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.