MECUDA 2022 A.G.M, Mbengwi is Ready. What of You?

Ahead of tomorrow's MECUDA Annual General Meeting dubbed "Home Coming" (after about six years of silence due to the Anglophone Crisis) to hold on the esplanade of the Mbengwi Palace, an Annual Delegates Meeting was held yesterday in the Conference Hall of the MECUDA Head Office in Mile 18, Ku-Bome involving delegates that came from the various MECUDA branches nationwide cutting across the youth and women wings of the association plus national bureau members and others. Branch reports were presented plus financial contributions and challenges faced. 

MECUDA Head Office, Mile 18 Ku-Bome, Mbengwi

Delegates' Meeting

The delegates meeting, held on Thursday December 15 2022 was preceded by a crisis meeting aimed at resolving the long standing dispute between the  villagers of Wumnebit, Chenam and Bessi Fomukong that had a negative effect on the recently realised pioneer MECUDA project under the current EXCO led by Prof. Njoh Oliver, that of rehabilitating the water scheme that supplies pipe borne water to these three villages. According to Fobang Roland Achu the MECUDA scribe, the crisis meeting ended with an amicable settlement amongst all three warring parties. 

It should be noted that prior to this year's AGM built for Saturday December 17 2022, considering that the content of the MECUDA account inherited from the previous EXCO that was headed by Ayaba Ado David had been emptied for the realisation of the Wumnebit, Chenam Bessi Fomukong water rehabilitation project and the running of other errands, considering that an AGM as such can never be successfully organised without finances, the present MECUDA P.G in a well calculated strategy to raise money for the A.G.M decided to appoint the National President of the Mbengwi Elements Development Association (MEDA), host of this year's MECUDA A.G.M in the person of Bar. Ndangoh Tah Calvin  as Chairman of a specially created fund raising committee. While the legal luminary did the chairing, Mr. Ndang Michael has been doing the collection of the funds. The exercise has been going on online for weeks now and as at this morning, a total of six million, one hundred and eighty three thousand, two hundred and twenty six (6.183.226) Frs has been raised with the lion's share coming from two anonymous sources that each contributed a million francs but opted not to be known. 

Session

It should be noted that when MECUDA Elections were organised last February 2022, Prof. Njoh Oliver and Maître Ndangoh Tah Calvin challenged each other for the post of President General. At the end, the former won just by a slight margin while the latter conceded defeat. At a time many thought the the relationship between the duo will be tensed after the exercise, surprisingly and interestingly, both have kept to their campaign promises they made to the electorate, that of working relentlessly for the interest of the Meta people not their personal interest whether winner or loser. The two have thus shown a perfect example to the hundreds of thousands of Meta people both at home and abroad that in politics, the golden rule must be public interest first before personal interest and that whether with a title/position or not, one who has the people's interest at heart will work. 

Mbengwi Online has observed that intensive work has been ongoing in Mbengwi village as the people of H.R.H Njokem A. Awah get set to receive the Meta people. From Mile 19 to Mile 20, both sides of the road have been thoroughly cleared. The Home Branch President of MEDA is Ndangsa Kennedy Akam who doubles as mayor of the Mbengwi Council. He's been at the forefront of preparative activities in his village. Speaking to Mbengwi Online yesterday, he disclosed that plans are being made to smoothen the roads by filling all potholes with laterite followed by compacting. 

Some MECUDA ExCo members with M.P for Mbengwi

In the past, each village that hosted a MECUDA A.G.M had something to benefit away from the economic boom that was often infrastructural development as a MECUDA Hall will be constructed in the host village and after the event the hall remains that of the village. Now that Mbengwi has a giant multipurpose hall already, what gift will MECUDA leave behind at the renovated Mbengwi palace whose totem is a rhizome? Prof. Njoh Oliver and his collaborators are thinking hard. 

Traditional dances will grease tomorrow's event and it is rumoured the Mukonge Dance Group of Barakwe, the Rainbow Village shall steal the show as H.R.H Bar. Teghen Humfred Takum has mobilised his xylophonists, drummers, singers, dancers cutting across men and women, boys and girls and even children to team up in one spirit and storm Mbengwi tomorrow dressed in leaves with marked bodies and ancient artifacts. It is going to be a come and see in Mbengwi tomrrow

 

At Maiden #AFFCameroon Conference, Fact Checkers Take Stock of Distance Covered

At Maiden #AFFCameroon Conference, Fact Checkers Take Stock of Distance Covered

"Towards a synergy of actions against mis/disinformation and the spread of hate speech for peace and sustainable development in Cameroon" is the theme under which the maiden national conference of the Africa Fact Checking Fellowship Cameroon was held. For two days, November 18 to 19 2022, about 200 key actors converged in Yaounde with the goal of Challenging Mis/Dis/Malinformation and Hate Speech in Cameroon. The two-day conference was held under the distinguished patronage of the Ministry of Communication, supported by UNESCO and Meta. 

Cross Section of Participants

According to studies, the democratisation of the use of I.C.Ts in Cameroon has greatly facilitated access to information and it's corollary, freedom of expression. However, in the absence of a standardized restrictive, regulatory and legal framework, the ability of an internet user to influence information, sociopolitical and security agenda of a community or state is enhanced through the proliferation of misleading speech, fabrication of information, photos, videos, deep fakes, troll sharing, creation of fake accounts, online scams, slanderous, hateful and dangerous speech on social media aimed at individuals and or inter ethnic communities. 

As such, given the situation in Cameroon, since 2019 till date, #defyhatenow initiated the Africa Fact-checking Fellowship - #AFFCameroon quarterly program which has been providing technical, pedagogical and functional support to over 100 journalists, bloggers and content creators drawn from eight out of the ten regions of Cameroon in online fact-checking and hate speech detection, data journalism and digital rights. 

H.E Philippe Van Damme is the European Union's ambassador to Cameroon. Addressing participants at the workshop, he called for intensification of the fight against fake news and hate speech, a call that was corroborated by Stephen Kovats, cofounder of r0g_agency who added that "We have a situation where people out there know that the majority of the population is not so much worried about how social media or news affects us. So they take advantage of those vacuums."

Ngala Desmond, Stephen Kovats & H.E Philippe Van Damme

The two day conference was marked by plenary, workshop and master class sessions on multiple relevant topics facilitated by experts from various domains like cyber security, civil society, democracy, peace amongst others. While facilitating on Reshaping the Practice of Journalism for the Promotion of Democracy and Peace, Investigative Journalism and the Media's Contribution to Conflict Mitigation, Viban Jude, National President of the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) encouraged all to just simply practice good journalism. As to what the association he heads has been doing to ensure this, he said "One of the major resolutions to be arrived at during our forthcoming general assembly meeting built for Yaounde this month end will be how to make entry into CAMESEJ difficult and exit easy."

To Ndi Tsembom Elvis, North West Chapter President of CAMASEJ, the proliferation of journalism groupings often stemming from almost each of the various training workshops by organisations and institutions or ministries  poses a great challenge to the solidification of the practice in Cameroon. However, to Viban, the main problem is not really the many disjointed groupings but the absence of an umbrella body like the Cameroon Union of Journalists to cover the rest, a vacuum that is to the advantage of the state. 

Plenary Session

Speaking at the close of the ceremony, Ngala Desmond, Executive Director of Civic Watch, a community based organisation empowering communities to counter hateful rhetorics both online and offline and Country Manager of #DefyHateNow for West and Central Africa said "We have taken cognizant of the fact that social media is playing a great role in shaping perceptions and even public discourse locally. That's why our mandate is not only limited to trained journalists but also the untrained that are now champions of citizen journalism as they publish information without any kind of mudguards."

Before closing the conference, some carefully selected fellows were awarded certificates of excellence for outstanding achievement in meeting up to the expectations of #DefyHateNow/Civic Watch. Hemes Ngwa, Mbuh Stella and Maikem Emmanuella  were recognised as Independent Specialised Fact Checkers in Health, Society, Conflict and Violence respectively while Doh Bertrand of the Guardian Post newspaper and Marthe Ndiang of Data Cameroon were recognised as Best Media Fact Checkers. Frank William Batchou emerged as winner of Most Impactful Report following a publication he did in March 2020 titled "No, the U.S Senate has not taken any action against Cameroon." Lastly, a Special Prize for the Youngest and Most Engaged Fellow was given to Arthur César Njitchou Nkwa.

#DefyHateNow/Civic Watch Team Being 

               Appreciated for Job Well Done

The pioneer #AFFCameroon national conference ended with the formation of an alumni whose executive bureau shall be made of fellows from the various cohorts and its task shall be to coordinate all past trainees to continue with the hate speech and fake news fight, this time around with little influence from #DefyHateNow/Civic Watch.

Mbengwi Elements Development Association (MEDA) Goes Back Home

Mbengwi Elements Development Association (MEDA) Goes Back Home

For over five years now since the advent of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis in late 2016, nearly all Village Development Associations in the Meta clan have not been holding Annual General Meetings in their respective villages again.  A majority of such have either gone dormant or been active from Bamenda, Buea, Douala, Yaounde etc. In fact, the South West region has since become the safe haven for most Meta groupings. Even the umbrella development association of the entire clan known as MECUDA plus its youth and women wings including the Meta Student's Association are yet to hold any AGM or convention back home  since 2016.

The major setback to the holding of such meetings on homeland has been insecurity stemming from the crisis. However, there's been a gradual diminishing of this setback and consequently, a few are beginning to step foot back home though still with much caution. The Mbengwi Elements Development Association (MEDA) has recently set the pace for others to follow. After several years of holding their AGMs from town to town thus excluding the villagers back home who are the main beneficiaries of almost every developmental plan of the association, MEDA has this October 2022 returned home. 

Villagers in the Mbengwi Palace Hall. Photo Credit: Anoh Jerome

Meeting in the Mbengwi palace hall on Saturday October 22 2022, there wasn't even space to swing a cat as nearly all the villagers back home that constitute MEDA Home Branch rallied to talk about the way forward with regards to development in the village that had for a while been stagnant. In attendance were some heavy weights of the association that came in from the urban towns, the Mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Ndangsa Kennedy Akam and the highest traditional authority of the village, H.R.H Njokem A. Awah.

Deliberations during the enlarged MEDA Home Branch meeting centred on development, culture and education. It was resolved that come the next academic year, every measure will have to must be put in place to ensure Government Nursery and Primary School Wumtaw and Government Secondary School Mbengwi Rural fully go operational. It was also revealed that a Mukonge dance group has been formed in the village and shall in the month of January 2023 partake in its first ever competition against other Mukonge Dance groups drawn from Sang, Barakwe, Kai, Mbemi, Bome and Bossa during a cultural festival that will take place in the palace of Guneku organised by Germany based H.R.H Dr. Fomuki W. Ticha. 

Some Notables

MEDA National President & Fon of Mbengwi

One of the major highlights during the meeting was the reading of a Royal Decision in which six new members were appointed into the Mbengwi Village Traditional Council, some of whom shall in turn serve as Mbengwi Fon's Representative in their respective towns. They were Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin, MEDA National President, Emmanuel Asah, Njoh Roland Ndam, Yaya Francis Lacbane, Njoh Chrisantus Ticha, Baymoh Awara Benjamin and Tamunang Rudolf Njoh. 

The Decision further stipulated that they shall take part in deliberations of the traditional council and enjoy the same privileges as members of the said council and that the current members of the traditional council still remain in place. Attendees at the meeting returned home with cubes of soap and some salt in appreciation of their presence. The token was from the newly appointed members of the traditional council.

H.R.H Njokem A. Awah was caught and enthroned as new Fon of Mbengwi by the kingmakers after performing all the traditional rituals like climbing up and down the hill and dancing round on the palace esplanade. This was on Saturday 2nd September 2017 and he has since then not been officially presented to the public because of the crisis. The presentation ceremony day is now in the pipeline, soon to be made public and intensive underground preparations are ongoing. 

Newly Installed & Old Councillors

It will be a grand ceremony to finally wipe away the tears and delete the memories of that fateful Sunday July 9 2017, a day never to be remembered. It was at dawn that a  mighty storm blew pass, shattering the hearts of the Mbengwi villagers and those of Kai in particular and the entire Meta clan in general. The then Fon Mark Akam of Kai and Njokem Thaddeus of Mbengwi were being driven to Yaounde for a meeting and along the way, precisely at Bantoum, near Tonga in the West region, something unheard of happened, prohibiting them from continuing the journey. They had to make a u-turn and returned home through their willed successors that are today continuing to uphold the legacies of their father. 

How MECUDA P.G, Prof. Njoh Oliver Brokered Peace with an Embittered V.D.A

How MECUDA P.G, Prof. Njoh Oliver Brokered Peace with an Embittered V.D.A

In February 2022, Prof. Njoh Oliver became the new President General of the Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA), taking over from Pa Ayaba David Ado who thanks to the Anglophone Crisis, established a record as the longest serving MECUDA P.G, 2013 - 2022. 

During the campaign trail in December 2021, Prof. Njoh Oliver toured some parts of Meta and Chenam was one of the palaces visited where he and his delegation known as the Renaissance Team disclosed their plan of action to the Mbeh of Chenam and his notables. It was during this meeting that the august guest was tasked to reveal what the people of Chenam will stand to gain should he, the aspirant become P.G and the promise made to the people was water and road. 

MECUDA P.G Prof. Njoh Oliver (L) & Fon of Bessi Fomukong (R) at a Stand Tap Near the Palace

Some other happenings classified to be mysticism and mysticism occurred in the course of the deliberations like the falling off the hands of a bitter kola from Ma Tebe Beatrice's hands and rolling towards the Fon, the coincidental bringing in of a special squirrel (eusengeuh) eaten only by the fon to the palace by a hunter just when the visiting delegation was around and the drinking of palm wine by the campaign team members from the Chenam Royal Cup. 

Upon leaving the palace, Prof. Njoh was assured that he will win the election. When the online voting took place thereafter, precisely on the 29th of January 2022 and results later released by the Electoral Commission a couple of days after, Prof. Njoh Oliver emerged winner. The new EXCO will later be officially installed in Buea on Saturday February 26th 2022 and consequently, it was time for the varsity don to begin fulfilling his campaign promises. 

This is how the new P.G had to realise the first project of his mandate in the Tondig zone of the Meta clan, the rehabilitation of the Wumnebit-Chenam-Bessi Fomukong water scheme. The new leadership had promised transparency in projects execution reason why from time to time, updates were given in the MECUDA WhatsApp forum accompanied with videos, pictures, receipts and voice notes on the progress of the project realisation. 

The beneficiary villages were expected to contribute a percentage of the total estimated budget cost while MECUDA provides the lion's share. Unfortunately, according to the P.G, the response from the beneficiary villages was poor and so MECUDA had to end up spending above what had been earmarked. 

Population of Beneficiary Villages Working at Project Site in Wumnebit

Having completed its first project, the P.G and home branch executive on Wednesday October 19 2022 went down to the field for official handing over of the rehabitated water scheme to the population. When images of the exercise were later published online, a "scuffle" erupted as dissenting voices through voice notes started coming in from some Bessi Fomukong elites, accusing MECUDA of lying that they've supplied water to Bessi. 

Discussions went sour and even the fon of Bessi Fomukong that's still trying to acquaint himself with social media usage was dragged into the debate as a video of him standing at a dry tap near the palace and a recorded phone call of his chat with a subject in which foul language was used against the neighbouring Fon of Chenam were brought to the public square, social media. Tempers flared while peace brokers kept calling for a "ceasefire". The fon of Chenam later made it known that the concerned realised his mistake an apologised to him.

Just when the sun was about setting, another spark erupted as a newspaper, Breaking News Bilingue, Edition No. 185 of October 24 carried a headline on its front page that  "As taps are yet to flow, Bessi Fomukong queries an opaque MECUDA Executive, urges them to rebuild trust." Like season 2 of a blockbuster movie, sleeping dogs were again not allowed to lie and so they got up and started barking. 

Things got sour with demands for the naming and shaming of he/she that took the matter to a newspapers while others defended that he who's never faltered should cast the first stone. Things were almost getting out of hand till Mr. Tembu Divine, the National President of the Bessi Fomukong Cultural and Development Association, BEFCUDA that initiated the vocal exchanges on the water project had to distance himself from the newspaper publications and washed off his hands like Pontus Pilate. 

Newspaper Publication that Sparked a Roar

He regretted that an in-house disagreement amongst family brothers that had to end just within them resolving it had to be carried to the media. In denying knowing anything about the said publication, Mr. Tembu Divine said "My brothers and sisters, before God and man, my hands are clean. I know nothing about this newspaper publication. I've never discussed our internal squabble here with any journalist."

In the course of all the debates, the MECUDA P.G kept his calm and never threw back stones at all who were attacking him and his executive. Even video footages he published of his various recent tours across many Meta villages and fondoms were still disregarded. Calm and order was finally  reinstated and has been reigning since then after the MECUDA P.G Prof. Njoh Oliver finally delivered a message on the subject which he titled 

WHEN TWO BROTHERS ARE FIGHTING, THE EMERGENCY IS NOT TO FIND OUT WHO IS WRONG OR RIGHT

Bongob, greetings to you all. The situation in hand, resembles the title above. We are simply causing now a storm in a tea cup or like someone said above, building mountains out of ant hills. It's very bad to find brothers fighting. In such a case, the first remedy is to separate the fight, whoever was wrong will be judged after in order to bring peace amongst them. 

The author of the so called, news paper article in BREAKING NEWS, has been condemned and reprimanded vehemently by the elites of his village, Bessi Fomukong and the VDA president came out yesterday in a disclaimer and also condemned and distant himself from it.  Talking lies about our association to public place is so bad, inciting one Fon against another is bad, pushing a brother into using wrong words, only to tape and forward, are all wrong doings of the same author. 

Newly Constructed Storage Tank by MECUDA in Wumnebit

All of these have been condemned. The basic fact is, there is no major problem with the said water project. Putting off the hands of the underworld  and the little work that our brothers of Bessi have agreed to tidy on the line, will solve the current intermittent  flow of water to a constant flow and maintenance and nothing much. We must first stop this unnecessary fight, call for peace and then see into the root causes to advert a similar future fight.

We should stop fighting to know who paid the news paper to publish lies, many of you knew him and are just fanning flames for this unnecessary fight to go on. The truth is that, the Water project and the VDA president are only unfortunate victims of pre-existing problems. A long standing misunderstanding exists between Bessi and Chenam and has been clearly manifested in the course of these recent wranglings.

Secondly, I have been reliably informed that a misguided broadcast over CBS Radio Bamenda in the Meta language, after the recent MECUDA/VDA Presidents meeting in Bafoussam, outraged the Bessi Fomukong people causing them to completely boycott participation in the water project. Thirdly, the several misguided messages, videos and phone calls posted on social media and then this news paper article, are just the fallouts of this situation. 

I thank my brother, Barrister Ndangoh, who lead the delegation to see things on the field. To my brother Tembu, VDA president, I say sorry for the stress and Pa Tah and the people of Bessi, I pray you not to loose hope., Water is flowing but not well yet in Bessi. I had discussions yesterday with Angob Tembu and then Pa Tah, during which we found common grounds and the very simple way forward that was missed. All is well. 

Fon of Mbengwi, H.R.H Njokom A. Awa Drinking from a Stand Tap in Wumezeh Quarter, Bessi Fomukong

Water Flowing from a Stand Tap in Wumezeh Quarter, Bessi Fomukong 

To the exco of MECUDA General, I say courage, we should consider that the catchment has been reconstructed, a new 15 cubic meter water tank built and water pulled down to Wumezi quarter in Bessi where an uninterrupted water is flowing now. My people of Bessi will then do their intra village distribution of the water and case closed. To the Meta people, I pray us to be peace builders, in our intentions, speech and activities. To those who have done wrong, repent. Our peaceful living as a people, will bring development in our dear clan.

Long live the Fons

Long live MECUDA

Long live Metaland.

 P.G MECUDA

Meta Artists to Contest for 500.000F in Douala

Meta Artists to Contest for 500.000F in Douala

The pioneer grand general assembly of Meta Artists' Association  will take place in Douala on Sunday 30th October 2022. MAA was formed at the beginning of the year 2022 with a pioneer Executive Council meeting held in Limbe in February. 

The come together will thus see musicians, videographers, film makers, actors/actresses, MCs designers,etc of Meta origin rallying at Hotel Royal Palace, Ancient Route, Bonaberi in Douala to discuss on issues pertaining to the association. 

The general assembly meeting will also provide room for the realisation of the first ever Meta Artists' Association Awards dubbed M-Cube where contestants shall be scrambling to emerge winner in any of the various categories. 

Meta Artists Association EXCO After Meeting in Limbe, February 2022

A cash amount of 500.000F has been kept for the award by the association's president, Seta Withgodep Wiertz as his own little way to encourage his peers in the entertainment industry to gain from their skills and arts. 

In total, there are 8 categories out of which just a winner will emerge per category and be awarded a certificate of achievement plus a cash prize of 50.000F

For Best M.C, just one member of the association went in, that is Munya Romanus otherwise known as Uncle Rommy. For Best Logo Designer, Tarh Macniel alias Papa Special shall be challenging Fombi Alexander alias Iceman Alex. The winner will see his logo officially adopted as the logo of the Meta Artists' Association, MAA.

Another category will be Best Comedy Skit. Here, Tarh Macniel alias Papa Special shall be competing with Jema Theophile while Wasi Fathes, Ennih Jeanet and Jean Claude shall be competing in the category of Best Videographer. 

The awards will become tougher in the category of Best Freestyler where Achu Amang alias Hans Fadigal, Nih Bertrand alias Beto Fox, Wizprince Zwetingoh and Njokom Omri popularly known as Forkeh shall be clashing

Seta Withgodep Wiertz, President, Meta Artists Association, Donor of 500.000F Cash Prizes for the Awards

There will also be a Best Gospel Artist category where Ngwe Edith Fon,  Ennih Jeanette and Akaragwe Jenevieve Ijang have tabled in their works for evaluation. The category with the highest number of contestants is  Best Collabo (a song done by two or more artists). Here, Denis Dino,  Morikang Divine, Mugri Clovis, Ngwe Edith Fon, Fombi Alexander, Akaragwe Jenevieve and Njokom Omri shall be competing. 

The winner of each of the aforementioned categories will each receive 50.000F. There's just a single category with a bigger prize of 100.000F and that is Best Cultural Artist. Competition is expected to be strongest here based on the amount and the competitors involved; Denis Dino, Morikang Divine, Ngwe Edith Fon, Iceman Alex, Beto Fox, Akaragwe Jenevieve and Forke. Who is going to carry home the elephant prize?

The selection of winners per category shall be done by a special jury headed by Amuoh Anthony Sunday artistically known as Tony Little. Other renowned names expected to be at the event will be Daddy Black, Aunty Queen (the Vice President of the Association), Fongoh p. Ayeh, Meta elites and lovers/supporters of Meta artists based in Douala, Yaounde, Buea, Limbe and beyond. 

According to the association's president, this is just a little award to wet the artist's appetite and encourage them to worker harder for competition breeds good content. He says from the success of this pioneer edition, inspiration shall be gathered to organise the second edition that will have to must take place on home soil in Mbengwi, likely at Abbi Fall Resort and by then, the figures will be in millions as their doors will be open for other associations, organizations and individuals at home and abroad to come in as sponsors or partners. 

The forthcoming maiden come together of Meta artists built for Sunday October 30th 2022 will according to plans, end with an all night hang out at Royal Crown VIP Snack still at Ancient Route Bonaberi, managed by a renowned Meta artist, Teghen Marvin popularly known as DJ Praudo.

Back to School 2022: TADERCAM Foundation Orphanage Gifts Kits to Kids

Back to School 2022: TADERCAM Foundation Orphanage Gifts Kits to Kids

To better equip the children being catered for by the orphanage for the 2022/2023 academic year, the management of TADERCAM Foundation Orphanage located at Mile 19 Mbengwi on Saturday 3rd September 2022 carried out a distribution exercise of writing materials like books, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers among others including balls. The donation ceremony that has now become a yearly event was started in the year 2021.

Speaking on behalf of Tah Derick, the founder of the orphanage, Mr Mukumu Julius, Vice President of the Management Board disclosed that the foundation was founded some four years back to cater for underprivileged children aged between 5 and 10. In his words, "This program is aimed at taking the less privileged children to a permanent place where their basic needs will be supplied and to change them physically, mentally and psychologically."

Pastor Abanda Edwin is the Chaplain and Field Supervisor of the orphanage. Speaking to Mbengwi Online, he affirmed they know and are cognizant of the fact that it's a very tedious program that they're carrying out but they hope that with the benevolent people of Meta, lovers of the destitute, well wishers will come to the aid of the children.

As to the challenges being faced, he said they are many such as lodging but since a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, they hope to in the nearest future have a school where the children can have adequate education. Pastor Abanda Edwin ended by thanking those who've been passing around to visit, encourage and support the children while encouraging others to also pass round and tap their blessings from the children who committed no crime but are orphaned today because of the ongoing Anglophone crisis.

TADERCAM Foundation Orphanage is located in a locally fenced structure in Mile 19 where Madam Rose Asombang has as daily task, the responsibility to serve as matron of the kids. Quizzed about their basic needs, she mentioned clothing and feeding plus water and firewood for cooking. She herself is a mother of 7 children and it is this her experience of bringing up children that she is using at the TADERCAM Foundation Orphanage thus making the task relatively easier for her.

Mbengwi Council Donates Two Trucks and Cash to PWDs

Mbengwi Council Donates Two Trucks and Cash to PWDs

Some Persons living with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Mbengwi municipality have received financial support from the Mbengwi Council. In the afternoon of Wednesday September 8 2022, the Mbon motor park played host to the ceremony that saw 15 selected PWDs each receiving an envelop with an undisclosed amount inside probably for security reasons though we later learnt from a source at the council that each envelope contained the sum of 50.000F CFA.

Some two other persons considered to be vulnerable; Ngoh Nicholas and Ayire Roselle each received a brand new truck. The duo are popular truck pushers in Mbengwi. Speaking to Mbengwi Online at the close of the event, Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor of the Mbengwi Council said "There is a card that comes from the Ministry of Social Affairs annually to all councils in Cameroon to cater for the needs of PWDs. What the Mbengwi Council used to do in the past years was buying of white canes and tricycles but this year, we decided to give them financial assistance because it'll help them to run some small businesses"

Beneficiaries & Mbengwi Council Administration

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor, Mbengwi Council

Nigang Regina is a visually impaired mother from Zang Tembeng. After receiving her envelope, she expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Social Affairs for thinking about them through the council. She is renowned for the sale of gateaux at Hilltop, Gunenung and at times cooked food especially koki. To her this money will help improve on her business as she plans to also engage in the keeping of table birds.

Nji Theresa is also visually impaired. Just like Regina, she also thanked the donors. She said "This will go a long way to wipe tears from my eyes because when I seat doing nothing, I think to much." She added that before now, she's been keeping pigs and fowls and as such, the financial support given to her will assist her buy feed.

On Easter Sunday April 4th 2021 gunmen believed to be non state armed fighters stormed the Mbon motor park around the evening and assassinated Ngum Mabel at her business place where she was selling roasted fish. It turned out that the victim was the beloved daughter of Mami Nji Theresa. She whaled over her daughter lying in her own pool of blood, unfortunate victim of the Anglophone crisis, senseless war as others call it. If tears could bring her back, Ma Theres as she's fondly called would've cried a river. It became the worst thing that ever happened in her life, worst than her blindness. Today, she's the one catering for the well being of her grand children left behind by her daughter.

Nigang Regina, Visually Impaired Benefiary

Nji Theresa, Visually Impaired Beneficiary

Nji Theresa's story is just one in the many agonies PWDs face in the course of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. Reach out programs like the recent one organised by the Mbengwi Council take place once in a while. When they come up, the PWDs smile and few days after, they're back to face their daily realities of near abandonment and neglect. That notwithstanding, some of them are also guilty of abusing opportunities that have been created to empower them. By now, some would've likely squandered all the money they received and are waiting again for the next help to come their way.

It is for this reason that the Momo Divisional Chief of social affairs, Madam Afungang Jeanette was present at the donation ceremony to school the beneficiaries on the need to be responsible. She regretted that even some PWDs fall prey to uniform officers posted to work in Mbengwi. She cited a case where one was impregnated and the management of the Mbengwi District Hospital had no option than to foot her bills since the officer had been transfered and the victim knew nothing on his whereabout.

 

Mbengwi Council Executive Donating Truck to Ngoh Nicholas and Ayire Roselle

Afungang Jeanette, Chief of Social Centre, Mbengwi

Mbengwi Council Executive

HRM Fon Tabi Teghencha X Congratulates Newly Elected ZATACUDA National Bureau

On Saturday 27th August 2022, sons and daughters of Zang Tabi village drawn from across the national territory of Cameroon rallied in the MECUDA Buea hall for a revival meeting that saw a new national bureau of the Zang Tabi Cultural and Development Association, ZATACUDA being put in place made up of:

Njem Felix - President 

Agwe Lucas - 1st Vice President

Mbamwi Stephen - 2nd Vice President

Njem Elvis - Secretary General

Tah Morris - Assistant Secretary General

Mbanwi Sarah - Financial Secretary

Techoro Alice - Treasurer

Agha Elvis - Cultural Secretary

Fon Gideon - Public Relations Officer

Tabi Ernest - Social Secretary Male

Wujang Herietta - Social Secretary Female

Tamanji Micah - Youth Coordinator

Odilia Nung - Women Coordinator

Fombi Sylvester - Project Officer

After the election, the fon of Zang Tabi village has addressed a congratulatory message to the new bureau as seen below.

H.R.M Fon Tabi Teghencha X, Fon of Zang Tabi Village

ZATACUDA Elective Revival Meeting

Congratulations from H.R.M Fon Tabi Teghencha X to the Newly Elected ZATACUDA National Bureau

The Outgoing ZATACUDA National Executive,

The Incoming  ZATACUDA National Executive,

My Dear Zang-Tabians,

From every indication, our generation is positioned to be one of the greatest generations of Zang-Tabians that are peace loving, working extremely hard and are looking up to great things from our land. That is, one of the best things ever betrothed to us by our ancestors.

Few days ago, a representative elective general assembly of the Zang Tabi Cultural and Development Association (ZATACUDA) was held to elect a new National Bureau. The elections, I was informed, took place in Buea under a serene, fair, transparent, brotherly, and sisterly love for one another.

I also learned, the organization of the elections was stunning and has echoed positively beyond the geographical area of Buea to all Meta Citizens worldwide. That is the kind of leadership we must continue to provide for the Meta people.

Thank you also to all the Zang-Tabians resident in Buea and environs, and all our brothers and sisters that displaced themselves from far and wide to participate in this elections. It is very historic in every aspect and I Thank You Buea ZATACUDA Branch, for your usual generosity and hospitality. That is also, the true spirit of Zang-Tabians, and we shall all continue to work hard to protect this teamwork and ensure, ZATACUDA grows from strength to strength.

As a people, I will also wish we could always focus on the Biblical verse of Colossians 3:12-14 which says “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity”.

In this regard, I will also wish to use this opportunity to extend my fervent congratulations to "Eghekeng" Ni Charles Ndang and his out going executive for a job well done in the past several years. They were in office during very difficult moments for the people of Zang Tabi and with the current socio-political and economic situations; no one knew exactly how to have led a development and cultural organization as big as ZATACUDA during these challenging times. But "Eghekeng" Ni Charles and team were able to navigate through and today, our ZATACUDA is standing strong and ready to thrive.

"Eghekeng" Charles, be assured that your leadership, achievements, and the added value that your team brought into ZATACUDA will go down into the good book of history. "Mo’oh nah miyaka noh noh. Awoo-yi-kwaah-mbang echu-taan!" To the incoming ZATACUDA Bureau, on behalf of the peoples of Zang Tabi, please accept my sincerest congratulations on your success in the recently organized 2022 elections.

We appreciate your hard work and commitment to serving ZATACUDA. As a matter of fact, no one lost in this election. We all won in the elections and shall work as one team to uplift our people from poverty, hunger, lack of education, poor healthcare, etc. As you already know, our village land is fertile and has all the enabling environment  that needs to be exploited at a better and modern level. I for one, have put in efforts to build some pilot projects which are already showing some good yields and should serve as an example to our many youths out of the village, currently suffering under disguise unemployment.

Ladies and gentlemen, "Eghekeng" Njem Felix is the newly elected President General of ZATACUDA. I trust he will do his utmost best. He has the composure, education, experience, and the right frame of mind. Our good Lord has selected him, and he has agreed to take on these enormous responsibilities on behalf of our peoples. We must all respect him and give him all our support.

"Eghekeng" Felix, I urge you and your team to always work towards peace, creativity, togetherness and inspire our peoples in many ways such as the following:

1) We need a head count of every Zang-Tabians (woman, man or kid) living all over the world and encourage them to participate in development activities back home.

2) Our village needs to spearhead the Meta culture as God has made it so to be.

3) Our village traditional council needs to be restructured and to put in place a new team to facilitate the works of ZATACUDA.

4) Our village needs more people to go to school at all levels and  learn more trades.

5) Our people need to construct decent houses and have a reliable electricity grid

6) Our people are hard working and need entrepreneurial inspirations to uplift them from poverty.

7) Our village has fertile lands and needs more people to do modern farming and make Zang the bread basket in Meta.

8) Our village needs to be dis-enclaved and old roads maintained.

9) Our people are all over the world and we need to encourage them to construct houses back at home and invest in the village.

10) Our people need to work closely with all other Meta Cultural associations.

The list is quite long, but together, we can make it happen. Growing, our village is something I know, you "Eghekeng" Njem Felix know how to make it happen. I and the "Kwifor" will also standby you to ensure, we make our village the number one in the communities of Meta villages. These are great responsibilities and with our trust in God, we shall overcome them.

Finally, the Meta Cultural and Development Association (MECUDA) is bouncing back and hope it continues in the spirit of bringing our brothers and sisters together in peace, and love to build the Meta Clan. When we look at how our ancestors constituted the Meta Clan, we find that it stands out from all other tribes. The Meta people are one large group of people, with over 90% originating from Gwokwe, Zangmbeng, Zangnuh, Baad (all present day Zang-Tabi village) consisting of the Bonjohs, Mendigs, and the Mundams, administering themselves in different Meta villages but living together as one great people preserving and promoting the commonwealth of the Meta people.

I also urge all our Meta Fons not to miss out on the many opportunities coming our way to serve our people and to work with the new MECUDA Executive, such that, we succeed as a people of one heritage and one destiny.

God bless the newly elected National Executive of ZATACUDA,

God bless the people of Zang-Tabi and

God bless the Meta Clan.

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.