2022 BIP Projects for Momo Division

According to statistics Mbengwi Online obtained from the Momo Divisional Delegation of the Ministry of the Economy Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), for the new present financial year 2022, the division gained 61 projects expected to cost one billion, four hundred and fifty million, one hundred and fifteen thousand (1.450.115.000) FRS. More than half way gone into the year, only 5 have been completely executed, 12 ongoing and 45 not yet started out of which 2 haven't even been awarded. As at moment, this gives a physical execution rate of 15.67% and 0.07% financial, a record that is far below average and expectation.

Ubangoh Helly-manyelle Akoba, Mayor of Andek Council

Going by councils, in Andek, there'll be the purchase of a 20 tons dump truck for the municipality, completion and equipping of a Guest House, rehabilitation of the Teze 2nd class chiefdom and Andek palace cultural centre, construction of Ebang agricultural post, construction of a community hall in Etwii and Bonambufei plus boreholes for water supply in Bonatin, Baitei Square, Andek Market Square and Council Premises. There'll also be rural electrification of Abebung and Bonambufei villages, rehabilitation and extension of of the Bonanyang, Lower and Upper Ebang portable water schemes including the construction of a building workshop at SAR/SM Andek, rehabilitation of council road from Teze to Abebung, concreting bad spots at Bonambufei, provision of support to the Bonambufei Common Initiative Group for the production, processing and marketing of palm/kernel oil and support of equipment to the vulnerable. 

Acha Kennedy Ngu, Mayor of Batibo Council

For the Batibo Council, its earmarked projects are construction of 13 open market sheds at Njen market, a community hall at Ewai village, a bridge at Njifah, below Batibo park, integrated health centre at Batibo Urban, rehabilitation of fingerlings production centre and subsequent supply of the fingerlings to fish farmers in the municipality and to the station. There'll also be rehabilitation and extension of the Nnen-Okan portable water supply scheme plus provision of support in equipment to the vulnerable population. 

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor of Mbengwi Council

Mbengwi is the Momo Divisional headquarters. The subdivision's own projects include the construction of a block of two classrooms in Government School Bessi Fomukong, purchase of a hearse for the municipal mortuary and construction of a garage, rural electrification of Kai to Zang Tabi village, rehabilitation and extension of Ngyen-Mbo water scheme, construction of Tembug bridge linking G.S Wumnembug and Health Centre, supply of farm tools, sewing machines and hair dressing materials to some farming groups, common initiative groups, small and medium size enterprises in the municipality, rehabilitation of the Muswe-Checkpoint road in Mbengwi urban, purchase and installation of 35 solar street photovoltaic street lights in some communities in the municipality and support in equipment to the vulnerable population. Some of these projects have been fully realised, others in progress and near completion. 

Akebe Angwa Emmanuel, Mayor of Njikwa Council

In Njikwa, there'll be the construction of a protective fence plus installation of a solar plant and access street lighting  at the Oshie touristic centre, construction of a gravity water supply scheme in Bakwa, rehabilitation, supply of medical eqipment and construction of a V.I.P toilet with four squatting holes at the Bassa integrated health centre, installation of a 5kw rooftop solar electricity at the Oshie medicalised health centre and also at the Bakwa integrated health centre, construction of Etinadwe-Ikwe integrated health centre, construction of 3 culverts along the Ikweri-Bassa-Bakwa road and support in equipment to the vulnerable population. 

Andoh Stanislas Tambu, Mayor of Widikum Council

Lastly, for Widikum, there'll be construction of a block of two classrooms in Government School Mpeng-Menka, rehabilitation of the 8km road Larinji-Kanibom, construction of a 3m long culvert in Larinji, construction of a community hall at Echibit-Menka, purchase of agric tools and organisation of a mini agro pastoral show, construction of a mini hydroelectric plant at Widikum and distribution to the giant oil mill at Dinku road plus construction of another mini hydroelectric plant at Echibit and distribution to the villages of Mpeng, Efang and Tanka (phase II).

As per the recent ranking of council performances in the division, Mbengwi occupied the first position, followed by Njikwa, Andek, Batibo and lastly, Widikum. 

Warrant of Arrest Issued for a Bad Contractor in Momo Division

Warrant of Arrest Issued for a Bad Contractor in Momo Division

Members of the Momo Divisional Participatory Follow-up Committee for the evaluation of projects executed from the Public Investment Budget have resolved to prosecute all contractors who've collected state money for no work done and that because of their bad faith, no contract should ever be awarded to such again. They came to this conclusion during the second quarterly meeting that took place on Thursday July 7 2022 in the conference hall of the Divisional Delegation of MINEPAT.

In his opening statement, the new vice chairperson of the committee, Mr. Ngwe Obed Musong who doubles as the Home Coordinator of the Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA) said "As we are together, I'll learn from all of you since I'm new". He was addressing members for his very first time since gaining the new position as vice chair.

Committee Members on Field Visit to Project Site, Renovation of Mbengwi D.O's Office

Members in Session

While evaluating 2021 uncompleted projects, it was disclosed that but for Widikum subdivision that recorded a 100% completion, each of the other four subdivisions has at least an uncompleted project. The construction of classrooms at Government School Bonatu, SAR/SM and an Agric Post, all in Andek are yet to take off same as the Rural Electrification of Kulabei in Batibo, Bessi Fomukong in Mbengwi and Rehabilitation of Kutin Health Centre in Njikwa are some of the yet to be started or completed projects in the division carried over from 2021 into 2022.

Worried about the non execution of their project, the Kulabei Cultural and Development Association in Batibo has filed a complaint to the Momo Divisional Follow-up Committee against the contractor, Fombako Company Limited, noted for taking government contracts, collecting money for the work but never doing anything. It is the same situation with Bessi Fomukong in Mbengwi and its own rural electrification project as the very Fombako  Company that won the contract to send light to the village has done nothing in this light, yet money has been cleared from the state coffers. It is even rumoured that at moment, the company founder is in Yaoundé struggling to be awarded the multimillion contract of rehabilitating the Acha-Tugi-Njikwa road. 

MINEPAT Divisional Office, Momo

Members on Field Visit to Project Site, Mbengwi Council Market Stalls

During deliberations on such contractors pulling the development of the  division behind, the mayor of the Mbengwi Council disclosed that before kicking the bucket some months back, the late state prosecutor (counsel) for Mbengwi, Narcis Ekwelle Ekana had issued a Warrant of Arrest for the founder of Fombako Company Limited. As it stands, he is wanted and has all this while been avoiding the region. Going by statistics presented to Mbengwi Online by the Momo Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and and Regional Development (MINEPAT), in 2021, Momo division was awarded a total of 59 projects and by the end of the year, 49 were completed, 3 uncompleted and 7 not even started, giving a financial realisation rate of 82.10% and 82.34% physical.

For the new present financial year 2022, the division gained 61 projects expected to cost one billion, four hundred and fifty million, one hundred and fifteen thousand (1.450.115.000) FRS. More than half way gone into the year, only 5 have been completely executed, 12 ongoing and 45 not yet started out of which 2 haven't even been awarded. As at moment, this gives a physical execution rate of 15.67% and 0.07% financial, a record that is far below average and expectation.

These projects involve rehabilitation and construction of roads, community halls, palaces, schools, integrated health centres, supply and equipping of offices, solar and hydro electrification of communities, digging of boreholes and extension of water supply schemes in villages, provision of assistance to the vulnerable population just to name these few. Most have been signed and awarded but effective execution yet to begin.

3-Phase Electricity Line Going to Ngie

Teze Oil Mill, Now Electrified

According to a staff of the Andek council that was present at the follow up meeting, the construction of an Integrated Health Centre at Nkon was disrupted following an attack by non state armed fighters in the area that resulted to the previously existing structure being burnt down. According to him, the council is presently negotiating on transferring the project to another safer area also in dye need of an integrated health centre. He further confirmed that a MINEPAT sponsored contract that was awarded since 2017 for a 3-phase electricity supply from Mbengwi to Andek has finally seen the light of day this 2022. As a result, the Bonambufei Common Initiative Group shall this year benefit a project that will see them being provided support for the production, processing and marketing of palm oil and kennel oil. At long last, the Teze oil mill now fully go operational and sustained thanks to this latest development in Ngie.

While reviewing the recommendations that were made during the first meeting for the year, the committee members appreciated the little improvements so far made but insisted there's need for intensification. Amongst some of the resolutions were that authorising officers (mayors) have to hold meetings with contractors that have projects in their municipalities before work begins, trenches for water projects should be deep enough, at least 60cm, king poles for roofing projects should be stiff enough to prevent subsequent leakages, donor ministries should be contract managers and be involved in the installation and reception of contracts via their delegates, site selection of projects and environmental aspects of studies when constructing the D.A.O must be done so in consultation with the delegate of environment, no project less that 5 million FRS should be deposited on MINDEVEL credit and by the end of the financial year, no credit should be blocked. The committee also recommended that the state should intensify the decentralisation process so that contractors can follow up their documents only at the level of the region not Yaounde all the times.

Committee Executive 

Mbengwi Council New Modern Slaughter House in G.R.A

As has always been the case during all such meetings for the past two or three years, only the mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Ndangsa Kennedy Akam will always be physically present. In presenting a situational report of his municipality, he said the council will soon be demolishing the old slap near Abbi Fall Resort as last strategy to force the butchers into the new slaughter house at G.R.A, the giant nursery and primary school constructed behind the Gendarmerie post by GPDERUDEP will go functional come September 2022, all the solar street lights the council obtained have been installed across the municipality, a borehole has been dug in the Mbon main market to arrest the water crisis in Mbengwi, completion works on the slaughter house construction project in Njaah that was suspended due to insecurity will soon resume and that on a general note, his municipality is fairing well.

On the situation of the abandoned Ngwokwong bridge construction project, it was disclosed that procedures towards the suspension of the contractor are ongoing but according Anoh Pascal Nji, a technician from the divisional delegation of public contracts, their minister has instructed them that it doesn't just suffice to suspend a contractor but the ideal is to get another that will do the work so that there's continuation.

Regrettably, going by regional rankings during the last regional follow up meeting, Momo division came out last in terms of physical and financial realisation of public investment projects. However, in the last national follow up meeting, the North West region occupied the fourth position. This information was disclosed by the MINEPAT divisional delegate for Momo who in turn suggested that to change this record, mayors have to must put projects only where they can be executed with ease. In her words, "It is better to have one part of your subdivision more developed than nothing at all."

Mbengwi Council Old Slap

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor, Mbengwi Council

Before closing the meeting, members paid a brief visit to some project sites in Mbengwi beginning with the Divisional Officer's office where renovation works are ongoing. While on site, they assessed the work being done and made recommendations to the contractor. They'll later visit the Mbengwi Council market stalls constructed at the entrance into the Mbengwi district hospital to ascertain usage and challenges being faced by tenants already doing business in the stalls.

While closing the meeting, Madam Mary Akene, representative of the Momo Senior Divisional Officer (S.D.O) thanked all for braving the odds to attend the meeting. She wished decisions arrived at be fully implemented so that the living conditions of all and sundry in the division be improved upon by fully realising all the earmarked projects. 

Mbengwi Drivers' Union Maintain Road in Memory of Killed Colleague

Close to a hundred drivers plying the Mbengwi-Bamenda road and that are registered members of the Mbengwi Drivers' Union (M.D.U) on Thursday June 30th 2022 grounded their vehicles not for any demonstration but to carry out maintenance works on the stretch of road from G.B.H.S Mbengwi to Monastery Junction, extending to the Ngyen-Mbo Checkpoint that was nearly becoming impassable due to unbearable potholes. 

It should be recalled on Thursday April 7th 2022, Tekwe Rene Nyengiche, a driver plying the Mbengwi-Bamenda road was gunned down at Alubukam by non state armed fighters locally called "Amba Boys" for no just reason. On Tuesday April 12th same month, his mortal remains were laid to rest in Ngyen-Mbo. Members of the driver's union where he was a  member made a condolence contribution that amounted to hundreds of thousands. Part of the money raised was used during his burial and the rest kept in the union's coffers. 

Drivers Carrying Out Road Maintenance

Loading Laterite 

As explained by Tebo Philip Tembeng, Mbengwi Branch President of the union, "Everything being equal, the road was done courtesy of our own colleague that had gone to eternity in the name of  Rene." To Timo Eric Fomundam, Bamenda branch president of the union, the drivers responded well to the call for the road maintenance work and were of good conduct throughout the exercise. He however regretted that there were a few recalcitrant ones that preferred to continue their transportation business than joining their colleagues to maintain the road. He said these ones will be "put on a hot sea" so that next time they better understand the meaning of solidarity. 

Tebo Philip Tembeng, Mbengwi Branch President 

Timo Eric Fomundam, Bamenda Branch President

Prior to the day of work, the union had procured several trips of soil (laterite) and threw on several portions along the stretch they had to work on. On that fateful Thursday, members came out with tools like wheelbarrows, dig axes, spades and hoes to scatter the hips of soil that had been deposited before. They also at some points created passage ways for standing water to flow from the middle of the road to the roadsides. 

The Mbengwi Drivers' Union was supported in the road maintenance initiative by the Mbengwi council that sent to them a mini truck and work tools to assist in easily digging, loading, offloading and transporting laterite to the very bad portions on the road. Some concerned road users also passed by and gave financial tokens to encourage the initiative. Unfortunately, it rained heavily that same day and even the next day thus somehow ruining the work that was done though on a general evaluation, the state of the maintained stretch as at now is better than how it was before. 

Doreen Fonjong Anwi epouse Agwe, First Deputy Mayor, Mbengwi Council 

Mini Truck Sent by the Mbengwi Council to Assist the Drivers

The first deputy mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Doreen Fonjong spouse of Agwe. In remarking about the work done, she told Mbengwi Online "I'll want to thank the organisers, especially the Presidents of the drivers' union and the Mayor, Ndangsa Kennedy for aligning with the driver's plan and giving them the leeway to carryout this exercise." After work, the union members rallied back at the Mbon motor park where the executive acknowledged the various supports they received to ensure a successful completion of the task they'd embarked on.

It was disclosed that the women selling bread and other items at hospital roundabout supported them with some drinks, same as the first deputy mayor, the council Chief of Works, a cashier of Njindom Credit Union, the two presidents and some drivers themselves that went an extra mile to still offer some drinks. It was also acknowledged that the Member of Parliament for Momo East Constituency, Mbengwi, Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia supported them financially while the council gave material support.

Filled Potholes

Seta Withgodep Wierts Assisting the Drivers

Maintsined Portion 

Fongyen Valery, a driver, expressed the desire they have to carryout such maintenance works from time to time but regretted their will is hindered by the lack of means. On behalf of his colleagues, he pleaded for any well wisher to instead of giving them drinks or money rather offer them long lasting material support like spades, box hammers, wheelbarrows and any other work tool. The drivers that turned out for the work were made up of Mankon natives, Meta natives, the Mbororos and natives from other tribes earning a living from the road. From their number, it could be deduced that at least 100 family heads depend on the Mbengwi-Bamenda road to feed their families, pay bills, educate their children and save for rainy days.

Mbororo Pupils Steal Show at Palmers Graduation

To mark the end of the 2021/2022 academic year, many schools in Mbengwi organised graduation and prize award ceremonies, annual occasions during which meritorious pupils and kindergartens are awarded with material and at times cash support for their academic or extracurricular excellence. The practice that had completely disappeared with the advent and escalation of the Anglophone Crisis whose fallout was the shutting down of schools is gradually regaining grounds. 

At least 10 schools in the basic education sector organised graduation and prize award ceremonies in the month of June 2022 in Mbengwi Central Subdivision amongst them, Palmers Bilingual Nursery and Primary School (P.B.N.P.S), the oldest lay private kindergarten school in the subdivision.

Mbororo Kids Stealing the Show With a Spectacular Traditional Dance

Family Photo

Pupils, management, parents, teachers and guests all rallied in the Mbengwi Council hall on Wednesday June 8 2022 for the graduation of the 2021/2022 batch of nursery 2 and primary 6 kids of P.B.N.P.S. The event began with an academic procession into the hall that earned the graduands a standing ovation. 

Attended by the Divisional Officer of Mbengwi, Momo Divisional Delegate of Basic Education, Inspector of Basic Education, the Alternate Member of Parliament for Momo East Constituency, Mbengwi and a host of other dignitaries, the ceremony was characterised by speeches and other intellectual, social activities. To the D.O of Mbengwi, Palmers is one of the best in Mbengwi where quality education is her prime objective.

A Full Hall on the Graduation Day

Some Dignitaries Present at the Ceremony

Founded in 2003 by the current Member of Parliament for Mbengwi, Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia Foriben, Palmers has continued to graduate hundreds of pupils that have afterwards continued studies elsewhere. Some, especially from among the early batches have gone abroad, others have grown to realise their dreams. There are those who have had time to look back at their Alma Marta and say "Thank You". Such are the likes of Mr. Fonanih Godwill, a pioneer pupil of the school now resident in the U.S who supported the graduation ceremony with prizes. 

The P.B.N.P.S 2022 graduation ceremony was marked by singing, dancing (traditional, ballet, chair), fashion parade, word building, recitation of rhymes, sketches, a peace talk, award of prizes and attestations. Amongst those who stole the show were a group of Mbororo kids that staged a traditional dance that caught the attention of all in the hall. Amongst them was a certain Sitou Sule who grabbed multiple prizes as Best in Chair Dance, Best in Mathematics in his class and also occupied the third position in his class.

Chair Dance

Ballet Dance

Talking to Mbengwi Online at the close of the ceremony, Andum Blaise, a graduating primary 6 pupil said he will want to become a mechanic in future. He testified life in Palmers was so good as they understood what their teachers taught them. He also thanked his parents for educating him. 

Madam Njoh Mirabel is a parent whose kid schools at Palmers. Speaking to Mbengwi Online after having witnessed the graduation ceremony, she said "It was wonderful. At least the activities actually showed how effective the teachers are." As to what didn't go right, she regretted the non respect of the time that was given to them the parents and consequently, all the activities the kids had prepared for couldn't be performed. 

Mr. Nyamkah Rubby (Manager) & Madam Petiangmbo Honorine (Head Mistress) 

Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia Foriben, Proprietress of Palmers Bilingual Nursery and Primary School, Mbengwi

The proprietress of the school was represented at the event by Mr. Nyamkah Rubby Tangyi who's been managing the school for over three years now. Asked to evaluate the outcome of the 2022 edition of the annual event, he said "The graduation was a success, a red carpet one, a classic one not just in terms of the appearances of the attendees but also in terms of academics." 

He will then proceed to express sincere thanks to all who contributed to ensure the successful outcome which he cited as the Honourable Member of Parliament for Momo East Constituency, Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia who doubles as proprietress of the institution, the Minister Delegate at the Presidency of the Republic in Charge of Supreme State Control, H.E Mbah Acha née Fomundam Rose, the Section President of Momo 1 Section of the ruling C.P.D.M party, Mr. Sanji Joseph Achu, Mr. Asongwed Emmanuel, Director of Social Habitat in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the President General of the Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA), Prof. Njoh Oliver, Mr. Fonanih Godwill, a pioneer batch pupil of the school now in U.S.A not leaving out other well wishers that extended their support to the school. "We are so very grateful and we pray that the good God that provided to you to provide to us will replenish your sources  tenfold" Rubby ended. 

Prizes

Teaching Staff

As results of the First School Leaving Certificate are still being awaited, there are high expectations that history wilk repeat itself, Going by statistics from the NW Regional Delegation of Basic Education, Momo Division emerged best in the 2022 Government Common Entrance Examination scoring 95.86% at the regional level. This should be the first time the division scored such a record. Interestingly, P.B.N.P.S Mbengwi scored a hundred percent in the said exam as all her pupils that sat in for it passed, all in List A.

The event ended with family photos, award of attestations, prizes, recession and refreshment. Holiday classes are currently taking place on the school campus located near the Mbengwi council while the registers shall soon be flung open for admission of pupils for the 2022/2023 academic year. 

"We Don't Need Your Rice. We Want Security and a Doctor" Angry Woman Tells Momo East M.P in Acha-Tugi

In the midst of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis in the two English speaking regions of Cameroon, politicians, most especially those of the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (C.P.D.M) party have remained targets for Non State Armed Fighters (N.S.A.Fs) who always do all, at times with the sponsorship of Ambazonia activists abroard to thwart or disrupt their activities on the field and if possible, arrest them for ransoms, negotiations or kill. Just like the saying goes, "As birds have learnt to fly without perching, so too have hunters learnt to shoot without missing". Threats and all other risks involved have however not really stopped these politicians from descending to the field to carry out their planned activities when need be especially as it is believed the state has all what it takes to enforce its agenda. 

Cameroon's Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Supreme State Control, Mbah Acha née Fomundam Rose on Friday April 29th 2022 sent Honourable Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia Foriben, Member of Parliament for Momo East Constituency, Mbengwi to the Gutah zone of the Meta Clan. This was the first time the M.P ever ventured going to such an outskirt area from Mbengwi central town since she was elected in February 2020. It was at the once  famous but now little known Presbyterian General Hospital, Acha-Tugi that hundreds of villagers drawn mostly from Njaah, Ngwokwong, Tugi and Sanyere rallied to receive the visiting delegation. 

Visiting Delegation with Items for Donation & Beneficiaries

Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia Foriben, M.P Momo East - Mbengwi, Minister Mbah Acha's Representative

The M.P was accompanied on the visit by the Mayor of the Mbengwi Council Ndangsa Kennedy Akam and his Second Deputy Amadu Kadiri. While addressing the population, the mayor began by first welcoming the M.P, doubling as Minister's representative before proceeding to explain the purpose of the visit which he said is to appreciate the people for the intervention they made to rescue the medical doctor and administrator of Acha-Tugi hospital when they were kidnapped in February 2022. 

Coincidentally, apart from the donation by the visiting delegation, the staff of Acha-Tugi hospital had planned to also donate 5 new benches to Presbyterian Primary School Acha-Tugi which we learnt has over 200 kids studying under deplorable conditions. Consequently, a special request was made to the M.P to channel to the minister so that any subsequent intervention from the duo and others could be in relation to supporting education in the area. While all attendees were seemingly happy with the gesture from the politicians, one woman stood out from the crowd, staging a one man protest while the speeches were going on. Still not satisfied that she hasn't been heard, she stepped out of the crowd, raising her hand in request to be given the floor to speak and finally got it. 

Lady Protesting that Security & a Doctor is their Need, Not Rice

"We thank our mother and brother that have come and for the things you've brought" she began. "We like what you've brought. They're pleasing to us" she continued. "But we have one problem here. This is a whole hospital without a doctor. If you and your brother can make an effort to see that we have security and a doctor, we will be grateful. That is our main cry." A thunderous round of applause insinuating she spoke the people's minds ended her brief appeal.

The hospital superintendent on her part also took to the floor to address the population during which she pleaded with them to make use of the facility. In her words, "We came here as strangers and had taken an oath to save lives. I'm surprised to see this population gathered here when on a normal working day, I consult just about two patients." She further castigated the wrong information some natives of the area spread, that there's no nurse in the hospital, that the hospital only keeps referring patients to other hospitals, that the hospital has been closed and that the hospital is too expensive.

M.P Singing & Dancing with the Population

Donation of Benches by Hospital Staff to P.S Acha

As if foreseeing looming danger she warned that "If you people cannot change and use this hospital, we have a maximum of two months, this place may be closed and you'll have yourselves to blame."  On the issue of referrals, she clarified that it is a common practice within the medical field based on the strengths and weaknesses of every hospital, that just as they refer patients to other hospitals, so too do there receive patients referred from elsewhere to them.

The items brought by the M.P on behalf of Minister Mbah Acha will then be distributed to the beneciary population, both Mbororos and Meta natives that rallied at the hospital. The items were made up of 22 bags of rice, 20 bags of fertilizer, 20 bags of salt, 250kg of maize seeds, 100 packets of tea leaves, 50 packets of sugar, 40 plastic kettles, 2 cartons of vegetable oil and sachet tomatoes, all of these amounting to the sum of about 1.5 million Francs according to the parliamentarian. A vote of thanks in appreciation of the gesture was given to the M.P to channel to the minister.

Distribution of Items 

Symbolic Handing Over

Talking to Mbengwi Online at the close of the ceremony, Hon. Injoh Foo Ngang Prodencia Foriben said "Today is a great day. I am here on behalf of my humble self and that of Her Excellency Minister Mbah Acha Fomundam who is a daughter from Meta to come and support the community of Acha because we want to encourage them to know that they've not been abandoned, they've not been left by themselves." In continuation, she said "We were very impressed with the action they took when the doctor and administrator were kidnapped. The community came out as one man, conquered fear, went into the bush with courage and at the end they were released." Foo Ngang Prodencia added that "We have also come here to encourage the Muslim community who at this time are fasting and praying for the nation of Cameroon, their community. We have come here to encourage them know that they're not left alone, that even though they are of the minority, they should know that one with God is a majority."

Before evaluating the turn out and response from the beneficiaries, she furthered that "We have come here to encourage the people to live together in a brotherly way, being one another's keeper and again, let them live in peace and harmony. We actually came here to promote economic development in my constituency taking into consideration Acha, Tugi, Njaah and Ngwokwong." 

The Muslim Community Receiving Their Own Gifts

The Momo East people's representative in parliament in her interview with Mbengwi Online also said "We encouraged them to use this medical facility that made its name since time immemorial when it used to attract people and patients from all over the republic and out of the country but because of the crisis, structures are deploring."  She appreciated the church for not relenting their efforts while calling on them to send in a doctor and fortify the man power on the ground. "We encourage the community to use this facility because it is for their own benefit and their own interest" she ended. 

From the hospital, the delegation made a stop over at Sanyere, a famous road junction area where passengers travelling to and from Njikwa and Ngie usually alight from their cars to make purchases. Sanyere used to be to the Acha people as Melon and Kem-Kem are to those travelling to Douala and Yaoundé. Surprised to see such personalities in their area, some locals rushed to greet them and present their problems. The politicians on their part encouraged the economic growth of the area by making purchases from especially beef vendors at Sanyere.

The M.P & Mayor Buying Beef at Sanyere

Sanyere Square

It should be noted that Acha Tugi used to be a strong battle ground between state forces and Amba boys in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The Sanyere junction had been deserted not till of recent that the inhabitants have started returning from where they were seeking refuge. This was the first time for the Member of Parliament to reach the area and the second for the mayor. They went and returned without any military officers behind them for security. How did the people of Acha Tugi soften the grounds for the mayor and M.P to come in, boldly putting on her sash remains the million dollar question. 

Politicians, Men of God & Traditionalists Meet on Abbi Bridge

It's not a common occurrence  to see politicians, traditionalists  and God's servants rallying together for a common course void of projecting their titles, seeking for notice and credit. Sunday April 24th 2022 shall thus forever be remembered as one of those rare days some Meta Fons, preachers of the gospel, politicians and the population at large minimised their various, differences, inclinations and maximised the true spirit of oneness by rallying behind a common goal, development. This was during the inauguration and handing over ceremony of the renovated Abbi Bridge by a group of Meta sons and daughters drawn from within and without Cameroon that go by the name, Bongob Meta International (B.M.I) to the beneficiary population, the Meta people.

Family Photo on Abbi Bridge

Abbi Bridge After

In February 2022, the project to renovate the Abbi Bridge was conceived and funds raised to realise it. Just within a month, the bridge underwent transformation as its sides were renovated with balusters, two solar street lights and a sign board. This is what was handed to the Mbengwi Council through the Fons who first poured some libations wishing for protection of every road user crossing on the bridge before cutting a symbolic ribbon to declare it  officially opened for use.The very brief but greatly significant event had in attendance Rev. Foncham Ezekiel, former Mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Tebe Beatrice, former Member of Parliament for Momo East constituency, Mbengwi, Hon. Edna Enih Mbah, the Fon of Njimetu, Chenam, Bessi Fomukong and Wumnemburg, some quarter heads and notables of Ku Fondom, the Kwem dance group of Ku, B.M.I volunteers, workers that renovated the bridge and other members of the public that also came to witness the historic event. 

H.R.H Mukoum, Fon of Chenam

Abbi Bridge Before

The Fon of Chenam, H.R.H Mukoum testified this is something that has never happened in Meta land. Speaking on behalf of the Fons, he confessed they are very grateful for the work done by B.M.I on the Abbi Bridge, wishing that others wishing to do similar things in Meta don't relent their efforts. To him, "Some people may look at this to be small but the impact it's going to create is huge."

Amongst the major beneficiaries of the renovated bridge are drivers. Chick David, former president of Mbengwi Driver's Union witnessed the handing over ceremony and had this remark to make "On behalf of the driver's, I'll say we are very happy because the bridge had dilapidated to a level where what's been done with it now was seriously needed. It now looks attractive such that any visitor doesn't even need to be told about it since the sign board says it all. What B.M.I has done has made us transporters to be proud of our Meta land, giving a positive impression to non natives who would obviously know that there's cooperation amongst us the Meta people."

As a proposal on where next B.M.I can intervene, Chick David suggested that they should concentrate their next efforts on the roads; not that all roads be fixed but that a particular very bad portion can be identified on any major road within the municipality and repaired. The renovation of the Abbi bridge was successfully carried out thanks to collaboration between B.M.I and the Mbengwi Council considering that such a project could never have been executed without the consent and approval of the council. 

Chick David, Former President, Mbengwi Driver's Union

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor, Mbengwi Council

It is for this reason that the mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Ndangsa Kennedy Akam was present to receive the renovated bridge. Talking to Mbengwi Online at the close of the ceremony, he said "In fact, I was overwhelmed with the activity of today; the handing over of the bridge to the council who's main objective is development for the Meta people and so when issues like this come up, we have no option than to okay them." Then he went on to say "If some people opt to help the council in one aspect of development, why not give them the way? That's just what we did and today we are receiving a magnificent Abbi Bridge that's been rehabilitated." He ended by congratulating Bongob Meta International for what they've done and appealing to other organisations of Meta origin to also emulate what B.M.I has done so that Meta by the year 2030 should be a place to be.  

Created in May 2019 by Mr. Walters Chamfor Ndi, former President  General of MECUDA U.S.A, Bongob Meta International first came into being as MECUDA International. The appellation "MECUDA" in its name sparked a conflict with the umbrella cultural and development association of the Meta people and to put an end to the name squabble, the new name Bongob Meta International was adopted. However, both B.M.I and MECUDA have been working in close collaboration to foster development in Meta land. The founder/coordinator of B.M.I is in MECUDA same as the past and present President General of MECUDA are in B.M.I alongside other EXCO members.

Walters Ndi, Coordinator of Bongob Meta International

Fobang Roland Achu, B.M.I Lead Volunteer

Fobang Roland Achu doubles as the current national Secretary General of MECUDA and B.M.I lead volunteer in Mbengwi. B.M.I executes it's projects on the ground by the use of volunteers it randomly picks from the crowd. Some of those they've been using include Ngwe Obed of Chenam, Munya Ephraim of Mbemi, Ngu Franklin of Ngwokwong, Fongoh p. Ayeh of Mbengbu, Dieudonne Fombang of Ku, Tebe Beatrice of Tuanyang just to name these few. As outlined by the lead volunteer, B.M.I's successfully executed projects include visit to Meta refugees in Nigeria with material donations for their economic empowerment on the 7th of July 2019. Thereafter, it's biggest ever project to economically empower some chosen palaces in Meta was also carried out in several phases and the last one is still pending. In December 2021, B.M.I organised a Christmas Tournament in Mbengwi aimed at rekindling hope in Meta. The trophy was lifted up by Bome F.C after defeating Tondig F.C at post match penalties during a crucial final that was played on Thursday December 23rd  2021 on P.S Mile 19 field. The renovation and handing over of the Abbi bridge is thus its latest success story recorded in impacting lives back home. 

The B.M.I lead volunteer opined that they chose to renovate the bridge because "The first impression is a lasting impression." He added that "Even if roads aren't good in Meta and as others have taken advantage to be degrading us, we remain a very strong and committed people that have decided to give a good image to people entering and or leaving Mbengwi subdivision, Meta land." On one side of the signboard planted at the bridge reads WELCOME TO ABBI BRIDGE & WATER FALL, META and on the other side, GOODBYE FROM ABBI BRIDGE & WATER FALL, META. Both are also inscribed in the Meta language. B.M.I spent close to 3 million francs to renovate the Abbi Bridge and more than half of this cost was borne by the coordinator of the group on behalf of some of his late family members.