he called on them to keep the Lord as their central pillar  because if He's for them, nothing can work against them. "Keep the faith because the lord who's our pillar will continue to defend you and show you the light. Don't lost sight of the Lord, keep his words and He will work for you" he ended.

In attendance to witness the induction/institution service were the Divisional Officer of Mbengwi, Sakwe Jarvis, the Mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Ndangsa Kennedy, the District Supervisor of Full Gospel Mission in Mbengwi and Ngie, Rev. Nsom Richard, Rev. Father Cyprain, a monk from the Mbengwi Monastery, a college of Presbyterian Pastors of the Meta presbytery, students of the Presbyterian High School Mbengwi, Christians of Mbengwi Station Congregation, friends, relatives and well wishers.

Momo East MP to Distribute Thousands of Day Old Chicks in Mbengwi

Momo East MP to Distribute Thousands of Day Old Chicks in Mbengwi

The Member of Parliament for Momo East Constituency, Injoh Foriben Ngang Prodencia is keeping up to her pledge of dedicating her parliamentary mandate to the economic empowerment of youths within Mbengwi

Youths and women groups within the subdivision shall on February 5th 2021 benefit a consignment of day old chicks from their representative in the lower house of assembly. The donation exercise will be realised through a partnership between the parliamentarian and the Momo Divisional Delegation of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry. 

Participants/Potential Beneficiaries

Prior to this, a one day training workshop on the management of day old chicks was organised in the Mbengwi Council Hall by Hon. Prodencia, last Thursday 28 January 2021bringing together the earmarked beneficiaries, the Divisional Officer of Mbengwi, Mayor of Mbengwi alongside the delegate of livestock who schooled participants on broiler rearing and aspects of managing day old chicks like heating, feeding, watering, hygiene and health management among other technicalities

Hundreds of participants filled the council hall to get the lessons. Talking to Mbengwi Online at the end of the training workshop, Madam Jane Anang appreciated the efforts made by the parliamentarian to impact the lives of her constituents. "This will enable us to be busy" she added. Anoh Jerome, another participant also articulated that "The table birds will go a long way in reducing unemployment in our society."

L-R: Utagah Eric Tacho (Livestock Delegate), Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia (M.P), Sakwe Jarvis Esapa (D.O) & Ndangsa Kennedy Akam (Mayor)

The M.P on her part explained to Mbengwi Online that the main aim of the exercise is to empower the youths and women economically. She said "Considering that my division has suffered enormously in the economic crisis that started since 2016, I had many of my indigenes who were displaced. Now that some of them have come back, they need an activity that will keep them busy." She went on to specify the plan in the following words "I've organised for the distribution of five thousand (5.000) day old chicks with feed, drinkers as well as feeders to divide to the people as start up."

As to the expected outcome, Hon. Injoh Foriben Ngang Prodencia said "I'm expecting that at the e d of this exercise, Mbengwi should be a distribution centre for chicks." She had pledged at the beginning of her five year mandate to dedicate most of her efforts towards the socioeconomic empowerment of youths and women in her constituency. The forthcoming distribution of day old chicks will be her first major realisation in this direction. We've been tipped that she's secured more juicy packages for her targeted population in Mbengwi that shall only be known when the cat is let out of the bag in the days ahead

Have you been to God's Time?

The Irony of "Death Celebrations"

The Irony of "Death Celebrations"

The inexplicable phenomenon of celebrating death over life has been deeply rooted in our contemporary society. This explains why the activity organised for the interment of persons that have breathe their last is called Death Celebration. The term "celebration" is an apt and vivid description of what transpires today, contrary to the yesteryears where the deceased were practically mourned.

Mbengbu and Upper Wumnebit are forested communities in the Lower Medig zone of the Meta clan, Mbengwi. They are inhabited by mostly elderly persons most of whose children and grandchildren have migrated to urban areas for studies and greener pastures. The locales depend on subsistence agriculture with rudimentary tools for livelihood. 

Cho Ngafor Foundation Volunteers & Beneficiaries

Many of the grannies haven't seen nor heard about some of their children for many years now and counting. They fall sick and struggle with some traditional herbs to regain their health. They are hungry and often manage to fill their stomachs with food that's really not worth the name. Their case is a simple replication of the neglect phenomenon of parents by their children that's on the increase nowadays. 

It is on the basis of this premise that a humanitarian organisation known as the Cho Ngafor Foundation in meeting up with its mission of empowering the deprived has reached out to such elderly persons with food aid while still alive rather than wait to celebrate their death. A team of five young volunteers was in Mbengbu on Sunday January 24 2021 to on behalf of the foundation donate a package of food assistance to some nine selected elderly persons.

Cho Ngafor Foundation Volunteers

Upon arrival on motor bikes to meet the elderly persons already seated, they were first explained the objective of the donation exercise and the source. They were presented the reality they already know, that children neglect their parents in the villages for years at times till they die probably out of hunger or minor ailments. When this happens, they appear to at times rehabilitate the old compound that was partly broken, keep the deceased in the mortuary for weeks or months, purchase an expensive coffin, hire a sound system and catering service provider to make available enough food and drinks. At times a family meeting is held and members charged to contribute tens of thousands to give the deceased a befitting burial. Ironically, hardly are such efforts consolidated to safe a person's life. 

Having listened to the presentation by the team leader, Fongoh p Ayeh, one of the beneficiaries, Pa Tah Simon said "We heartily thank all of you for coming to our aid on behalf of Cho Ngafor Foundation to whom we say may God bless you with more so you keep reaching out to more persons too. We are one family." On his part, another beneficiary Pa Ticha Celestine said "We first of all thank God for giving you this thought, praying He makes it grow on your minds and grants your heart's desires so as to continue helping others. The little you've given to us will be replenished bountifully"

The Package 

Apart from hunger, the elderly persons also have health challenges as expressed by Pa Sobah Cornelius popularly known as Pa Dong who said "Well, we are relatively strong but for occasional health challenges like you see me trekking with the aid of a walking stick. We hope next time a doctor will be in your midst to diagnose us"

Mami Muyang Rhode, when she stood up to speak, began by addressing a message to donor as such "Dear Cho Ngafor Foundation, God says Knock and it shall be opened, seek and you shall find. We know for partnering with these young volunteers to reach us, you're indirectly asking God to provide you more. We your mothers are so happy because this is how it's good to mourn, when the person is still alive by feeding them, an acknowledgement that you came out of your mother's womb." She went on to direct a message to other children on the need to emulate such good examples. "To other children waiting for their parents to die before they come and feed the multitude meanwhile he or she even died of hunger, that's not good at all. It's good to cater for your parents when still alive. Burying me in a coffin for hundreds of thousands is feeding the ground"

L-R: Ticha Celestine, Tah Simon

L-R: Muyang Rhode, Sobah Cornelius

After the various talks,  each of them were then handed their package made up of a kilogram of fish, a packet of magi, two loaves of bread, two cubes of soap, a bottle of soft drink, peanuts and some onions, all amounting to the sum of fifty thousand (50.000) Francs sent by the foundation to spend in realising the exercise. They were explained that it's from the heart and for the start with prospects of a return in the near future for another bigger donation exercise. 

Mbah Shaddrack is one of the volunteers. Talking to Mbengwi Online at the end of the visit, he first of all on behalf of the team, extended gratitude to the foundation for assigning them the task. About the idea of feeding the old, he said "It's a very good initiative. I plead others emulate such gestures" He revealed that being on the ground, they are always ready to render such voluntary services especially when it concerns reaching out to humanity. As such any other individual, family or organisation that intends making a donation to impact a life in Mbengwi should contact them to liaise with the beneficiaries. Lastly, he expressed his utmost desire to one day solicit such help for his own people. Hear him, "I am from Tuanyang in Bome where there are also poor and suffering persons in need. If the Cho Ngafor Foundation can include my people in her next plan of action or any other organisation, I'll be very grateful"

God's Time Enterprise Remains the Leading Electronics Shop in Mbengwi

It should be recalled that in November 2020, this very group of young volunteers head-carrried material and food assistance from the World Food Program to a certain visually impaired Pa Nji Munya in Chaa, a border locality between Bafut and Mbengwi. The Cho Ngafor Foundation whose founder Doreen Beiri is in Switzerland then got interest in the volunteers after watching a YouTube report of their trip to Chaa. That's how they were contacted to also go donate food assistabce to the ageing population of Mbengbu and Upper Wumnebit.

Draufsicht Bamenda Begins Executing Community Journalism Project

 Draufsicht Bamenda Begins Executing Community Journalism Project

"The Community Development Project has as objective to strengthen structures for effective peace journalism involving local communities in reporting events around them." Dzebam Godlove Ayaba Bongnwa, the Coordinator of Draufsicht Bamenda made the disclosure to Mbengwi Online during a one day group meeting held at Church Centre Bamenda, Saturday January 23 2021 aimed at kick starting the execution phase of the German government sponsored project.

The project directly targets sixty persons (25 females and 35 males) amongst whom shall be 30 journalists, 22 young persons, 10 community leaders and indirectly the entire population of the North West Region during which activities like capacity building workshops, media and film productions shall be realised. The coordinator added that at the end of the project, they have as goal to see into it that community journalists can be able to use conflict sensitive language and non violent communication with empathy as central part of their work.

Participants Pose for Family Photo 

Preceding the business of the day was a situational analysis session during which attendees shared opinions on how the Anglophone Crisis has affected their profession both negatively and positively, ending up with proposals on how to overcome the challenges. From the various experiences shared, the recurrent ones were kidnaps, threats, fear, trauma, censorship, power cuts, harassments, lockdown, inaccessibility to news or work areas and sources just to name these few.

As a way forward to overcome such, participants proposed that personal security measures be implored based on the realities of one's surroundings, more training workshops be organised, networking, proper dress code, non abuse of information extracted from sources and diversification of sources of income to make ends meet. 

Dzebam Godlove, Coordinator Draufsicht Bamenda

The effects of the crisis they affirmed haven't only been negative. Positively, some cited participation in more training and knowledge acquisition workshops, exposure to external media outlets, financial gains, more networking and that a stronger bond now exists amongst colleagues of the profession than before. In doing an exposition on Skills and Competencies in Hostile Environment Awareness Training (H.E.A.T), Madam Akah Rosaline Obah as facilitator schooled the participants through group work on practical techniques to stay away from harm's way. 

The dynamics of the journalism profession in the North West Region have been changing as a new trend of student journalists mingling with practicing journalists especially at workshops is being noticed and growing. It wasn't as such before. The Draufsicht Bamenda meeting in the build up to the execution of the Community Journalism project also had student journalists in attendance. 

Training Session 

Tantan Patience and Neba Jerome are both Level 400 students of the Communication and Development Studies Department of the University of Bamenda. To the former, it's a good practice mixing those undergoing studies and those already practicing because many students graduate and go into the field without any experience, confidence and familiarity with the senior ones. In her own words, "Such a practice is going to make the media a place to be as the early acquaintance and understanding creates a cordial environment for journalism"

To the latter, Jerome, doubling as President of the Communication and Development Studies Department, "It's a good initiative for juniors to mingle with professionals so that before graduating, they would've mastered what's required of them in the field. Considering that school lessons are more of theory, such opportunities give room for the student journalists to ask questions to the senior practitioners"  He beckoned on future journalism training workshop organisers to always include student journalists on their list of invited participants like Draufsicht Bamenda and the Cameroon Community Media Network (CCMN) have been doing to help them in the practical part of the profession. He ended by revealing that in the months ahead, his department will also be organising similar trainings during which some of the old brooms in the profession will be invited to come lecture the students on campus on as he put it, "What they need to know before graduation and what's expected of them upon graduation"

Group Work

The one day meeting was also facilitated via teleconferencing by Mr. Ernest Suiru Fai, a researcher at the Protestant University of Central Africa, Yaounde with speciality in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Draufsicht Bamenda is an organisation that carries out global education with the objective of using local solutions to global problems, a process they term "Glocalisation" targeting young adults below 30 who are expected to think globally but act locally. The organisation's coordinator, Dzebam Godlove is a teacher at Early Childhood Education Centre, Bamenda and also a trainer in non violent commutation

Insecurity: Mile 17 Women March to D.O & Mayor After Explosion

Insecurity: Mile 17 Women March to D.O & Mayor After Explosion

Tuesday January 19 2021, Mbengwi is waking up to a new day of normal routines after the traditional Monday ghost town. Some early vehicles have successfully taken off for Bamenda. It's about 7:30am, an explosion sound is heard Booouuuummm!!! It came from the direction of Mile 17. Then rattling gunshot sounds follow suit. The morning has begun on the wrong footing. 

Mile 17 Women in front of D.Os Office

Sooner, scoops start circulating from ear to ear and online that the military hilux that usually transports soldiers from their Mile 18 base to the Ngyen-Mbo checkpoint just missed being shattered after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted on the road was detonated, targeting the vehicle but missed it just by a hair as it was going to drop the men in uniform. Circulation between Bamenda-Mbengwi is temporally brought to a standstill but later resumed about an hour after normalcy had returned but with repercussions. 

Just when many thought there wasn't really any cause for alarm, Mile 17 women took to the streets with peace plants in hand marching to the Divisional Officer's office who wasn't yet in office before continuing to the council. They arrived the council premise singing "We are one, We are together." Getting the disturbing sound around the council building for the first time since being elected, Mayor Ndangsa Kennedy of the Mbengwi Council quickly stepped down from his first floor office to meet the women at the entrance to the council building. 

The Women Tabling their Complain to the Mayor 

Their spokesperson will then channel their cry to the mayor in pidgin translated thus "Sir, we are women from Mile 17. Early this morning, the military came and  swept all our children, husbands to an unknown location and we don't know why. Just this few of us are left in Mile 17. That's why we've come to cry for you our father to find out the whereabout of our children and husbands" This she said shading tears before adding that she was molested requesting she brings her husband and she showed them his grave as he had long died, then one of the soldiers  ignited flames to burn  her room before his kind colleague quickly put out the flames. The mayor will then quiz them to get the exactitude of what really transpired from which he learnt the military rampage was provoked by the attempt on their lives.  

Having been assured that he is suspending all office work to go check at the brigade for their children and husbands, they women agreed to loiter around the council waiting for him. Sooner they learnt the Divisional Officer has answered present in his office and immediately left to meet him to table their complain. Sakwe Jarvis Esapa, the D.O of Mbengwi addressed them for over half an hour educating them on why the the mass arrest was done and why they have to report perpetrators of such acts in the community. "When something happens and those around that area are arrested, it doesn't mean they're guilty. In law, every accused is innocent until proven guilty with evidence" he explained. "Concerning the explosion that occurred, the first disposition taken by the forces is that any person around that area is a suspect and to be suspected is not to be guilty because it could still explode like that and rather kill them not necessarily the military because when a bomb is exploding, it doesn't take into consideration who is who" he added.

Pothole Caused After the IED Exploded

Sakwe Jarvis went as far as quoting the Bible that "The heart of man is desperately wicked" but agreed with the women that they've not come with any wicked agenda but rather for peace reason why they carried peace plants in their hands. Not long he will then say "The government has never been wicked for one second about her citizens. All what the government is thinking about Mile 17 is good" a claim that got the women quietly staring at him. 

He gave them the assurance that those arrested shall not be killed but questioned, counselled and advised to subsequently report such acts of terrorism immediately they see them being planned. While the disgruntled women were still seemingly doubting his words, he firmly told them that "I want to assure you as the D.O and representative of the Head of State here that  your problem shall be looked into and a solution brought forth. Be confident with my words because if you never trusted this office, you won't have marched here. When we give our words, we make sure they're executed."

Sakwe Jarvis Esapa, D.O, Mbengwi Dialogues With the Women

Before departing the women from his office, the civil administrator schooled them on the need to preach and practice peace every time every where. Quoting the Holy Book for the second time, he told them that "The Bible says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" then went further to interpret that it means for peace to come outside, you must have it inside.  he ended and the women shouted "Amen"

Having been fully convinced, the women returned, leaving behind one of them, a certain Madam Foncham, proprietress of Blessed Fountain Nursery and Primary School Mile 17 whose pupils and teachers were picked up in the cause of the raid. The D.O requested she stays back so that together they could go to the gendarmerie post to identify the school going children and get them out immediately. 

It's still business as usual at God's Time Enterprise, the "King Kong" of Electronics in Mbengwi.

Contacted on phone this Wednesday morning, the mayor confirmed to Mbengwi Online he actually went to the gendarmerie brigade yesterday to see how the situation can better be handled, this in collaboration with the D.O who he said is in charge of security matters within the municipality. The D.O on his part, reached on phone this morning also confirmed that the school children and an elderly sick grandfather were released in his presence after which he firmly instructed the rest to be freed before nightfall. These were some teachers, a nurse that came for a visit and others that were just randomly picked up and found innocent.

Sharing of Rice in Mbemi, "Iron Lady" Pissed at Njineteh Quarter for Treachery

Sharing of Rice in Mbemi, "Iron Lady" Pissed at Njineteh Quarter for Treachery

Tanguh Diana alias Iron Lady is a native of Mbemi village. She's very angry for a reason she expressed bitterly to Mbengwi Online thus; "I'm angry because whenever this food distribution exercise is conducted here in the palace, people leave from other villages and quarters to come collect but whenever there's community work, you don't see them. They even refuse that their village is not Mbemi."

It was on Tuesday December 29 2020 that Mbemi villagers rallied in their palace hall to benefit from a relief package sent by their sons and daughters in and out of the country under the umbrella, Mbemi Development and Cultural Association (MBEDECA). 

Consignment of Food Items Ready for Distribution

Angye Emmanuel Akara is the home branch Secretary General of the association. He revealed that this was the third time such a distribution exercise was being carried out in the village from same source, concerned Mbemi sons and daughters in and out of the country. He also listed the items distributed this time around as 24 cartons of soap, 7 cartons of magi, 42 bags of rice of 50kg each and 15 bags of salt to a targeted population of almost 700 villagers not only within Mbemi but also external quarters like Meh, Gunenung, Bameqyueh, Sang and Ndeungeunung.  

To Madam Tanguh Diana,  the donation from their children, husbands, brothers and sisters out of the village and abroad is a wonderful initiative which they, the beneficiaries appreciate heartily. What aches her most is that some persons especially those of Njineteh, a border quarter consider themselves Mbemi villagers only during such sharing ceremonies. When a similar exercise is conducted in Njinibi, they also go there to say they are Njinibi villagers. But anytime work is announced, they don't show up. 

Disgruntled Tangu Diana

Angye Emmanuel Akara, MBEDECA Home Branch Secretary

The donors were thanked by several beneficiaries. Angye Emmanuel said  "We very much thank our brothers and sisters out there who thought of us with this wonderful gesture. We are so grateful and pray the Almighty God continues to bless them so that they continuously stretch out this hand of help"

Mr. Tebi Nyamnde Ephraim Fonmbatu from Bameqyueh is a notable of the village. Speaking on behalf of the quarter heads and council of elders, he said "We thank God and our children out there for thinking about us in the village facing this crisis. May God replenish their pockets, may no child of Ticharibi ever hit the leg against a stone. If they smash a stone let it scatter, let no one ever think evil about Ticharibi's child. Blessings on all Ticharibi's children, even those that gave nothing. Let the Holy Spirit touch them so that by next year, they too will join in supporting the exercise to be bigger than this."

Same words of appreciation were also expressed by Mami Julia Tekeh, an old granny that should be in her 80s or 90s adding that God should provide them more strength to work harder, wishing those that have overstayed outside find time to come back home and visit them.

Julia Teke

Tebi Nyamnde Ephraim Fonmbatu

Mbemi village in the Medig zone of the Meta clan, Mbengwi used to be a battle ground between non state armed groups and government soldiers.   The village was at one point almost completely deserted. Some classrooms of Government School Mbemi were allegedly burnt down after using the structure as a detention camp for some time. 

However, all of these are things of the past. Many villagers  attested that the village is pretty safe for habitation now as for close to a year, they've been going about their daily life unperturbed. "Things are gradually coming back to normal though the atmosphere is not that completely calm but the security situation has improved a lot", Emmanuel confirmed. "We are here surviving not because we are so secured but because God is also blessing us. I believe and assure them that anybody should feel free to come to the village as we now have some level of calmness" he added. 

Before the advent of the ongoing but gradually dying down armed conflict rocking the two English speaking regions of Cameroon, the Colour of Roses Foundation owned by a daughter of Mbemi, Dr. Sylvia used to organise health fares in the village and beyond during which free medical consultations were carried out and free medication provided to patients. In June 2020 close to 900 villagers benefitted from a consignment of food aid sent by an illustrious son of the soil, U.S based Mr. Alfred Dasi after he mobilised others to support the initiative.

Villagers in the Hall Waiting to Benefit

The Mbemi Hall

Since the advent of the crisis, humanitarian assistance programs have seen millions of bags of rice to be distributed to victims and sufferers of the conflict. Many are beginning to question why rice all the times? Such think that it's high time what we produce like palm oil, garri, Irish and sweet potatoes, plantains, yams, groundnuts, beans etc be distributed so that in effect, local farmers will be financially empowered, thus boosting the economy rather pumping such amounts of money on imported rice.

Four Mayors in Momo "Wanted" for Absenteeism

Four Mayors in Momo "Wanted" for Absenteeism

They include the mayor of Batibo, Acha Kennedy Ngu, that of Widikum, Andoh Stanislous Tambu, that of Andek, Ubangoh Helley Menyelle  and any of the two deputies of Njikwa, since the mayor Itambi Andrew passed unto eternity on November 28 2020 after spending barely 8 months in office, managing the affairs of his council from Bamenda. Since being elected into office for close to a year now, non of the mayors from these four subdivisions has ever attended any single follow up meeting, not even any of their deputies.

They are thus compulsorily wanted to must attend the next quarterly Follow up Committee Meeting  for the Evaluation of Public Investment Projects in Momo division. Prior to the February 9 2020 Municipal Election, the out gone mayors of these very four councils had hardly been attending these follow up committee meetings. Their "successors" seem to have also inherited the same absenteeism spirit from them. 

PowerPoint Presentation at Follow-up Committee Meeting

The verbal query was issued by the president of the follow up committee, Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia, M.P for Momo East Constituency, Mbengwi on Wednesday January 6 2021 at the end of a quarterly meeting that was held in the conference hall of the Momo Divisional Delegation of Labour and Social Security. She said "I want to call on the Mayors of Ngie, Njikwa, Widikum and Batibo to make an effort to attend these meetings because of their importance. These are meetings that determine the developmental pace of a subdivision and if you the vote holder isn't on the ground to report on what's happening, it makes it difficult for the committee to work."

She went on to warn that disciplinary measures shall be taken against these "absentee landlords" as the committee has resolved to draw the attention of hierarchy for note to be taken. However, these threats have repeatedly been made, yielding no fruits as the concerned have continued to "boycott" these meetings  and as a result, the developmental pace of their municipalities is relatively very slow.

Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia, M.P for Momo East Constituency, Mbengwi cum President of Momo Divisional Follow-up Committee Meeting for PIB Projects

The January 6th follow up meeting was the first ever held in the absence of the supervisory authority, the Senior Divisional Officer. It was same day that news was broken and went viral on social media that the SDO's convoy was attacked on its way back from installing the newly appointed Divisional Officers of Njikwa, Benjamin Belinga and that of Ngie, Harra Amatanganga Maxim leading to the death of four soldiers and one civilian, Liwusi Rebecca Jeme, the Momo Divisional Delegate of Communication. Consequently, the atmosphere at the meeting was moody.

Regretting the unfortunate incidence, Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia while expressing her heartfelt condolence to the bereaved said "Oh! My God. I cried. Jesus himself wept, John 11:35 when his friend Lazarus died. I've also wept today for my people who've died struggling for the peace of this country. They went for an official mission and yet, death met them. May their souls Rest In Peace."

Work Timidly Progressing on the Checkpoint-Mbon Road

One major challenge reported during the follow up meeting that is causing slow execution of public contracts in Momo division is the non payment of contractors by the state. A case in point is the anticipated rehabilitation with pavement bricks of the stretch of road from Checkpoint to Mbon Park Entrance and from there to Africa Petroleum, a project that's expected to give a new modern look to the heart of the Mbengwi municipality . Work started and has been going on at snail pace for over five months now and the contractor is sluggishly and reluctantlt executing the contract because of such financial constraints by the state. 

However the committee president assured such disappointed contractors  that they won't labour in vain. Hear her "It's true the government machinery grinds slowly but I can assure all of them that no matter how long it takes, what belongs to you that is being owed by the state will be paid.  It's just a matter of time." In addition, she warned those to be vying for contracts to be ready to completely execute the task perfectly if not, they shouldn't even dare.

2 Wheelchairs & 3 Walking Sticks Presented by the Widikum Council as Support to the Vulnerable 

Evaluating the performances of the various subdivisions through a PowerPoint presentation, the first time ever a projector was being used at the follow up meeting, members frowned at the quality of wood used to make some benches and tables, some of which had funny designs worth rejecting. Some mayors too were suspected to be fidgeting with some funds like the 1.5 million sent annually by the Ministry of Social Affairs to help the needy. During the slideshow presentation, two wheelchairs and three walking sticks were presented as what Widikum Council did with the money, something that got attendees laughing out loud. 

It should be noted that three out of the four concerned mayors snubbing follow up meetings could brave the odds to be in Mbengwi on November 13 2020 during a ceremony to donate school kits to pupils and students in Momo division organised by the Minister of Supreme State Audit, Mbah Acha Rose and during the December 6th regional election but will always have reasons not to attend meetings geared at looking into the developmental concerns of their councils. Some observers hold the view that should the minister query these mayors on their repeated absenteeism from follow up meetings, they won't dare miss the next one.

God's Time Enterprise Mbengwi Remains the Ideal Shop to Purchase your Solid & Long Lasting Electronics at Give Away Prices

Njikwa Council Development Officer Being Awarded a Bedspread in Recognition of Hard Work

Using the carrot and stick approach, some council development officers and technicians were recognised for their contributions and sacrifices to ensure Momo division develops. They were appreciated materially for their constant attendance at meetings and furnishing of the committee with reports and images when required. Each received a set of bedspread offered by the executive of the committee. Worthy of note is the fact that last year, the Momo Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT) was also awarded at the level of the region for being the first delegate that always furnishes the regional follow up committee with reports and images from her division. 

IDPs in Mbengwi Carry Home Biya's Christmas/New Year Gift

IDPs in Mbengwi Carry Home Biya's Christmas/New Year Gift

To ensure Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North West, South West and other regions of Cameroon join the rest of citizens nationwide in spending a festive end of year 2020, the Head of State, Paul Biya ordered that the sum of 600 million be disbursed for the purchase and subsequent distribution of Christmas/New Year gifts to such persons.

It was for this reason that over a hundred IDPs in Mbengwi, chief town of Momo division rallied at the office of the Sub Divisional Officer on Thursday December 31st 2020 to carry home their own share of what some media outlets termed "the presidential largesse".

Beneficiaries Standing Being their Gift

Addressing the beneficiaries before the handing over exercise, the Divisional Officer of Mbengwi subdivision, Sakwe Jarvis Esapa" began by first explaining the raison d'être of the gathering in front of his office. He said "We are here for a purpose, to fellowship with the president of the republic that knows our situation and our difficulties and has decided to fellowship with us through the provision of these items made up of rice, soap, sugar and buckets. He is a father and will always remain a father that eats and always thinks about the children."

The municipal authority, Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, mayor of the Mbengwi Council speaking for the beneficiaries though himself not being an IDP said "On behalf of the displaced persons in Mbengwi through the D.O, we extend our sincere thanks to H.E President Paul Biya because he's always thought of us during moments like these. We also wish him long life, prosperity and God's richest blessings"

Sakwe Jarvis Esapa, D.O, Mbengwi

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor, Mbengwi 

He also thanked the beneficiaries that got the information about the distribution exercise and came out to benefit, this because according to the mayor, some persons are fun of discouraging others from benefiting such items that they do actually really need." He then went on to call on all present to be ambassadors of peace considering that the Head of State's largesse is a bridge to peace. 

Hear him, "Mbengwi is peaceful but not as before." He then reiterated the need for all to shun fear and resume classes especially in government schools. He quoted the example of Wum where he said before, their situation was worst than that of Mbengwi but today, they are far ahead especially as their government schools are functioning and they don't respect Monday ghost towns.

 In his own words, "We here are afraid to send our kids to government schools and  it's in these schools that teachers on government payroll are loitering. Why can't we take such an advantage and send our kids to these schools than be struggling where many are being sent home for fees. Come even during the second term, it's not yet too late. There, all the assistance the children need will be provided."

Beneficiaries Going Home With Items

Assistant D.O, Mbengwi Reading the Names of Beneficiaries

Lastly, he encouraged the beneficiaries to go and tell all other remaining IDPs in the quarters to pass by the D.Os office and register so that subsequently, when such opportunities come up, they shall be called up to benefit. Mbengwi Online notes that mayor Ndangsa Kennedy has repeatedly been making these calls for pupils and students to get enrolled in government schools to no avail. Some persons have been asking that "Where are the mayor's own children schooling?

The beneficiaries each took home a bucket containing 5kg of rice, a packet of sugar and cubes of soap. It should be recalled that a similar presidential donation to IDPs was made at the beginning of the year and those in Mbengwi also benefitted. Before, there were fears to go and collect such items given by the president or any state official but of recent, people rather rush to collect no matter how small, reason why often, the items are hardly sufficient for all who show up each time a distribution exercise is announced. 

Items Displayed for Distribution

Mbengwi Lads & Lasses Enjoy Belated Christmas in the Palace

Mbengwi Lads & Lasses Enjoy Belated Christmas Party in the Palace

For the first time ever, over 100 young boys and girls spent an exceptional belated Christmas day this year in the palace hall of Mbengwi village. Sunday December 27 2020 shall forever be remembered by the kids as the day they ate jollof rice and chicken, popcorn, biscuits, drank juices and danced together with their friends before later returning home, each with a cube of soap in hand.

An Exceptional Day

Partial View of the Mbengwi Palace Hall on the Day of the Party

Revealing the origin of the initiative to Mbengwi Online, Njoh Blanche Maureen Njweng that coordinated the kid's Christmas party said "A group of Mbengwi sons and daughters in the U.S.A known as Wumtaw headed by Afor Festia Tembeng contacted me that they want to put smiles on the faces of their younger ones back home that have been suffering from the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. As such they sent me some money to cook food and invite all the children for a common meal."

Though being in its first edition, her expectations are high that the initiative will continue annually and subsequently bigger. As to her driving force in happily coordinating the children, Madam Blanche said "I work for a charity N.G.O and coordinating kids as such is just part of me, it's my hobby.  I like being with children, spending my time sacrificing for them." She ended by wishing long life to the group known as Wumtaw while encouraging other young diasporans from Mbengwi village that haven't yet joint the group to do so immediately for unity. 

L: Prince Njokem Omri Forkeh (Rapper & Guest at the Party) 
R: Madam Njoh Blanche Maureen Njweng (Coordinator of the Party)

Food, Drinks, Snack & Soap for the Kids

Njokem Omri Forkeh is a prince of the Mbengwi palace. The budding Meta artist (rapper) had travelled home from Douala to spend Christmas and coincidentally had to witness the program. Reminiscing of his own childhood days in the village, he said "It's really a nice December because it's one in union after a long time though most of them (the kids) aren't dressed like we were in those our own days when everyone made sure he/she wore  "ne-nes" (eyeglasses) with "compleh-compleh" (matched) Christmas dresses. For us we just knew that Christmas means you need to eat rice, chicken and drink"

The maiden belated Christmas party was highly cherished by the kids. It was a day they spent eating, drinking and dancing though unfortunately, we noticed a very high influence of the Nigerian culture on the children. From their dancing styles and the songs they enjoyed, obviously, one could tell how repeatedly they've been listening and watching Nigerian musics radio, phones, MP3 players and on TV, loving them and retaining the lyrics plus dancing steps, this at the detriment of Cameroonian songs in general and Meta songs in particular. Our culture risks being completely extinct if these young ones continue embracing, learning and loving more of "Nija"

Eating Time

Dancing Time

To a majority, all they knew was that it's been announced to come attend a Christmas party in the palace but a few of them had an idea about the party organisers. Tebi Precious said "We are here to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ which is called Christmas, organised by our big brothers that are overseas. We thank them for giving us the opportunity to celebrate and pray that God should continue guiding them and giving them more"

With a successful holding of this first edition, expectations are high that the 2021 edition will bring together more kids and sponsors considering the dire need to rebuild the psychology of these kids that have undergone trauma in one way or the other because of the crisis and be deprived of their basic right to education for years now