Mbengwi Council Mayoral Aspirants: Who's Who?

Mbengwi Council Mayoral Aspirants: Who's Who?

The February 9th 2020 twin elections in Cameroon ended with a resounding victory for the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement as the party swept nearly all councils and parliamentary seats. After winning the councils, the game has now moved to the next level as the scramble to be mayor is in full gear.

While in some council areas, celebrations are already taking place following the voting into office of new mayors and their deputies, in other areas hearts are still panting as last minute campaigns and consultations are being rounded off. The Mbengwi Council will on Tuesday February 24th 2020 elect a mayor to manage the council till 2025. So far, three persons are said to have declared their intention. As such, the political Maradonas of Mbengwi are now negotiating the last gymnastics to secure victory. Who are they?

Foncham Elias Kimbeng

Among those eyeing the top seat is Foncham Elias Kimbeng, current principal of nonfunctional GBHS Mbengwi. Very little is known about him in terms of political achievements on the political landscape of Mbengwi  but for that he's been a staunch card carrying CPDM militant for many years. Foncham is more of the intellectual than political class. https://www.linkedin.com/in/foncham-elias-kimbeng-13558710a profiles him better. For now, he's seemingly the "weakest" candidate albeit politics is a game that springs surprises so he's in no way a force not to reckon with. Should the competition become to stiff between to of the three aspirants, Foncham may be seen as a neutral candidate for the job to make amends so that the party doesn't break  loose after the voting exercise.

There's also Fomundam Eric Awandeh popularly known as "Vandam", a household name in the entire Mbengwi. From all the nukes and crannies of the entire Mbengwi sub division, the personality and if not the  name "Vandam" is well known among all.

Strengths

Sometimes in the past, Fomundam Eric went abroad and came back from there with heavy money. He soon became a philanthropist, donating hundreds of bags of cement here and there to support community development endeavours. He also built and maintained bridges. He opened up public taps in Mbengwi and made free water available to the population. At times he shared money (clean banknotes) to people and crates of drinks. In those days, Brasseries drinks were still in full circulation. 

Fomundam Eric

Fomundam Eric from these his enormous humanitarian actions measured to the tune of hundreds of millions spent on the people when he was "nobody" will then be made national president of the Bome Area Development Association (BADA). Later, the Meta Fon's Union (MEFU) offered him the title of "Tomfon". By now he hadn't shown the people any political colours. While some went questioning the source of his money and expressing fears, others went consuming it giving a damn about any consequences.

Prior to the 2013 twin elections, Eric will then show his political face. He might have nursed political ambitions or might have been cornered by politicians to make use of his fame for political gains. That's how he got to start militating with the CPDM and was immediately presented as a parliamentary candidate. Unfortunately he lost as SDF carried the day. From thence his fame started dwindling till date. 

Thus his supporters now see his candidacy as compensation for all his past losses. Many say for the CPDM to have taken over the Mbengwi council from the SDF was thanks to him yet at the end of the game, he emerged best loser, used and dumped. It is alleged he was tricked to aim high by vying for parliament without even beginning from the base as a councillor. Now that he's back to the base, his adversaries feel threatened.

A google search of his name shows that he's a writer with three books/novels to his credit published on https://www.amazon.com/Fomundam-Eric-Awandeh/e/B008YGRG5E%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share. Unfortunately, this has always sparked debates as to the intrigues surrounding his publications on amazon considering the educational level and lifestyle of the said author. Apart from these, there's nothing again on social media that gives any information about him.

Sanji Joseph Achu, CPDM Momo 1 Section President

Lastly his relative Minister Mbah Acha née Fomundam Rose is now on the plum tree. Blood they say is thicker than water. Within the CPDM, those at the top often determine who is who, where especially at the bottom. So his family connection alone to the minister puts him on a big advantage over others. Again, he seems closer to the Momo 1 Section president, Joseph Sanji Achu than the other two candidates. Though absent from the political field since the Anglophone crisis started, Ni Joe's opinion still very much counts within the party. If he is for "Vandam" who can be against him?

Weaknesses

No human being is perfect. No doubt his adversaries have been capitalising on his weaknesses and advancing them as justifiable reasons to disqualify him as mayor. First, they call him a scammer, that he travelled out, struck a shady deal and rushed back home with money from a doubtful source to spray and show off. They say that's why his money got finished till he  descended from riding a multimillion range rover to trekking. 

Though there's no law that says a mayor must be educated and speaks good grammar, Vandam's opponents say he's not educated to intellectually qualify for such a position. They add that apart from not being too educated, he's not having common sense and can't  speak convincingly as a politician. To his supporters, these are baseless reasons to discredit him. To them, a council has a secretary general and municipal treasurer trained by the state to assist mayors realise their projects. These are those who do the main documented works and not the mayor, they add.

Mbengwi Council Buildimg

At some point in his life, Fomundam Eric started gambling reason why his challengers question that "How can someone who plays PariFoot and Tiercé become a mayor?" In addition, they say he moves from bar to bar drinking palm wine with commoners. This makes him an adventurer that isn't fit to handle such a position. These are capitalised now and the reason is clear, politics.

Lastly, they say he's an escapee, an absentee landlord. When things became rough following the increase of lock downs, ghost towns, gun exchanges etc in Mbengwi, he disappeared to Douala with his entire family. Therefore, if he had braved the odds to stay back like others, he would've gained some points but the fact that he escaped means should there be any impending danger tomorrow, he will again disappear, abandoning the council. His coming back to Mbengwi now is interpreted as being because of his mayoral ambitions. This, contrary to the incumbent mayor who stayed with the people throughout till date.

Challenges

Considering that the incumbent didn't perform poorly during her mandate, Eric will have to  work harder to unseat her. Women have more  advantages these days when they stand for an elective position with men. The incumbent seemingly has a good following that will be difficult to dissuade and like said, "the devil one knows is better than the angel one doesn't." Eric has to convince popular opinion and dissuade many from thinking that he's coming to milk the council coffers to make up for what he lost in the past. 

Tebe Beatrice née Mbamuku Nduku

And now the incumbent, mayor Tebe Beatrice née Mbamuku Nduku. She was installed as the first ever female mayor of the Mbengwi council on December 10th 2013 by N.W governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique. Since then, she's remained astute and consistent in executing her functions till date. She's seeking reelection for a second mandate.

Strengths

Being a woman gives her more advantage over her male counterparts. The advocacy for more women in politics these days favours her. During her five years mandate plus one additional, she was performant not dormant. Compared to past mayors that handled the council, Mayor Tebe Beatrice reportedly realised much more better developmental projects for her municipality.

Through partnerships with PNDP, MECUDA, HIMO, REFELACam etc and from the council budget, she constructed a feed mill, a mortuary and chapel, a new slaughter house in G.R.A, a new cattle market in Acha Tugi and rehabilitated the Mbon market, GNS Njindom, GSS Nyen, a milk extraction house in Wumsom, equipping of electrical workshop in G.T.C Zang Tabi, supply of equipment to Munam Integrated Health Centre just to name these few. She also installed solar street lights in her municipality and was about rehabilitating roads within Mbengwi central with pavement bricks before the election period caught her.

GS Nyen Constructed by the Council 

If experience is anything to go by then she beats her opponents. Throughout her tenure, she's gained the necessary acquaintance with the functions of a municipal authority. It's now time to fully work as a mayor and only a second mandate can do this. Popular opinion holds that she be maintained though her fate lies in the hands of councillors not the public.

Throughout the crisis, Tebe Beatrice remained on the ground with the people facing the excesses of both belligerents in the conflict together with them through ghost towns, shutdowns, gunshots etc. It's even rumoured she's been threatened, kidnapped yet she's never escaped to stay in another town like her two challengers who just came back home from their hideouts and may likely return to where they were if the results don't favour them. As a result of the crisis, the Batibo, Widikum, Andek and Njikwa councils in Momo division had to shutdown as their mayors and councillors took to their heels yet mayor Tebe stayed put. Mbengwi council has never been closed, all council sessions have been held. It's an unbeatable record she established. While men flee, the woman remained.

Weaknesses

Tebe Beatrice seems to have created more enemies than friends throughout her mandate. It is said uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. She might have been fighting for the people when most of her close aids rather had their interests in their stomachs. Such accuse her of "chopping" alone and so will want her out at all cost. They expected the mayor to make things go round but she seems to have  worked only with herself or a few.

Her ascension to power is said to have been surrounded by controversies. Many still don't comprehend how she left the hospital as a nurse and rose straight to becoming a mayor when other old brooms had been in the party nursing such ambitions. 

Mbon Motor Park

There are other accusations against the incumbent mayor but most centre on individual grudges especially from those who had wanted to make personal gains through her being in office. As they failed the next thing is to give a dog a bad name and hang it. Her stay at the helm of the council for the next five years now depends on how fast she reconciles with most if not all her "enemies". If personal interests and grudges could be kept aside and the opinions of many inhabitants in and out of Mbengwi considered, Tebe Beatrice merits a second mandate.

Challenges

No mayor has headed the Mbengwi council for more than a mandate since the introduction of multipartism. Mayor Tebe will have to go an extra mile to beat this order. She has two strong male challengers that may end up conniving into an alliance so as to overcome her. 

Ama Tutu Muna, One time Minister of Arts and Culture

As the countdown to Tuesday 24th February 2020 narrows, tensions keep increasing. With the puting in place of decentralisation and special statues, involving more money and more autonomy for local councils, never has the combat to be mayor been this highly competitive within the Mbengwi council. There are expectations that more surprises might still spring up. While the trio are doing everything within their reach to secure the seat, others are backing them up because should they win, they will be made deputies. As such the councillors are now in dispersed ranks. Mbengwi Online is following.

Red Alert: Bushfires Burning Bushy Schools

Red Alert: Bushfires Burning Bushy Schools 

Fire they say is a good servant but a bad master. Following the shutting down of many schools in the restive two English speaking regions of Cameroon by proponents of Ambazonia independence to enforce school boycott so that the state will quickly yield to their independence quest, many school buildings especially those in rural areas have remained deserted.  

Before, the separatists fighters were accused of burning down schools. The practice later subsided but of recent school buildings have again started catching fire. We are in the dry season, a period when most persons take pleasure in burning bushes. Ironically, administrative areas like Up Station in Bamenda and Government Residential Area (G.R.A) Mbengwi  are often the first areas to be burnt right to the surroundings of buildings hosting ministerial delegations like environment, nature protection and sustainable development.

Mr. Foncham Elias, Principal, GBHS Mbengwi Assessing Damage Caused by Bushfire in his School

Consequently, hundreds of school structures are now in the wild and in most cases, grass has grown taller than the buildings that are now occupied by rodents. According to a BBC report, "The United Nations Children's Fund, Unicef, says the ban on education has affected about 600,000 children, with more than 80% of schools shut and at least 74 schools destroyed in the troubled regions."

On the Friday the 14th of February 2020, part of Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Mbengwi was burnt down. Bushfire set from afar had to encroach right to the school campus and engulfed part of the buildings. The school has for over two years now been deserted; no teachers, no students, only a couple of security guards. Days after the incidence, pictures of the school principal, Mr. Foncham Elias Kimbeng evaluating the damage caused appeared on social media. 

Part of CCAST Bambili in Flames

Not long after this fire incidence, another one occurred. On Monday February 17th, part of  Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology (CCAST) Bambili also got consumed by a bush fire that stemmed from nearby. If not of the collective efforts of inhabitants around the area and the fire fighting brigade that drove in from Bamenda to contain the flames, the entire structure would've been down.

These two latest reported incidences depict the danger awaiting most of the deserted school buildings surrounded by thick, tall grasses and trees. Day by day, bushfires are being set here and there and considering that most schools are located in isolated areas, it is feared more are still to be burnt and villagers may only discover the damage days after.

Deserted Government Primary School, Wumsom in Mbengwi Risks Being Burnt

To prevent such from further occurrences, while waiting for a full resumption of schools and functioning as before the crisis, for the time being, villagers should be encouraged to farm around school buildings. Though created on paper by government, most of these school sites were allocated by the communities and structures erected still by them through Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs). Thus same community efforts must be implored to safeguard the buildings.

The villagers should mobilise themselves and clear the school surroundings or labour should be hired to do so. The government too should seat up and put in place preventive measures to secure her schools probably by contracting workers to clear round all government schools in the two regions. The population needs to be more vigilante and  immediately raise an alarm in case a school building is being engulfed by flames. Sensitization talks on the disadvantages of burning bushes should be intensified and culprits brought to book to serve as lesson to deter others from destroying the environment.

Race to Mbengwi Council's Top Seat Begins

Race to Mbengwi Council's Top Seat Begins

After the February 9th 2020 twin elections in Mbengwi, though voting was mostly done by the military and administration, though the exercise was heavily boycotted, though armoured cars were used to smuggle in most of the aspiring councillors from Bamenda and other towns where they've been "hiding", one fact became obvious, that the CPDM emerged the victor. The party stood unchallenged as the SDF and APF party that jointly shared the council before with the CPDM never went in for the municipals. The hitherto tripartite Mbengwi council is now completely a CPDM run council.

Every finish line is the beginning of a new race. After winning the council de facto, the next challenge now is to extract a mayor out of the 25 councillors. As the countdown to elect a new mayor for the Mbengwi council narrows, so too are the stakes expanding and anxiety increasing. Mbengwi Online has learnt that there are three aspirants to the top seat; the female incumbent and two other male challengers.

Mbengwi Council Building

Even though most of the councillors disappeared from public view after the voting exercise, there are indications serious underground talks, consultations, lobbying and wooing are ongoing. The party is said to now be in camps based on which aspiring mayor each councillor is backing. Calls, text and WhatsApp messages plus mouth to mouth discussions are communication means derived by the aspirants to canvas for support. Non of the trio is sleeping. 

The situation becomes more complex because of the top. In the past, the then Minister of Arts and Culture, Ama Tutu Muna, the first ever female minister from the North West region was a strong mover and shaker of the CPDM political game in the Momo East Constituency especially  Mbengwi. There are people in high and low places today because of her. Like the French say, "Chacun a son tour chez le coiffeur". On October 2nd 2015, she was sacked through a cabinet reshufflement and Mbah Acha Rose was appointed as Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Supreme State Control, the second female minister from the NW region. Like her predecessor, she too comes from the Momo East Constituency and by default will obviously have that strong influence on who will be where. 

The councillors have their individual choices but at the same time know that once party hierarchy says dance this way, they'll have no choice again. So while campaigning to be mayor, the three aspirants are also making sure their relationship with the minister is convivial. Fortunately or unfortunately good relationships ought to have been built before, not now. It is only speculated that the minister will influence the councillor's choice of their mayor. She may still  hands off the exercise and give the councillors the leeway to decide. Mbengwi Online is following.

School Attendance on Speedy Increase in the NW

School Attendance on Speedy Increase in the NW

Parents, teachers and students in the two English speaking regions of Cameroon have been overcoming fear and as such, school attendance is on a speedy increase

One of the worst decisions ever taken by advocates of secession in Cameroon to form a pseudo nation of Ambazonia was to shutdown schools across the NW/SW regions. The decision was objected nationally and internationally and though in some areas, threats, intimidations, kidnaps and burnings were used by the none state armed groups to enforce it, many a person had to fight back through physical and online campaigns educating proponents of school boycott to realise that by shutting down schools, they're shooting themselves in the leg and losing support plus legitimacy of their demands.

Thousands of pupils and students watching a football match at launching ceremony

Parents, teachers and students were also schooled on the need to take their destiny into their hands and realise that no one has the right to trample on another person's right to education. Before long, many schools began forcefully reopening their doors, many pupils, students and teachers regained the school roads and seeing the determination in them, the agents of school boycott had no option than to pipe down and respect the will of the people.

Today across the NW/SW regions, hundreds of thousands of pupils, students and teachers are going to school. Even in the hinterlands alerged to be strongholds of the restoration forces, schools are functioning. A massive increase in enrollment has been reported during this second term of the academic year as some who were still doubting finally realised the need to jump on the education bandwagon. Cases too have been reported of parents who had enrolled their kids in the francophone regions bringing them back to school in the NW/SW.

In Bamenda, headquarters of the NW region, the recent impressive attendance at a ceremony to launch activities for the forthcoming 54th edition of the National Youth Day was a clear indication of how the educational sector in the region is bouncing back to normalcy in full gear. It was on Tuesday February 4th 2020 at Government Primary School, Up Station that North West governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, represented by Viang Mekala, Secretary General at the governor's office presided over the launching ceremony.

Viang Mekala, S.G at NW Governor's Office

Before the advent of the Anglophone Crisis, youth week used to be one of the high points of the academic calendar highly cherished by pupils and students as it involved inter school competitions in sporting activities, choral singing, traditional dance and other fun filled competitions. For long, such died down because of the crisis but the recent ambiance that raised dust at Up Station proved the contrary, that normalcy is returning.

The 54th edition of the national youth day shall be celebrated on Tuesday 11 February 2020 under the theme "Youth, peace, decentralization and participation in local governance for a new Cameroon. It is expected to bring together educational stakeholders, parents, teachers, pupils, students and the public at large to exercise their civic responsibilities and acquire information on the efforts the state is making to ensure their harmonious and responsible integration into the socioeconomic and political fabric.

Exhibition during launching

After regaining the schools, the population has of recent in collaboration with the state been strategising on how to re-boom the economy  by ending ghost towns and lockdowns that have gone a long way to crumble the economy of the two affected regions especially that of the NW  thereby causing backbreaking pain on the citizens instead of liberating them from bondage as they were promised from the beginning of the struggle.

GIDICom Intensifies #Act4Peace237 Campaign

GIDICom Intensifies #Act4Peace237 Campaign

GIDICOM, a Bamenda based digital rights organization seeking to bridge the globally existing digital divide by advocating for an inclusive and safe online content development and sharing plus equal access to the internet has intensified its recently launched online campaign dubbed #Act4Peace237

The campaign seeks to caution internet users to think twice about the impact before they like, comment or share a post on social media and same before they also post anything. To GIDICom, any post that will likely be harmful to others, violate their privacy, their rights and disturb community tranquility mustn't be published or disseminated.  

The Global Initiative for Digital Inclusion and Communication (GIDICom) launched the campaign in mid January 2020 and has also been carrying out physical activities in Bamenda to further pass on the message. On the 19th of January 2020, the organisation held a press conference with media persons in Bamenda as part of the activities for the #Acts4peace237 campaign which is a #DefyHateNow initiative geared at creating a #HateFree online and offline space. This was later followed by a fireside chat with women particularly those with special abilities to tell their stories.

Fireside Talk with Women

Madam Akah Roseline Obah, GIDICom's Communication and Gender expert says "Humanitarian agencies as well need to think of extending a hand to them as a special group of persons going through untold challenges as a result of the current crisis." The effects of the Anglophone crisis has buried so much hatred and pain in the minds of many and women are not exempted from this. Such pain and hatred has been manifested online and offline in hate speeches and violent attacks. Women have sometimes been the oppressor or the oppressed.

While moderating the session, she called on the women to engage in the discussions. She also urged them to begin by advocating peace in their small spheres of influence by solving little misunderstandings around their communities.  

Women during the chat shared their pain most of which included losing loved ones, property, teenage pregnancies, lack of home comfort, lack of assistance and  inability for persons living with disabilities to run when there is a shoot out. Women with special abilities frowned at all organizations carrying out humanitarian assistance and government for no one has done assessment needs for them and most explained that they have registered, struggled to even reach some of the distribution sites but collected no item. They live with this bitterness but thanked GIDICom for listening to them and as such they shall go back relieved.

Press Conference

At the end of the chat session Madam Pedmia Shatu, GIDICom's Executive Director applauded the efforts made by the women to come particularly at a time when there is insecurity.  She echoed that 15 women was a good number to have started with to monitor impact. "Their stories simply tell me and my team that we don't need to sleep but work double to see that we impact lives because these are just a few of such women going through trauma but I believe with God on our side, we shall hold on firm and bring the desired impact" Madam Shatu added.

The women left happy to have had a shoulder to lean on which is GIDICom through its #Act4Peace237 campaign under the banner of #DefyHateNow and promised to take small significant moves to do so in their various communities.

UDP Launches Campaigns in the N.W Region, Likens SDF MPs to Film Actors

UDP Launches Campaigns in the N.W Region, Likens SDF MPs to Film Actors

In the build up to the upcoming municipal and legislative elections scheduled for February 9 2020, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has said it will take part in the exercise. The declaration was made in Bamenda by the party's national chairman on Saturday January 25th 2020 during a ceremony to officially launch campaigns.

Bochong El Hadj Lawan Bako presented UDP as the people's alternative political party promoting justice for all and acting as voice of the voiceless.  He castigated the Social Democratic Front (SDF), an opposition party also taking part in the exercise for failing to deliver. Hear him, "We remember that the electorate advised these MPs to stay away from the parliamentary sessions in Yaounde as a measure to let the Yaounde authorities end the marginalisation of  Anglophobes in the face of the ongoing sociopolitical crisis rocking the North West and South West regions but regrettably, the SDF MPs snubbed the electorate and chose to become choristers as they went singing, beating drums, blowing whistles and dancing in parliament like film actors"

Bochong El Hadj Lawan Bako, UDP National Chairman

For reasons best known to the party, it shall go in only for the parliamentary seats. As such, the various candidates to represent the party within the divisions (constituencies) were presented to the public though as advanced by the party's chairman, for security reasons and inaccessibility, not all were present. The party during the event appealed to all and sundry to vote for her candidates. "Vote for the UDP legislative candidates on February 9 2020 who are playing politics of development with human face" said a party official.

El Hadj Lawan Bako, UDP's national chairman used the ceremony to present a balance sheet of the party's achievements and its vision for the republic especially the electorate of the North West Region. He disclosed that his party has said times without number that the government of Cameroon should give a special quota to the anglophone community because the former regime gave them 20% and the UDP want it increased to 30 or 40% so that Anglophones will never cry of marginalization because they will be protected by the constitution and the law in recruitments, appointments and development projects.

Some UDP Aspirants for Parliament

In terms of realisations, Bako said the UDP has constructed pit toilets in many areas for hygiene and sanitation. The UDP has given out farm tools to women, medicines and drugs to internally displaced persons especially the disabled. The party intends to continue as such especially when its inclusive legislative list of 8 women, 7 youths and eminent Hausa-Fulani personalities is voted into parliament.

As the countdown to the February 9th municipal and legislative elections narrows, it is hoped the North West region like the rest of the country will be gripped by the election fever despite calls by proponents of Ambazonia independence for the exercise to be completely boycotted and inhumane measures like kidnappings, threats, burnings and even killings are being used to enforce the call. The politicians too have maintained their firm stance that the exercise must go on.

Municipal & Legislative Elections; CPDM Baits Voters in NW with Special Statues

Municipal & Legislative Elections; CPDM Baits Voters in NW  with Special Statues

The ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) has carried its campaign message to the North West Region. The party's officials and militants were in Bamenda last Saturday January 25 2020 to launch campaigns for the February 9 municipal and legislative elections. The main message echoed to the militants to carry to the electorate was that of decentralisation and special statues 

Philemon Yang, the CPDM campaign team manager for the NW region explained that through effective decentralisation, the councils will be more powerful, they will have more responsibilities as they'll recruit and manage certain types of personnel and will have more money from the national budget. He added that there will be a  completely new situation now because there will be three levels of clearly defined governments; in Yaoundé, in the region and at the level of the municipal council. 

Party Barons at Rally Ground

The CPDM delegation of ministers, senators, members of parliament and other party bigwigs together with militants and sympathisers that attended the launching ceremony were tasked to explain the provisions of the special statues granted the two English speaking regions to the electorate. The team leader in his campaign message told his comrades and the public at large that president Paul Biya has graciously granted the special statues because he is concerned about the two regions and to him, the process of nation building requires determination and courage but especially patience. "We are campaigning for the candidates of the CPDM because we all share the hopes, ambitions, aspirations and dreams of the CPDM, the key defender of peace, economic development, stability, democracy and national unity" said Philemon Yang.

Other campaign modalities most especially financing and media strategy were also clearly spelt out. The party plans to use newspapers, radio and TV stations plus social media to persuasively disseminate its campaign message to voters most especially in local languages. 

Militants & Sympathizers

In the past three years, there have been killings, kidnappings and threats of all kind in the region reason why concerning the security of  candidates, voters and the entire electoral exercise, assurances were given that all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure their safety. On the importance of the twin elections to the development of the region, Philemon Yang revealed that the government has decided to invest 47 billion Francs in many projects in the NW, the African Development bank has already disbursed 160 billion for the the ring road and the World Bank has also made money available for the Babadjou-Bamenda road. 

After the February 9 rendezvous, two other elections will also take place in accordance with the special statues that will see the divisions sending 7 elected members to Bamenda for the House of Divisional Representatives and the whole region will send 20 elected  traditional leaders to form the House of Chiefs. At the close of the rally, campaign materials like the party's manifesto were distributed. With the successful launching of campaigns in the region, divisional and sub divisional teams will in the days ahead be penetrating the hinterlands to spread the party's campaign message.

Philemon Yang, Campaign Team Manager

2020 Resolution: North West Governor and CAMASEJ North West Commit to Collaborate

2020 Resolution: North West Governor and CAMASEJ North West  Commit to Collaborate
By Sah Terence & Fongoh Primus

Meeting with the North West Governor at the governor's office on Friday January 10, 2020, the chapter executive of  CAMASEJ North West pledged to continue accompanying the administration in its discharge of duties to the population.

Led by Ambe Macmillian Awa, NW CAMASEJ President and accompanied by the national Secretary General of the association, Wanchia Cynthia, the national Public Relations Officer Jato Richard, the doyen and adviser of CAMASEJ NW, Gideon Taka, the Social Secretary Odette Nchanji, the Deputy Secretary General, Tancho Fidel and the NW Chapter Public Relations Officer,  Sah Terence Animbom, the team had very cordial and frank discussions with the number one man of the region H.E Adolphe Lele L'Afrique in the presence of the North West Regional Delegate of Communication Dr. Louis Marie Beignet and his close aid Victory Ayafor Marshall.

CAMASEJ NW EXCO, Adviser, National Representatives Together with Governor, MINCOM Regional Delegate

Disclosing the purpose of the visit, Ambe told the press "Before the CAMASEJ National Elective General Assembly that held in Douala late last year, we visited the governor to inform his office we were going out. So it was very important that we report back to him how it all went and present to him the key positions we harvested." Ambe added that the governor was very happy and encouraged them to continuously do their job despite the hard situation in the region. "It is the hope of the team  that this meeting will start a new and better working relationship between the administration and the Press" he ended.

Later on, within the same day, over 40 members of the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) NW Chapter were in conclave for their maiden meeting of the new year 2020. Hosted by Nji Nelson of Rush FM, Chifuh George of The Website Newspaper, Fongoh Primus of Rainbow Radio and Waindim Sylvia of Tubah Council Communication Unit, the meeting was held in one of the conference halls of Blue Pearl Hotel with whom CAMASEJ NW struck a partnership deal last year in which members nationwide shall and have been benefitting a 50% discount in lodging, event space and laundry. 

In addition, as from this year, the hotel's management decided to provide free space for the the holding of the  association's monthly meetings. CAMASEJ on her part is committed to advertising the hotel and recommending her services to customers, organisations, friends, relatives and their family members.

Discussions at the meeting centred on restarting the "Njangi" scheme, reviewing the national constitution especially the clause on financial contributions, membership renewal among others. Executing the plan of action for 2020 also constituted part of the meeting's deliberations.

Presentation of New Year Wishes/Gifts to the Chapter President

The chapter president while chairing the meeting revealed that the Executive Committee was just from visiting the NW regional governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique who appreciated their coming and disclosed that the closer CAMASEJ gets to him, the more information they shall have and so shall a cordial relationship be established between his office and the association. 

Two new members joined the association and promised to register in the days ahead. On a sad note, it was announced that the chapter's Vice President, Maikem Emmanuella lost her dad same day the meeting held. All were encouraged to commit her in prayers. Then on a positive note, it was also announced that a U.S based partner shall be in Bamenda within the week for a workshop with CAMASEJANS on Journalism and Trauma Management. Participation fee shall be a thousand francs. 

Having exhausted the agenda of the day, members then proceeded to extend new year wishes to the chapter president through a symbolic handshake. A common meal was shared amongst members and a common drink at Manjong Night Club, Blue Pearl Hotel after which attendees retreated home, each with a cube of soap as a special new year souvenir gift from the hosts.

Feminine Football Gains Grounds in NW

Feminine Football Gains Grounds in NW

"The North West Region just like the rest of Cameroon will need to run a youth and feminine championship" Ndi Tsembom Elvis, scribe of the NW regional bureau of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) revealed this information to the media on Friday January 20th 2020 during the ordinary general assembly of FECAFOOT NW for the 2020 season. In this light, 7 feminine football clubs have already indicated readiness to partake in the upcoming regional league. 

Though a seemingly neglected domain, female football is today gradually gaining grounds in the North West Region,  Cameroon and the world at large. Unfortunately, most investors shun putting their money into the domain. The FECAFOOT NW Secretary General thinks "Investing in football is a business,so investors will need to look at how lucrative female football can be. Moreover it has to do with exposure. In the yesteryears, people didn't really feel like it was worth the effort to invest in female football. Mind you that some people even think investing in football is thrash"

Ndi Tsembom Elvis (L) & Mbigha Felix (R) Chairing the Meeting

He went on to affirm that the women's game is gradually gaining local, national and why not global attention. Prove is that for instance, there are 12 clubs at the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON), compared to 24 for the male and  12  clubs at the Cameroon  female football league, compared to 18 for the male. At the world cup, there are 32 teams for men, 24 for women. "It warrants a global attention to increase interest like male football" Ndi Tsembom Elvis added.

Of recent, one female football team has been distinctively standing out  tall and strong within the North West Region. In just over three years of existence, Vision Sports FC has dominated the domain of feminine football as the team gained qualification to play in Division 1 this coming sports season after lifting up the victory trophy by beating AJSAC of Douala, 2 - 1 on the 5th of September 2019 during the finals of the national interpools. On October 14th 2019, they presented their trophy to NW governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique who in turn offered the visionary ladies a sumptuous financial support package of 1 million Francs from the Head of State, Paul Biya. In addition, last year, out of the about 9 female referees within the region, 2 got promoted to the national level from where they shall now be officiating first division matches. 

On Tuesday January 7 2020 during the CAF Awards that took place in Egypt, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon emerged Best Female Team of the year while Cameroonian forward Ajara Nchout  missed being Best Female Player of the year on the continent as she slightly lost the prestigious recognition to Nigeria Super Falcon's Asisat Oshoala. These are clear indications that female football is worth the salt, reason why FECAFOOT NW shall be doing all humanly possible to promote the game within the region and beyond.

Discussions during the FECAFOOT NW 2020 general assembly also centred on committee reports during which the Referees Appointment Committee was applauded for being the brain behind the success story of last year's sports season. The Competitions Committee on its part noted with regrets that out of all the earmarked stadiums for the competition, only the Unity Stadium on the campus of the University of Bamenda is worth the name.

Family Photo

After presenting his own report as head of Media, Promotion and Marketing Committee, Nji Nelson Chefor, on behalf of the management of Rush FC, founded by Soppo Ngwa, a renowned  football promoter within the region offered a special new year gift of 26 brand new referee jerseys to FECAFOOT NW to help the federation realise its objectives. The gesture was appreciated and an appeal made for more freewill donors to support FECAFOOT NW. 

At the close of the assembly, attendees resolved that:

1. Teams that can't play their matches due to insecurity should be kept aside for the season till things normalise. 

2. The president should make sure Yaounde gives the region a licences production machine before the championship starts.

3. The region will continue participating in the cup of Cameroon upon presentation of licenses in the office where a "borderau"/slip will be established for usage up to the level of quarter finals. 

4. The president should seek for financial support from Yaounde to help teams coming out of Mezam successfully partake in the competition. 

Session

Talking to the press at the end of the assembly, FACAFOOT NW president, Mbigha Felix said _" It was a successful general assembly and thus the beginning of success for this season in our region as we hope to grab the cup of Cameroon"_ For over ten years today, the NW hasn't produced any female division one team, thus the success of Vision Sports FC and Foncha Street FC that qualified for male Division 2 was rated an achievement  of his first year in office.

As for challenges, the major setback remains the absence of a standard playground within the region plus that hardly is funding sent for feminine football but despite these, the regional bureau of the sports federation still hopes to sail through especially as FIFA has accorded the region a synthetic pitch to be constructed at PACOVITA Bamenda in the days ahead.

Mbengwi: Beneficiaries Outnumber Presidential Gift

Mbengwi: Beneficiaries Outnumber Presidential Gift

There were just sixty mattresses, blankets and buckets available for distribution. Each bucket contained 20 cubes of soap, 2 litres of groundnut oil and 5kg of rice. Over 300 persons had registered to benefit and close to this number was present on the distribution ground with high expectations to carry home a huge booty from the presidential couple. 

On the 28th of December 2019, the Head of State President Paul Biya and wife dispatched a consignment of 100 trucks of humanitarian aide to internally displaced and affected persons in the NW and SW regions of Cameroon as Christmas/New Year gift to relief them of their sufferings from the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. The trucks were loaded with food stuffs, sanitary kits and beddings.

Hundreds of IDPs & Affected Persons in Mbengwi Scrambling for the Presidential Gift

On Tuesday January 7th 2020, Fouda Etaba Bernoit Nicaise, Momo's Senior Divisional Officer launched the distribution exercise for Momo Division. It was on the Mbengwi ceremonial grandstand that the event took place. When it was announced through the local community radio station in Mbengwi that IDPs and affected persons should pass by the D.Os office and register, within few days, more than 200 persons stormed the office. 

On the day of the exercise, first, that morning, distant gunshots suspected to have been fired by separatist fighters probably to scare the population away from the event ground were heard. Soon businesses in Mile 18, the economic hub of Mbengwi shutdown as activities were grounded. The population didn't go home. Instead people defied fear and the gunshots and went straight to the distribution ground to take home their own share. 

Authorities Addressing the Population

While on the grandstand, many more persons; men women and kids kept coming with photocopies of their ID cards to register. Before, when such aid used to be distributed by government, many dreaded collecting for fear of the unknown as separatist fighters have been against the exercise yet at the same time not giving anything to the needy population. These days, people rather scramble for the items. 

After explaining to the beneficiaries the source of the items, the Senior Divisional Officer of Momo together with the Divisional Officer of Mbengwi, Sakwe Jarvis Esapa and the mayor of the Mbengwi Council, Tebe Beatrice then proceeded to symbolically hand over the items to the concerned. This was preceded by a back to school message calling on the parents to send their children to school for the second term of the academic year. The D.O said all the school doors have been flung open, all principals and teachers available to teach. Unfortunately, days after, this turned out to be mere propaganda. The doors of all the major nursery, primary and secondary schools in Mbengwi are still closed though informal learning is ongoing in some areas.

Mbengwi's D.O, Sakwe Jarvis Handing Gift from Presidential Couple to Pastor Abanda Edwin

The presidential gift was appreciated by Pastor Abanda Edwin who's hosting five IDPs in his house. He said "I appreciate what the Head of State has done for the population of Mbengwi today. Looking at the number of people here, you realise the items aren't even enough, meaning what we want is for this problem to be solved once and for all so that normalcy returns for people to afford what they need rather than depending on the government"

As to how the crisis can be resolved, the pastor proposed that a meaningful dialogue between the president and the secessionists should be engaged because separatists are the ones with most grievances and are the ones having what frightens the population, guns. With his five IDPs at home, the pastor regrets that feeding them is strenuous considering the melting economy. 

Insufficient Mattresses for Hundreds of Persons Wanting a Mattress 

Because of the limited quantity of the items, beneficiaries were asked to take either a mattress or blanket plus bucket and its content. Almost all wanted but the mattresses and even with this strategy, over a  hundred still went back home empty handed though with the assurance that the distribution exercise will continue in the days ahead. Some of the items from information gotten have been dispatched to Ngie, Widikum, Njikwa and Batibo for the same distribution exercise.

Trinity Choir Njembeng, Pioneer in Meta Presbytery Inaugurated

Trinity Choir Njembeng, Pioneer in Meta Presbytery Inaugurated

The pioneer Trinity Choir in the entire Meta Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon has been inaugurated in Njembeng Congregation on Sunday January 5th 2020. After having been formed and built for the past two years, 22 maiden members were finally dedicated into the choir during a Sunday service officiated by the Reverend Epie Mark Koge, Parish Pastor of P.C Njembeng doubling as the Meta Presbytery Treasurer and the Reverend Anye Ivo, North West Regional Secretary for Lay Training and Evangelism of the PCC.

Flag Handed to the Newly Inaugurated Trinity Choir, Njembeng

Drawing his text from Hebrews 10:1-20, the visiting God's servant, Rev. Anye Ivo centred his message on the artificiality of today's generation most especially among young girls who wear chains on their legs, rings on their nostrils, draw tattoos on their skins, put on artificial nails, eye lashes and abusively apply multicolored foundation powders on their faces. He insisted that there's nothing like it's a matter of the heart not the outward appearance because once the heart is natural and Godly, it must be reflected outwardly. "People should be concerned about their inner beauty, about their internal spirituality and not what to eat, drink, wear and Joe to look" said the pastor.

Rev. Anye Ivo, N.W Regional Secretary of Lay Training & Evangelism of the PCC

The dedication rituals involving recitation of memorised verses of the bible, singing and promise making among others were conducted by the visiting national and regional trinity choir leaders after which membership cards were handed to the newly dedicated, clad in their newly sewn choir gowns. To the congregation, Trinity Choir Njembeng offered a conductor's stand and also recognised the support of her patrons and matrons to whom the choir offered each an enlarged picture  and muffler of the choir.

Mah Sidonie, in expressing her joy for being dedicated into the choir said "I'm so amazed, it's been wonderful as after all the preparations for this long awaited day, it's finally come and passed successfully and I thank God for everything" Apart from the inauguration and dedication, the service was used to raise funds for the sustainance and well being of the choir.

Dedication of Trinity Choir Members, Njembeng

Many Christians have been wondering why Trinity Choir sings more in Igbo, same for dressing and dancing. To Ekewa George, Vice National President of Trinity Choir Association (TRICA), this is because the original founders of Trinity Choir were Nigerians that settled in Cameroon, most of whom have slept in the Lord but despite this dominance of Igbo songs, dressing and dancing, gradually they are beginning to incorporate other cultures in their songs. "Trinity Choir does not only sing in Igbo. Though Igbo being one of the principal languages, we sing even in Swahili of Kenya, Zulu of South Africa and even our own local languages" he clarified. Though a gradual process, the TRICA Vice National President reiterated that their membership being almost completely Anglophone Cameroonians, they now sing in English, French, Mungaka, Lamso, Wimbum, Meta, Bafut and even Oshie where he comes from.

Matrons & Patrons Recognised 

For two years five months now that the choir has been in existence in PC Njembeng before finally being inaugurated last Sunday, Anoh Matthew, the president couldn't hide his feelings and desires. Broadly smiling from ear to ear at the end of the event, he said "I am very happy because some people who I never thought could be here like the national, regional and zone, even our mother group from Ntaghem surprised us. With the number that we had dedicated in church and the new ones that we fished out today, we are very pleased and since singing is praying to God twice, with this choir, we will be able to have more members come to the glory of God and praise Him." He ended by promising that after the inauguration, they will spread the word of God from Njembeng Congregation to other groups and form more Trinity Choirs in the Meta Presbytery, God being their helper.

Ekewa George, TRICA Vice National President

Anoh Matthew, President, Trinity Choir Njembeng

The newly dedicated were tasked to put into practice the sermon of the day by shunning artificiality, by caring less about their outward appearance to please mankind but their inner look and spirituality to please God.