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

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

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

Visiting Delegation with Items for Donation & Beneficiaries

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

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

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

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

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

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

M.P Singing & Dancing with the Population

Donation of Benches by Hospital Staff to P.S Acha

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

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

Distribution of Items 

Symbolic Handing Over

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

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

The Muslim Community Receiving Their Own Gifts

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

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

The M.P & Mayor Buying Beef at Sanyere

Sanyere Square

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

Politicians, Men of God & Traditionalists Meet on Abbi Bridge

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

Family Photo on Abbi Bridge

Abbi Bridge After

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

H.R.H Mukoum, Fon of Chenam

Abbi Bridge Before

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

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

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

Chick David, Former President, Mbengwi Driver's Union

Ndangsa Kennedy Akam, Mayor, Mbengwi Council

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

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

Walters Ndi, Coordinator of Bongob Meta International

Fobang Roland Achu, B.M.I Lead Volunteer

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

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

 

Meta Artists' Association Sees the Light of Day

For the first time in history, artists of Meta origin have come together to form a Meta Artists' Association (MAA). Meeting in the seaside resort town of Limbe, S.W region on Sunday February 27th 2022, the pioneer Executive Committee was put in to man the affairs of the association for a three-year mandate renewable once. 

Talking to Mbengwi Online at the end of the meeting, Fombi Alexander Timah artistically known as Iceman Alex said "Everybody came here filled with a lot of opinions but I'm happy we came to a good conclusion as everyone is leaving satisfied with the decisions taken and we're ready to turn a new page with regards to Meta entertainment."

Family Photo at End of Meeting

Mbamunyuh Helmina Mundih was born in Njah-Etu, grew up in Acha-Tugi and is today doing music and business in Douala. Known by the stage name Helmine, in expressing her optimism about the outcome of the Limbe meeting, she on her part told Mbengwi Online "I want to see us up there. I want the world to know Meta stars and I want to be the best artist to be heard this year in Meta."

Wasi Fathes is a renowned camera operator that's gone as far as shooting films starring Nollywood icon Desmond Eliot and others. He has also shot and directed several other movies, music videos and documentaries. The native of Ku, Bome was part and parcel of the Limbe rendezvous. To him, Meta entertainers are taking a new step. In his words, "We addressed a lot of issues which Meta entertainers always face and I believe from now onwards, we are going to make a difference."

Attendees in Session

Amongst some of the resolutions arrived at during the February 27 2022 Limbe meeting were that membership into the association shall be opened to all involved in any artistic work worldwide, of Meta origin upon payment of a lifetime registration fee of 10.000F. Also, the association will have to be legalised and for this reason, members voted into the Executive Committee were:

- Seta Withgodep Wierts (Seta Beatss) - President

- Musang Quinta (Aunty Quin) - Vice President

- Munya Romanus - Secretary General

- Fombi Alexander Timah (Iceman Alex) - Financial Secretary

- Mbamunyuh Helmina Mundih (Helmine) - Treasurer

- Ngeh Pius (Icon P.) - Discipline Master

- Wasi Fathes - Social Secretary

- Fongoh p. Ayeh - Public Relations Officer

- Tah Armstrong (Daddy Black) and Tanga Marvin Teghen (DJ Praudo) - Events Managers

- Amuoh Anthony Sunday (Tony Little) and Achimbi Collins (D-Klins) - Technical Advisers

When Mbengwi Online cornered the pioneer president of the association at the end of the conclave, we first wanted to know from him his plans. Seta Withgodep Wierts said "We are working as a team and our first plan of action is organising an entertainment workshop and our second project will be to get visibility for Meta artists  both on the national territory and out of the country. The third thing we are going to do is working in collaboration with other Meta cultural associations like MECUDA, BADA and then we are also going to to organise a Meta Arts Award with cash prizes and trophies. We are also thinking of organising a Meta annual cultural event that will take place home."

Asked to give a word to artists of Meta origin that haven't yet belonged to the association, he said "Well, I think it's very important that we  work with the structure because our main objective of creating this organ is to promote Meta sons and daughters who are doing well in the arts and entertainment industry. As such, it is very important that they identify with this organ, get registered with us so that we can work in collaboration and help to lift up one another."

Seta Withgodep Wierts, Mbengwi Artists' Association President 

Charity they say begins at home. For this reason, Seta went on to encourage the Meta people to first of all begin by identifying themselves with the products of their artists, consuming them plus promoting them out there. In his own words, "I encourage our people to go after our products in the entertainment field be it comedy, music, movie to promote our culture." He also addressed his colleagues, spurring them to deliver good quality products that "As an artist, the Meta people should be able to identify your sound, listen to it and promote it out there."

At the close of the Limbe EXCO meeting, attendees decided to have a taste of nightlife in the town of friendship, moving from bar to bar and club to club, catching fun. In some, they were reserved a special treatment by their promoters and in others, they were given room to mount the stage and perform some of their tracks. 

Iceman Alex Performing at Night Club in Limbe

As the dust raised in Limbe is gradually settling, anxiety is now high in the artists as all attention is now on Yaoundé for the anticipated training workshop to better their skills. It is worth noting that the association is setting the pace in promoting the Meta language as the working language during their meetings is their mother tongue, a practice that is rare even in most village development associations. 

MAA as at now has a WhatsApp group with over 100 members and a Facebook page with  renowned names like Spaco, Zackary Long Mop, Danny Green (237 Town Cryer), Forkeh, Fadigal, Aunty Queen, Raza etc and all have been appreciating the move to come together for unity and the promotion of their arts.

Mbengwi Online Donates to Lois, 4-Month Old Baby that Lost Leg in Bike Accident

A delegation made up of Madam Amboh Annabelle, Mr. Fombang Dieudonne, Pastor Toh Godlove and Fongoh p. Ayeh in the evening of Thursday February 3rd 2022 paid a visit to Lois Nwerem in Njembeng quarter, Ku fondom, Mbengwi on behalf Mbengwi Online, a WhatsApp group encompassing sons and daughters of Mbengwi and non natives alike drawn from around the globe and all walks of life to console the victim and family for the unfortunate event they faced.

Ndapnwi Lois Nwerem was born on the 9th of September 2021 and on the 9th of January 2022, she got involved in a bike accident that resulted to her losing her right leg. As explained by her father Mr. Benjamin Ngangoe Nwerem, Lois' mum, a medical personnel working at the Mbengwi district hospital was returning home from work that Sunday morning on a bike she boarded, holding her baby wrapped in a loin cloth on her leg and along the way, it is alleged a loose end of the loin got trapped in the chain of the bike and before the ridder could halt, the baby's right leg had been cut off into two. 

Ndapnwi Lois Nwerem

When the news was broken, many persons became touched by the situation and consequently, members of Mbengwi Online (WhatsApp group) decided to launch a solidarity contribution to assist the baby. The exercise lasted just for a week within which the sum of four hundred thousand (400.000) Frs was raised. Upon return from a health facility in Bamenda where Lois had been receiving treatment all this while, the four man delegation immediately decided to pay them a visit to hand over the money expected to help them foot part of the hospital bills they've incurred. 

In consoling the family, one of the visiting delegation members, Pastor Toh Godlove of Full Gospel Mission, Mbengwi District told them not to question God but accept the situation which to him is not the worst. He reminded them that some weeks back before Lois' accident, a child was also hit by a speeding bike as she tried to cross the road, still in Njembeng. She ended up dying in hospital. As such, if Lois survived her own accident, losing just a leg, then God's name still has to be praised. 

Handing Over

Handing Over the Financial Support

After having handed the financial assistance directly into the baby's hands who grabbed the envelope firmly with a cute smile and giggled, her dad, Mr. Benjamin Ngangoe Nwerem said "We don't really know how to better put it for you to understand the joy you've put in our hearts. If there was any better way other than saying thank you very much, we won't have hesitated to use it. We are trusting God that with the support we've already seen coming now at the beginning, He will raise up men, women and people whom when the need arises, they'll stand up to support us to see that we give the best to our baby."

He went on to admit that he knows it won't be easy despite the evolution in science because for the baby to walk again normally will entail a lot of financial sacrifices. Considering that at their level as parents and family of baby Lois they might not be able, he pleaded that any individual or groups that can help them in anyway or connect them to some organisations that can provide a solution to such a problem shouldn't hesitate to do so. 

Baby Lois' parents hail from Nwa subdivision in Donga Mantung division. They've been living in Mbengwi for about 7 years now and as Benjamin confirmed, "We've continued to see the love that the Mbengwi people are showing us. We want to say 'Thank You' for this support will go a very long way to relieve us from the pains that we are going through." It is speculated that if the baby will have to walk, then she will need an artificial leg and considering her tenderness, the leg will have to be changed from time to time as she grows up and just one of such artificial legs costs huge sums of money. 

Delegation, Lois and her Parents

As explained by Fongoh p. Ayeh, the brain behind Mbengwi Online, the WhatsApp group was created on September 12 2015 with the goal of feeding its members with news happenings in and out of Mbengwi. It started with few members and progressively grew till now that it's full already. The group is made up of traditional, religious and administrative authorities, business persons, drivers, bike riders, farmers, teachers, elites in and out of Mbengwi, people in the diaspora and non natives alike. Simply put, people from all walks of life. Away from news, the group once in a while carries out humanitarian actions when some stories touch the heart. 

Sometimes in early 2018, a lady from Mbengeghang gave birth to a set of premature triplets at the Mbengwi District Hospital. They were later transfered to the Bamenda Regional Hospital and incubated. Mbengwi Online members mobilised funds, over a hundred thousand and reached out to the triplets. In 2019, to mark the first anniversary of their departure from planet earth, the sum of 110.000F was raised and handed to the orphaned children of  late Azah Nancy and Njong Padisco, two nurses that were a couple, killed in Nyen village on Saturday 11 August 2018 supposedly by the military. To commemorate the 5th anniversary of the WhatsApp group, on Saturday November 25th 2020, material and financial support worth 105.500F was raised by members and handed to the group's founder and two others noted for being outstanding in feeding the rest with news. 

Again, on two instances, the group has offered a brand new phone to it's founder. The first was an MTN pack phone bought for 45.0000F. It got missing and the second which the administrator has been using since till now, Tecno Pouvoir 3+ was again bought for 110.000F. The members make sure the administrator doesn't lack gadgets to facilitate his work of feeding them with news. On Friday the 29th of October 2021, the founder of the group got married and members raised close to 300.000F to support his wedding. As such, the recent donation to baby Lois Nwerem is just a continuation of the good works the group has been doing and will continue to do when need arises. 

It should be recalled that away from WhatsApp, Mbengwi Online is also having a Facebook page with close to 5000 followers as at now, a YouTube channel with over 400 subscribers as at now, a twitter handle and blog, www.mbengwionline.blogspot.com

How 14-Year Old Tanwani Godwill, Born Without Legs Moved to Mbengwi from Njaah and Back

It was at 11:30am, Friday February 4th 2022 that a delegation comprised of Pa Mbanwi Stephen, Pa Chunga Patrick Dara, Pa Mbah Oscar Musoro, Moris Tagyen, Ngu Franklin and Fongoh p. Ayeh  met in the MECUDA Head Office opposite the Mbengwi District Hospital to hand over a cash support of six hundred and two thousand, three hundred (602.300) Frs to 14-year old Tanwani Godwill, born in Njaah without legs and from a poor parental background. 

Mr. Ngu Franklin in an opening prayer he gave thanked God for journey mercies especially of Tanwani Godwill and mum from Njaah to Mbengwi on a hired bike while Mr. Mbanwi Stephen Anjeh, the MECUDA home coordinator in his welcome address appreciated attendees for coming and the Meta people that contributed their tokens whom according to him never let one of theirs be in pains without stepping in to help. 

He also encouraged the mother of the child never to question God for everything happens for a reason. He further appreciated the persons that publicised Tanwani Godwill's case on social media, an act that raised awareness about his predicament till MECUDA had to open a solidarity contribution page for people of goodwill from all walks of life, round the globe to assist the young boy. 

14-year Old Godwill Tanwani, Born & Breadth in Njaah

The MECUDA Delegation that Handed the Financial Package to Godwill

While receiving the financial aid, the mother of the child said "I sincerely give thanks to all brothers and sisters that thought it wise to assist this child. May God bless the sources of their incomes. When I gave birth to him, I cried, thinking of how I'll cope. I never knew I will still be alive today but here I am, happy God has been sending his angels to come and take care of him." Pa Chunga Patrick Dara on his part told Tawnwani's mum that God tempts people in many ways. "This could likely be your entry gate into heaven that this child is opening for you" he added. To him, if it were some of these girls nowadays, they would've thrown the child in a toilet to die but since the boy's mum had been growing him up since then till date, it's her road to heaven that she's digging. 

Speaking on behalf of Amboh Gordon, a native of Ngwokwong village that had been creating awareness about Godwill's situation both online and offline, Mr. Ngu Franklin affirmed that as the boy is growing up, so too is the task of carrying him around becoming tougher and tougher for his mum considering he's gaining weight. He said, "To be carrying him to school is a heavy task. As such, this package from MECUDA is very timely and relieving considering the distance from their house to school and the hilly nature of the road, making it cumbersome to be pushing him on a wheelchair every school day. I am very convinced God will show a way for this child to grow up and uplift the Meta clan" He ended by encouraging others to always bring such precarious situations to the limelight so that other people of goodwill that may be touched by the situation could step in with help, no matter how small.

The Incoming MECUDA First Vice President General, Pa Musoro Oscar Carrying Godwill

Handing Over Committee in the MECUDA Head Office

From information gathered, a different location nearer to school had been gotten for 14 year old Godwill. The money donated by MECUDA was immediately saved in the boy's account 0002216 at the Mbengwi Cooperative Credit Union bearing his name, Godwill Tanwani from where the mother will then be making withdrawals when need arises to carter for him. The donation has been termed the last achievement of the Pa Ayaba David led Executive Council of MECUDA that was voted out on the 29th of January 2022 after being in office since 2014. 

With Professor Njoh Oliver Anoh now the new MECUDA P.G, Pa Ayaba David's name has still entered the annals of history as the P.G that  carried out the highest humanitarian actions during his mandate, somehow almost transforming MECUDA into a charity organisation, this according to his critics. From statistics, through MECUDA under P.G Ayaba David, the sum of 602.300F was raised to assist Godwill Tanwani, born without legs, 5.913.000F was raised to assist Ernestine Enih Fomusi, a lady from Nyen that was suffering from an illness that deformed her face, the sum of 9.000.000F was raised to buy a new car for Rev. Miki Hans Abbia when he became the new synord clerk of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, the sum of 1.954.000F was raised to assist Amuche Anastacia Afor, a young girl from Chenam that got involved in an accident in Limbe. 

The MECUDA Financial Assistance Saved in Godwill's Credit Union Account

Other hundreds of thousands and millions were also raised to reach out to IDPs in Mbengwi, IDPs in the South West, Meta Anti Covid Response Challenge (METACREC) just to name these few. MECUDA stands for the Meta Cultural and Development Association. 8 presidents have headed the association from inception. 

Bome FC Wins 1st Edition of B.M.I Christmas Tournament

Bome FC Lifts Up the Cup

Bome FC has established a record as the pioneer team that lifted the trophy in the pioneer edition of the Bongob Meta International (B.M.I) Christmas Tournament. This, they did by beating Tondig FC at post match penalties, 5 goals to 4 during a highly contested finals that was played on the Mile 19 football field on Thursday December 23rd 2021.

It was Tondig FC that first opened scores in the first half and took the lead only for Bome FC to later capitalise on a defensive error they made few minutes to the end of the first half and equalised, a goal that sent the Bome fans jubilantly screaming. Both teams went for recess on a tie and when they returned for the second half with much more determination and change of tactics, no other goal was scored till the referee sounded his final whistle, signalling end of full time.

Bome FC Team (The Winners)

Tondig FC (The Losers)

It was at penalty shootouts that Bome FC finally emerged victorious after their goalkeeper saved the last penalty that was kicked by the 10 shirted player of Tondig FC, Tah Fidelis leading to a final score line situation of 6 goals to 5. Immediately the last penalty was caught, Bome fans went wild, jumping up and down, singing songs of joy for the victory their boys obtained.

Just like his colleague of Bome, he extended words of appreciation to the tournament organiser hoping they still continue to organise more editions. Putting it as he said, "If they do again, I promise them that time around, I'll be coming to take the cup." In the trophy was the sum of one hundred thousand (100.000) Frs as first prize. The loser, Tondig FC backed home seventy five thousand (75.000) Frs for her second position.The coach of Bome F.C, Mbah Shadrach alias Ajasco told Mbengwi Online at the end of the match that "Indeed I am overwhelmed. It was really a difficult game as the two teams played very well. In fact, it was beautiful soccer to watch. I really thank B.M.I for bringing this to us because it's been long that we had such." To coach Teghen Godlove alias Iron Must Obey of Tondig FC, it was good football that after everything left him happy to have reached the finals. "In the game of football, one side must win and to take the second position in a competition as such wasn't an easy thing" he said.

Mbah Shadrach alias Ajasco, Coach, Bome F.C

Teghen Godlove alias Iron Must Obey, Coach of Tondig FC

It should be recalled that prior to the final match, Gutah FC and Mbengwi Young Boys FC, both losers of the semi finals competed for the third position same day at the end of which Gutah F.C won her opponent, one goal to zero, a victory that earned them the third position title plus cash prize of fifty thousand (50.000) Frs and 20.000F consolatory prize to Mbengwi Young Boys FC. 

Meanwhile away from football, the competition also had handball girls as a discipline. Here, it was Mbengwi FC that beat Gutah FC at the finals to lift the trophy that had attached to it, a cash prize of 50.000Frs as the loser (of the finals), that's Gutah FC went back home with 30.000F while the third position had 20.000F. 

The victory of Bome FC over Tondig FC to a greater extent came as a result of the huge support the Bome players had from their fons, business magnets, elites, diaspora, villagers and well wishers. In addition, they had the home advantage where supporters could trek from G.R.A, Ku, Njembeng, Muswe, Wumfi, Back Mbon, Mile 17, 18, 19, 20 etc to cheer the squad compared Tondig FC that had just a modicum of supporters dotted around the field of play because of the distance factor where their supporters were expected to travel for kilometres from Bessi Fomukong, Chenam, Wumnebit, Sang, Munam, Zang Tembeng, Njindom etc to Mbengwi. Again, Tondig players depended just on their talents. They weren't promised any 5F by anybody if they win whereas hundreds of thousand were raised by Bome FC supporters, crates of beer reserved, a set of new jerseys bought for them, flags carrying their logos and other gadgets. 

Handball Girl's Final

End of Match 

For all these reasons, they had much pressure to must win in order not to fail the aspirations of all those who had thrown in their moral, financial, material and spiritual support behind them. Nih Lewis Tata popularly known as Lewisco  formed a WhatsApp group to rally support for the Bome players. On the day of the finals he was on the field and made juicy promises to the boys should they win. This explains why it was like a dead announcement when Tondig FC first opened scores and a resurrection when Bome FC equalised and ascension when they finally emerged winner. 

Prior to the day of the match, H.R.H Prof. Mbacham Wilfred Fon Tarkeh II of Funam made a public statement, addressing the Bome players in which he said, Dear Bome FC, as you log horns with Tondig FC, may the Lord guide you into fair play and demonstrate that Bome people are not only respectful, are builders and love one another but that they also have the expert knowledge  of tact on the field and other areas of professional life. Bome FC make us proud with your participation as we claim your victory even before the match. On behalf of the 7 Fons that make up Bome, be blessed with victory. 

Handball Girls Highlights 

Handball Girls Highlights

The maiden edition of the BMI Christmas Tournament was sponsored by the Nyen Cooperative Union through Baba Nfo that offered 300.000F, AfroBrains Cameroon through Dr. Tata Emmanuel that offered 200.000F, Nya Publishers Ltd through Dr. Nya Hans that offered 50.000F and the Bongob Meta International itskef through its coordinator Mr. Ndi Walters that offered 310.000F. All of these put together amounted to 860.000F. It is this grand total that was used in the overall organisation of the tournament, purchase of equipment, award of prizes, motivation to ornanisung committee mbers on the ground, lighting of a Christmas tree at Sam Tabeng junction, Ngyen-Mbo among other activities. 

It should be recalled that away from the tournament, BMI also executed a project of lighting a Christmas tree in Mbengwi and it turned out to be the lone Christmas tree tgst was lighted at a public square in the entire subdivision in December 2021. Even the Mbengwi Council that had as routine to illuminate some key junctions of the municipality with Christmas lights didn't do so this time around. At moment, BMI is planning to come up with the second edition of the tournament and also execute other projects. To ensure inclusion of all villages in Meta, the tournament is organised in zones with each zone made made up of several villages.

Football Boys Highlights 

Football Boys Highlights 

Bongob Meta International is a group of Meta sons and daughters drawn from home and abroad that's been in existence for close to 4 years now. The group is a conglomeration of elites, politicians, traditional and religious authorities, business gurus, lay men and women etc. Since its existence, the group has been able to execute several multimillion projects like economically empowering refugees in Nigeria, economically empowering Meta fons and the recent Christmas sports tournament. At moment, the group is planning to work in collaboration with the Mbengwi Council to renovate the Abbi bridge.