Ntumfor Barr. Nico Halle Speaks Out on Hate Speech-A Must Read

MY LITTLE TAKE ON HATE SPEECH

By Barrister Nico Halle

Hate Speech. What causes it and what are it's ramifications? 

This little and simple article is definitely a continuation of my almost twenty-eight years quest for Justice and Peace for our beloved country where there is everything but Love, Justice and Peace. Too bad indeed. 

The article is also triggered by the exponential upsurge in hate speech in Cameroon and beyond. As a Justice and Peace crusader, and as one who has no kind words for embezzlers and predators it is incumbent upon my humble self to situate the current situation within its proper context even if I may only be repeating myself over and over again. 

Yet, what is hate speech? Hate speech though loosely used by so many is described by others as threatening and wanton words, articles that attack particular groups especially on the basis of minority, race, sexual orientation, religion, colour, belief, ethnicity, nationality and education. Hate Speech is also any kind of communication in writing, speech, behavior, action, character that hurts or attacks, uses pejorative or selective language that makes reference to a group of people who are deprived or marginalized. The definition might be varied and various, but it stems from one thing- absence of love, Justice, equity leading to ANGER/FRUSTRATION resulting in- VIOLENCE, CHAOS AND ANARCHY. 

Truth be told, when God created Cameroon like many other Nations, He provided for His people sufficient resources for their welfare. It is true that Adam and Eve played into the hands of the devil who tricked them into violating God's strict instructions. (Spare me details). Both of them fell and sin found itself in the world. 

Despite God's anger, He, in His infinite love for His people still sent Prophets to turn things around without success. He later on sent His only begotten son Jesus Christ to transform His people. These same people rebelled against Him and crucified him even though He committed no crime.

Today we are engulfed in Hate, greed, fear, graft, embezzlement, bribery and corruption, discrimination, tribalism, favoritism, xenophobia, regionalism, hypocrisy, falsehood, marginalization, lies, human rights and liberties abuse, election rigging etcetc etc. Are these not the platform on which Hate speech thrives abundantly? The answer is a big YES. Can we who are promoters of the above fight Hate speech? The answer is a big NO. I challenge some of us; all over our country who are condemning hate speech whether we have the moral authority to fight Hate Speech! How can we condemn what we promote? This is certainly very hypocritical and impossible. If we MUST fight Hate speech, we MUST start from what causes Hate speech otherwise it would be an effort in futility. 

How can we fight Hate speech when we cannot respect the Rule of law of our land? Are we truly patriotic? 

How can we fight Hate speech when discrimination is promoted at all the echelons of our society? Where there is discrimination there is hate speech.

How can we fight Hate speech when the core moral values of love, Justice, equity, transparency, accountability, integrity, truth, patriotism, respect of human rights and liberties, credibility etc that should be espoused to constitute the platform of our daily activities are treated with levity? 

How can we fight Hate speech when meritocracy has given way to mediocrity? 

How can we fight Hate speech when some of those who receive awards, distinctions and medals are of questionable character?

Some time ago I met with someone I know at an event who boasted that he has occupied high positions within our society and even trumpeted that he is one of the most bilingual and educated Cameroonians. I chatted with him for about twenty minutes and told him straight that I do not value his learned stature as most Cameroonians know him as corrupt and election rigger and that he had nothing to offer as he was morally bankrupt. I reminded him of his quest for power and money by corrupt means that people know. He was ashamed when I disclosed to him in the presence of another friend what he had done when he worked at one of our institutions. Can such a person fight Hate speech? Absolutely no,  because he is partly responsible for those in abject poverty idling around.

How can we fight Hate speech when poverty and unemployment are our mainstay? A hungry and an unemployed person is a fertile ground for Hate Speech.

How can we fight Hate speech when elections are rigged at almost all levels of our society? About 85% of uprising in the world emanate from rigged elections. See what happens at Cultural Associations, in our Communities, our global Churches, within Political parties, within the civil society, even in the Bar Association where the Rule of law ought to be the watch word. 

How can we fight Hate speech when Religious structures that ought to be a moral force to reckon with have degenerated into despicable moral decadence? 

How can we fight Hate speech when parents do no longer bring up their children in the way of the Lord? Proverbs 22:6 

The fear of the Lord which should be the beginning of wisdom has now been transformed into the fear of money, power, position etc is the beginning of wisdom. 

How can we fight Hate speech when religious knowledge and moral education do not feature in the curriculum of our children's studies? Five "O" level papers without Religious Knowledge; or Two "A" level papers without Religious Knowledge. Are we not saying that five or two papers without God?  So how does this situation bring up the child in the way of the Lord? Answer blowing in the wind.

How can one who promotes corruption, bribery, graft, discrimination, tribalism, division, divide and rule, hypocrisy, falsehood, xenophobia, violence, bitterness, frustration, sycophancy, surrogacy, bootlicking, praise singing, idol worshiping etc etc etc fight Hate speech? All of these vices virtually promote hate speech.

Even if we are not scrupulously respecting the Rule of law of our Country let us at least ask for direction from our awesome God. This is the person whose boots we should lick daily by going on our knees and asking for forgiveness after repenting from our sins. 

Why is it that even some of the books that could even lead us into being patriotic are systematically spurned?

I have had occasion of reading and re-reading many great books on Goodness, Audacity of Hope, and Lamentation for a beloved Country, Nation Building, the Politics of Jesus, Rigour and Moralization, The Seven Habits of highly effective people. These books have inspired and molded me a lot. 

These books were good yesterday and are today still relevant for a society that wants to live in peace and harmony. If these books had been imbibed at all echelons of our body polity, we would have long emerged as Cameroon is blessed with huge natural and human resources. We would have also avoided the socio-political crisis rocking the NW/SW Regions of our country. Most Cameroonians I know are very intelligent in almost all areas of life. Unfortunately, academia that is devoid of core moral values represents almost nothing. Such academia cannot build a great Nation.

Yet, why have these books been spurned? This is because by implementing their contents embezzlers and grafters would no longer have their way. They have over the years looted and plundered the resources thereby creating poverty and unemployment. Despicable. 

These books imply that the Rule of law would be respected by all and sundry thereby curbing inequalities that are fertile grounds for frustration and of course Hate Speech. Intrigues, greed, vaulting and inordinate ambitions, unbridled quest for power, recognition and position, manipulations, lies, cover ups, and FEAR are largely responsible for most of frustrations leading to Hate Speech. 

The socio-political crisis in the NW/SW Regions are still very pre-occupying owing to a couple of reasons. Some of the key players, call them stake holders have NEVER told the truth because of FEAR. They fear to lose friendship, they fear to lose benefits, favours, advantages, promotions, appointments or reappointments, grandeur, titles, awards, glamour, splendour and what have you! 

People have forgotten that all the above attributes no matter how we acquired them will slip off our fingers when God wills it. I have always reminded myself that there is no position or anything I possess anywhere that I cannot let go when it comes to standing for the truth and defending general interest. We have also forgotten that our live here on earth is ephemeral and that we have a responsibility to leave the world better than we met it. We have also forgotten that amassing wealth to the detriment of our brothers and sisters is a heinous crime against humanity and that we shall all be held accountable to our creator for all our deeds. We even forget that we came empty and will leave the world empty.

Some people are insensitive to the many civilians, and army that are perishing in the senseless war in the NW/SW Regions. Some of us are more interested in how much money we make on the blood of our brothers and sisters dying in their great numbers. Those countries manufacturing arms are making brisk business. Terrible. Others are making political capital of the crisis. A big SHAME to us all. There is always time for reckoning when all will be said and done. 

Finally, when the Pope's representative visited Cameroon recently he re-echoed what I have been recommending since about four years now on how we can honestly solve the socio-political crisis in the NW/SW regions: namely the creation of a Justice, Peace and Reconciliation platform. This will constitute the platform for honest, objective, inclusive dialogue to hold.  For this to happen smoothly, some preliminary measures should be taken to create an enabling environment. I still stand by this crusade and pray that God should show the people of this beloved country the right way to come out of the crisis. 

While this is the way, Spiritual and Moral Rearmament should be highlighted at all the facets of the country. Hate Speech must be tackled holistically especially at the grassroots where we find about 90% of frustration owing to the fact the people are living in abject squalor. 

Like JF Kennedy, I will always ask myself what I can do for my country and not what my country can do for me. This I shall continue to do till my Creator calls me home whenever He wishes. It is not about perfection as nobody is perfect. It is about being useful to humanity our frailties apart.

I pray and pray and pray for God’s people.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Hon. Naomi Donates Tons of Fertilizer to Farmers

The donation which comes as farmers in Ndu.sub Division are in need of inputs for their farms was saluted with alot of euphoria. The 10 tons of fertilizer is expected to boost production in the Ndu municipality. Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando was flanked during the distribution exercise by the Mayor of Ndu council, Abdou Borno and other elected officials as well as local administrators. Before handing over the support to women leaders of the 10 farmer groups, the Member of Parliament cautioned that the support should be used for the purpose intended. She equally expressed joy and thanks to the women of Ndu for being the bread basket of Donga Mantung Division and the North West Region at large. She reminded the women that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and lauded their efforts for the significant contribution towards food sufficiency. 

On his part Abdou Borno Kamfon reiterated the fact that the economy of Ndu depends solely on agriculture and livestock. He said that the Ndu council is living no stone unturned in trying to provide farms to market roads as well as developing health infrastructures to sustain the farming population. He thank the MP for the timely support which will go a long way to boost maize and beans production qualitatively and quantitatively. 

The subdivisional delegate of agriculture and rural development for Ndu, said that the fertilizer will benefit an estimated 180 farmers and would likely increase production of maize and beans by over 30-40%

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Tribute to Christian Cardinal Tumi By Barrister Nico Halle

 

Pa Cardinal as I fondly called you when you sojourned in this sin sick world where there is everything but Love and Justice, I am doing this piece with deep pain in my heart as you have gone home to your creator. The news of your demise was surely a thunderbolt on my whole body set up. So devastating, shocking, smashing, crushing and unbelievable. Why because you are usually robust and promising in your outlook. 

When I remember the quality moments we had together in sharing a meals after both of us acted as resource persons at Seminars or workshops in Bamenda or at your residence here in Douala I am trapped by nostalgia. Excellent moments that remain indelible on my mind. I cannot forget the honour you bestowed upon my humble self when you sacrifice a greater portion of you day in personally taking part in my 30th Professional Anniversary at the Presbyterian Church Bonaberi-Douala in 2016. You electrified the large Assembly of invitees who had come to attend the event by the warm and kind words pronounced in describing me as a man of integrity and dignity. You added that though you were not close to me you appreciated what I was doing for the Nation in the domain of Peace crusading and fighting against Corruption and moral decadence in all its forms. You indicated that you loved my frank and courageous stance on the truth, patriotism, dignity and honesty. 

The climax of your love for me was when you paid my modest family a maiden visit at our home here in Bonaberi. The wisdom you shared with some friends and my Rev Pastors invited to receive you has remained engraved in our hearts. We were abundantly blessed by your visit especially as it was you who initiated it wanting to know where my family lives. We will never thank you enough Pa Cardinal. 

The last but crucial call I received from you is when you were assigned to lead a caravan to explain the contents of the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue MND in the NW Region. When you got to Bamenda you called me to find out where I was as I was on the list of the team you were leading. When I told you that I was still in Douala you asked what I was still doing in Douala when the rest of the members were already in Bamenda. In my response I told you that I could not come to Bamenda to be part of your caravan because I was never invited to the National Dialogue consequently could not come as I would not have much to say especially as the issues needed  mastery. Then you ask a question I could not answer. "Ntumfor if you were not invited to the MND who then was invited? You have over the years been crusading Peace and reconciling so many factions in society how come you of them all will not be invited? When I saw your name on the list I was happy that we had someone who would assist us. Now I do not know what to do. Yes Ntumfor you are right not to come because you were not invited to the dialogue. This is unfair". "Pa Cardinal, may kindly inform you that I checked with the PMHG Chief Dr Dion Ngute and he confirmed that my invitations had been directed to the Bilingualism Commission. When I called the Director of Cabinet of PM he equally confirmed that my invitations had been directed to the Bilingualism Commission. I further called H.E. Felix Mbayu who again confirmed that my invitations had been directed to the Bilingualism Commission. Of the two invitations sent to the Commission for me only that of the Cultural Gala was seen". After listening to me you expressed your indignation at such highhandedness and that was the end of our long chat.

Pa Cardinal you are gone home but your extraordinary huge legacy will live on and be perpetuated by those who espoused core moral values of society. 

I dare not grief for your departure. I would rather celebrate your unparalleled accomplished and fulfilled life. You were a great model. You talked the talk and walked the walk. 

Now that you have been called by your creator, we plead with you to continue to intercede for us all. Continue to pray for love, Justice and Peace to reign amongst God's people. Pray for Cameroon, Africa and the world. 

Finally, thank you for the love you had for me and my family. 

Rest well with the Lord where there is no more pain nor suffering. Where there is no hate, corruption, embezzlement, greed, bad blood, blackmail, rigging, graft, falsehood, hypocrisy, jealousy, discrimination, tribalism etc etc

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Bafut Mayor, MP Handover Renovated Dormitory Blocs, Promise Scholarships to Students

The Mayor of Bafut Council, Ngwakongoh Lawrence and the Member of Parliament for Bafut/ Tubah, Hon. Agho Oliver have today April 15, 2021, officially handed the renovated dormitory at PSS Mankon (hosting) PSS Bafut. Reconstructed by Bafut council and roofed by Bafut/ Tubah MP as well as with substantial assistance from Presidential couple to renovate other blocs and boys dormitory of PSS Mankon also torched by fire during same period, PSS Mankon counts close to 900 students while PSS Bafut counts over 400 students. welcoming them on behalf of Presbyterian Education Authority, PEA, were the principals of Mankon and Bafut, who prayed God to allow the MP and Mayor live long enough to realize their promises to students of both colleges, while already acknowledging that a friend in need is a friend indeed. 

This is so because in addition to handing over of the reconstructed dormitary, the two dynamic elected young men promised scholarships covering three years tuition to 8 Advance Level students from both PSS Bafut and PHS Mankon, as well as 8 scholarships for high school for Ordinary level students of both schools beginning next academic year. The scholarship in it's entirety is a 3 years scholarship of FCFA 50.000 per year for 3 years for 8 "A" level students, and tuition of over FCFA 400.000 to 8 students for 2 years high school studies as well as 8 GCE 'O' level students transiting to high school. After inspecting refurbished buildings, the Mayor and MP addressed students of both schools, encouraging them to study hard as future of this country is in their hands. 

Hon. Agho Oliver and Ngwakongo Lawrence presented themselves as two examples of youth who dared to dream and succeeded, and urged students to also dream big given that education is the key to the world. 

Accompanying the Mayor and MP to event was the Commissioner for Economic Development for the newly installed North West Regional Assembly, Ghejun Awunti. Before leaving PSS Mankon, Hon. Agho Oliver and Ngwakongo Lawrence also offered 1500 facemasks to the two schools as part of their efforts to mitigate the widespread of covid 19. 

It is worth mentioning that the reconstructed dormitory blocs were equipped with fire extinguishers and solar energy. 

SHUMAS, BSFA-UK Extend Hand of Fellowship to Catholic Schools

Strategic Humanitarian Services-SHUMAS working ifxn collaboration with Building Schools for Africa-BSFA-UK have extended a hand of fellowship to Catholic Schools in Bamenda. SHUMAS Director, Ndzerem Stephen personally handed over the support to the beneficiaries a forth night ago in a solemn ceremony which was marked by the presence of clergies, school officials and parents. 

The support which amongst others included pedagogic material, benches, chairs and science laboratory was the first of it's kind to mission schools. The lucky beneficiaries were St John Catholic School Ntaghem, St Joseph Catholic College Mankon and Saint Charles Lwanga Catholic School Up Station. At St. John for example, SHUMAS rehabilated classrooms and equally donated a well equiped science laboratory for the school which since creation has never had one. Teachers, students, parents and the clergies, expressed gratitude and thanks to their donors for the gift of the future. 

Both Rev. Father Bonaventure Ndong and Rev. Father Edward Siani appreciated the donor for an investment for the future and for acknowledging that " children are jewels". They called on God to bless the hands that giveth and replenish the sources so that these givers will never lack.

Ndzerem Stephen, SHUMAS Director while handing over the gifts to the beneficiaries cautioned that the donation should be judiciously used for the purpose for which it was intended. To him, "the only thing u can give to a child is education. If a child is to be the president of this country and that child does not go to school, the child would not even be a truck pusher. That is why we invest eighty percent of our projects on education". He told students and pupils that education is the foundation of human existence and it is the only key to the future. 

It should be recalled that SHUMAS is one of the leading humanitarian organization in Cameroon and for over 15 years has been building schools and providing an enabling environment for teaching and learning in Cameroon. The SHUMAS Center is the best incubation training center for young agricentrepreneurs. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Cameroon's Foremost Whistleblower, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle Recognized by Nigeria

This reflection is inspired by the fact that unlike an umpteen African and Cameroon elite who have spent time over the years, fostering and perpetrating Western and European hegemony or North/South cooperation, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle has stood out as a shinning city upon the hill, in promoting and fostering South/South cooperation.

It is also informed by the fact that very few African thinkers and elites seem to understand the fact that Africans would remain underdogs and beggers infront of Western and European countries, if they do not fight to break down the movement and trade barriers amongst African countries skillfully imposed by the Western and European colonizers so as to keep African nations perpetually divided and reliant on them, while the West and Europe unites in exploiting such divisions, a phenomen Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle now seems to be joining Professor Lumumba, in frontally challenging.

It is also inspired by the fact that it takes only a forward-looking and open-minded people and nation like Nigeria to publicly recognize and eulogize a citizen of another country like Cameroon, for years of promoting and fostering trade, tourism and cultural relations between Cameroon and Nigeria, as well as intra African trade.

Last March 22, 2021, saw a new chapter opened in the history of Cameroon-Nigeria relations with citizen diplomacy at the forefront as frontline Cameroon citizens who have over the years been promoting and nurturing trade, tourism and rich cultural relations between Cameroon and Nigeria were publicly recognized and awarded certificates. Singled out for appreciation and awarded by the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Cameroon, acting on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigerian people, was Cameroon's international legal luminary, human rights and humanitarian lawyer, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, who in turn quickly dedicated the award to the media family in Cameroon for always standing by him in the dissemination of his crusades and campaigns against injustices, moral decadence and social ills.

The event that marked the end of the Cameroon-Nigerian Trade, Tourism and Cultural Week, an annual event curated by the Nigerian Consul General in Douala-Cameroon, where Ntmfor Barrister Nico Halle, the awardee was also guest speaker, was unique opportunity for the friendly and brotherly people of the two countries to showcase the richness of intra African trade, tourism and cultural cooperation as its sustainability needed to go beyond governments and diplomats to being appropriated by ordinary citizens in African countries, the likes of Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle leading by example.

Not that Ntumfor's charity in leading by example began abroad. He has for years done so in his native Awing, the North West, Cameroon and in various spheres. His examplary leadership skills and humanitarian ouvertures have over the years, earned him over 116 local, national and international awards, which averagely could be an equivalent of three awards per year for the last 30 years, not counting awards and medals he has rejected, for want of credibility.

Apart from being holder of two honoris causa doctorial degrees from renowned university institutes, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle is also awardee the 2018 Africa Summit Universal Peace Federation, which award Ntumfor dedicated to all peace loving and law abiding Cameroonians, 2019 Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecturer, amongst others.

Some of his most exciting awards are a sign of encouragement and appreciation for his unrelentless whistleblowing against corruption, embezzlement, bribery, election rigging, moral decadence and human rights abuses in both public and private spheres, including the church.

Ntumfor's whistleblowing against powerful institutions and individuals cuts through foreboding shadows with a clear and courageous message of hope to all Africans in general and Cameroonians in particular: a message that fear must be defeated in 2021 for any meaningful change to be effected in Cameroon in particular and Africa in general. A message that Cameroonians, and by extension Africans, fear truth-telling because of the fear of material and career-limiting opportunities. 

And like Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie in 'Facing the future without fear', Ntumfor is of the opinion that even though there are over 136 references in the Bible urging God's people not to fear, fear has weakened the immune system of Cameroonians and Africans to an extent that they compromise the morally corrupt governance systems across Africa.

His outings at times inspire awe and contempt, heightening the intense affective landscape in which whistleblowers will often find themselves.

Ntumfor's boldness and critical scholarship in calling out the injustices of power regimes, institutions and individuals, inevitably trigger anger, anxiety, shame, guilt, disgust, and indeed fear, as he refuses to behave like other Cameroonians by remaining silent in the face of corruption, embezzlement, linguistic and cultural violence and discrimination, as obtains today in Cameroon.

And going by the prevailing circumstances, especially in the two English speaking Regions of Cameroon where fear of speaking truth to power has become a constant companion to many, Ntumfor's prescription for 2021 is that it is preferable to speak the truth if any change in the situation is expected in 2021. 

That would also entail promoting and fostering intra African trade, tourism, cultural exchanges, and more importantly, indigenous methods of preventing and resolving intra-state and inter-state conflicts in much the same way Cameroon and Nigeria did over the Bakassi boundary conflict, where Ntumfor himself later gave awards of appreciation and recognition to the Presidents of Nigeria and Cameroon, for their statesmanship in peacefully resolving the conflict, and where he continues to bring pressure to bare on President Paul Biya to use the same enlightened wisdom to resolve the ragging Anglophone conflict.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Bambili Road Sink: Tubah/Bafut MP, Agho Oliver visits scene, sympathizes with victims

Hon. Agho Oliver, Member of Parliament for Tubah/Bafut, this Thursday morning made an on-the-spot visit and assessment of the distruction caused by the unfortunate sink caused by the heavy rains of yesterday, and that led to the obstruction of traffic and destruction of property.

The Hon. MP was satisfied that all was quickly put in place for traffic to resume and that the local company charged with the road works was putting all in place to see to it that all ends well.

Hon. Agho Oliver was however disappointed that the local contractor carrying the repair/reconstruction works has so far been high handed and not cooperating with local authorities of Tubah.

He was concerned about reports presented to him by Tubah Council authorities that since the contractor started work, he has refused to collaborate with Tubah Council authorities. It was further revealed that the road sink could have been avoided if the contractor did not, in the course of opening up the Bambili stretch of road, discarded the existing three metre rings for one metre rings and never made sure the pathways were canalized.

While calling for greater collaboration between contractors and local authorities, Hon..Agho Oliver took time off to sympathize with some inhabitants of the area whose properties and homes were destroyed by the torential rains.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Hon. Agho Oliver Goes International, Speaks at Massachusetts Water Youth Summit

March 22 was largely observed around the globe as World Water Day, a day which underlines the significance of fresh water in our lives. 2021 edition was commemorated under the theme: Valuing water.  According to the United Nations, this day is not just only to celebrate water but more importantly it is also intended to raise awareness about some lesser facts. For instance, statistics show that approximately 2. 2 billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water. And besides, the UN has predicted that by 2050 approximately 5.7 billion people could be living in areas that will witness water shortage for at aleast a month every year. Accordingly, the UN says one of the core focus areas of World Water Day is to work towards accomplishing Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. 

As part of the commemoration for this year, Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju was one of the panelists at the 9th Annual Massachusetts Water Youth Summit organized by the Foundation for a Green Future.  In his presentation Hon, Agho Oliver that with the harshness of the dry season access to water remains a major preoccupation around the globe and Cameroon as well. “Covid 19” he added “has skyrocket the need for water given that water is one of the barrier measures that those who cannot afford facemask can easily afford if it is accessible to all”.  To Hon. Agho Oliver, improving access to water should start from protecting water sources which to him are “sources of life given that water is life”. Harping on his personal contribution and water government of Cameroon has been doing to improve access to water, Hon. Agho Oliver said every year, government provides water schemes to communities yet community beneficiaries hardly take care of the water sources. He also mentioned the invasion of water catchment areas by farmers and rampant grazing in around water sources. “Lash and burnt commonly known as Ankara” he reiterated also is also one of the drivers of climate change and contributes significantly in polluting water sources. When asked what has been his contribution in improving access to water, Hon. Agho said he started planting trees to restore water sources before he became Member of Parliament. “With the ongoing crisis and Internally Displaced in the North West Region, there is the need for us to improve on access to water in the North West Region”, he added. At the end of the presentation Hon. Agho Oliver expressed gratitude to Dr. Karen Weber, of the Foundation for a Green Future for inviting him to talk to youths and learn as well. 

It is worth mentioning that the 9th Annual Massachusetts Water Youth Summit was a virtual event was sponsored by Senator Ann Gobi, Senator Jamie and Representative Carolyn Dykema. Participants were made up of youth from USA, France, India, Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, Malaysia and South Africa. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando Communes with Wimbum Community in Yde

The Member of Parliament for Donga Mantung Centre Constituency, Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando was flanked by a powerful delegation as she Communes with the Wimbum Cultural and Development Association-WICUDA in the outskirts of Yaounde, on Sunday 14, 2021. There was euphoria and fanfare when Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando and her entourage arrived the meeting ground. She was saluted on her arrival by a huge crowd of Wimbum people. The echoes of drumbeats and chants in Limbum echoed into the small hills of Oyomabang and the lowland of Nkolbisson, which indicated to the Yaoundeans that something was about to happen. 

Upon arrival, she was received by the President and the entire executive as well as some title holders of Mbumland resident in the nation capital. Welcoming the MP 

and her entourage, the President of the WICUDA expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for Ndu for taking time off her busy schedule to commune with them.

Speaker after speaker poured expressed joy and happiness for the timely visit which they said will consolidate the solidarity amongst the Wimbum Community. 

Addressing the Wimbum Community, Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando said she is looking forth at WICUDA as a veritable partner in development. "We don't know everything, we learn every day and I am here so that we can put our ideas together to impact lives back home" she said. In her greeting speech she emphasized that she neither knows all nor they know all but that together they will know all for the development back home.She regretted for have not paid them a  visit because of the traumatizing unfortunate Ngarbuh incident of 14/02/2020 just  5 days after their election.

In comformity with the Wimbum tradition, before leaving the Wimbum meeting hall she offered drinks to the population

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Women's Day: Meet Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando, the Carreer Politician

Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando  is a female political giant whose rise to prominence paints the picturesque of how much women in leadership could impact lives in purely male dominated society.
She is the Member of Parliament for Donga Mantung Centre Constituency-Ndu in Donga Mantung Division of the Northwest region. She is on her first mandate. She is one of those exemplary female politicians who have dismantled male barriers to rise. Talk about female politicians who are fighting against the widespread of covid 19, the first name that come to mind is Hon. Naomi. Of late she was in town distributing maize seeds and covid 19 kits to women. She is making a mark in the Donga Mantung political landscape. 

Before becoming a career politician, her hard work, determination and involvement in community work and sound education shaped and influenced her life to where she is today.

This good natured, self-motivated and sparkling political icon has had a distinguished career as a teacher before a jump-start in politics where she is going into records in great names. Conscientiously speaking she has been rated as the agrarian political messiah who continues to stimulate the woman that “what a man can do in politics, a woman can do it better”. This is great motivation because she is and continues to make a difference in the lives of the rural woman as she is on her first mandate. 

Besides, she is an educationist. She had served as head teacher in several schools before moving to work in the inspectorate. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Christelle Bay Chongwain: The Exemplary Human Right Advocate

Behind every woman is an inspiring story. Meet Christelle Bay Chongwain one of the few women who has moved beyond artificial male barriers and she is changing lives as rights and peace advocate. On this special day,  the inspiring stories of women cannot be be told with mentioning her name. Christelle Bay is a woman of the future who was born with the knack to cater the need of 

others.  She is a Mandela Washington Fellow. She is the CEO of  Hope for the Needy Association-Cameroon. HOFNA  Accompanying rural women, advocating for gender equity, violence against women and rights of children as well as providing support has been her line of action in fostering the empowerment of the poor as well as building a better future for all. And providing scholarships to orphans as well as encouraging the education of the girl child is what has made HOFNA Cameroon the Best of the Best in Child result orientation. It is also this art of reaching out to the needy that has catapulted Christelle Bay Nfor in various communities in the North West Region of Cameroon. What makes her dissimilar from others is that she does uncommon things in a very common manner.

With the collaboration of funding partners and with donations from members, HOFNA has reached out to over 500 primary schools pupils in the North West Region by donating didactic materials. In her move to encourage communities realize their worth through the education of the girl child; HOFNA has offered scores of scholarships to little intelligent girls in the region. She started ten years ago by providing scholarship to pupils  at CS Ngwanri in Nkambe Central. This she said is a way to raise hopes in communities and build a better future for the next generation. 

Today, she has reached out to hundreds of children accross the country. Coming closer to Christelle Bay is discovering a pictogram in child welfare and an advocate for the right to education for the girl child. As a matter of fact, she is putting and has been putting HOFNA Cameroon on the ladders of the trusted NGOs that Cameroon needs to achieve the Vision 2035. HOFNA Cameroon from all observations inspires hope given that her devotion to work for a sustain future is what is making her to think of moving climate change issues from workshops and symposium to the classrooms for children to be informed and empowered on mitigation strategies. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Celebrating Leadership Skills of Ma Yaah Patience Tamfu on Women's Day

She is CPDM Section President in the United States. Her trappings as a career politician speak volumes. In fact, to have risen above the artificial barriers to be elected Section President in Uncle Sam's country is a feat. If there is any area in Cameroon where the Beijing platform can be assessed, it is in her participation in political and economic sphere which was former a no go one for the woman. This woman has shown that women in leadership could mean a lot to Cameroon. Ever since this daughter of the great statesman, late Hon. SN Tamfu became the sparkling flicker, the ever first woman to strengthen the CPDM party in the United State of America. She has become a symbol that women in leadership position could mean a lot to Cameroon. Hitherto considered a no go zone for women, Yaah Patience Tamfu has not only dismantled the male barriers constructed round politics but has more importantly serve as a woman emancipator. Where two or three are gathered to talk development, Patience Tamfu is always present. Though living in the USA, her contributions to development initiatives in Mbum land are surplus. Congrats Ma Yaah and Happy Women's Day. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Mafor Achidi Achu Judith: A Woman Worth Celebrating on Women's day

Mafor Yaah Judith Sunday ’épouse Achidi is the General Manager of CAMTEL. As CAMTEL boss, Mafor Yaah Judith Sunday epouse Achidi has accumulated over 25 years experience in governance and entrepreneurship development. She is one of the most formidable woman of all the women in leadership position. Her astuteness at the helm of Camtel is very positive as she is set to make Camtel leader of mobile network in Cameroon. Ahead of the BLUE Camtel project launch, the programme has already registered hundreds of thousands of new subscribers. 

Mafor Yaah Judith it should be noted has served CAMTEL in various capacities ranging from regional director for Littoral, South West, North West and Center regions respectively. Before her recent appointment, she was Commercial Director. She holds a degree in business administration and Master Degree in Banking and Finance.

Mafor Yaah Achidi Achu Judith Yaah Sunde as she is commonly called is a woman of additional qualities. This is a woman who unlike others is busy round the clock. As a seasoned administrator, she believes like Immanuel Kant that “the more we are busy, the more we feel we are alive and contributing for the welfare of others”. Her educational background coupled with her devotion to be perfect has made her to transform the principle of education for work into the principle of education through work. Reasons why she puts  she had always put the local communities especially youthsand women ahead in all her actions as she believes that by empowering the rural women and youths she would be an avenue par excellence to change lives through work.

As a Christian, she believes like Martin Luther King that “working is praying”. One prelate once said that every human natured person is made up of the human and the divine and that when the divine overrides, the human one becomes closer to God. Yet, Mafor Achidi Achu Judith goes beyond that by making work the divine with the human as a pairs.

Some years ago she defeated all speculations when she donated a football trophy worth a million FCFA for youths in Donga Mantung Division to celebrate the 50 Anniversary of Cameroon’s independence. The event ended in grand style with over 20.000 man crowds at the finals. Her contribution to the welfare of rural women and youths caught the admiration of Donga Mantung Fons and she was coroneted Senior Ma-Yaah of Donga Mantung division. The second edition of the tournament took place at Ndu last year with over 24 football teams taking part. In a bit to promote the football nursery of Donga Mantung Division, Mafor Yaah Achidi Achu has proven that what a man can do, a woman can do it better. Her largesse to rural women of Nkambe Central has been out numbered ranging from farm inputs to maize seeds and others.

Her devotion for work and down to earth nature ignited fons of the North West who coroneted her with the title of “Mafor”

Accompanying rural women through support has been her line of action in fostering women empowerment. What makes her dissimilar from others is that she does uncommon things in a very common manner. 

While working for Camtel, she had proven that she is duty conscious. In the Littoral and South West regions where she served as Regional Director of CAMTEL, she left an indelible mark of greatness that speaks positively and confirms the aptitude of women in leadership positions. In the Southwest Region she succeeded in putting in place the optic fiber. In the North West, she is also noted to have transformed the entire service into a bee hive of activities. Putting CAMTEL to the forefront by putting in place new installations at Jakiri, Wum, Nkambe and Oku as well as the terminal optical fibre at the University of Bamenda before her workaholic nature moved her to the head office in Yaounde where she is Director of Urban Development at CAMTEL. Notwithstanding, Mafor Achidi Achu Judith Yaah Sunde is also a great supporter of the CPDM. In the political arena her presence in Donga Mantung Division is often described as a booster to youths and the woman folk. If you have never met a cheese full of prominence, get closer to Senior Ma Yaah Mafor Achidi Achu Judith to rediscover her role as a woman emancipator. She has been at the forefront of women advocacy for peace in the North West and South West region.  He desire to see peace returning to the North West and South West Regions has ignited hopes. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Covid 19: Minister of Territorial Administration Instructs Governors, SDOs to Intensify Barrier measures

Paul Atanga Nji, Minister of Territorial Administration has given firm and strict instructions to the 10 Governors and 52 Senior Divisional Officers to intensify barrier measures to curb the spread of covid 19 into communities. MINAT boss is quoted to have issued a letter in which he ordered that the wearing of facemasks in public places is now obligatory. Minister Paul Atanga Nji's instructions comes following Prime Minister's call for Cameroonians to respect WHO and Government barrier measures. 

It should be recalled that since the outbreak of the pandemic, Paul Atanga Nji has been at the forefront distributing covid 19 support kits. 

In the communique issued on March 5, 2021, MINAT boss instructed that as from today March 8, hand washing basins and hand sanitizers must be placed in all public places, schools, markets, etc. He went further to reiterated that SDOs, DOs and mayors should go down regularly to ensure that these barrier measures are attic ly respected. 

On removal of corpse, the monster equally instructed that not more than 40 persons should be allowed to attend and that hospital officials should ensure it's respected. While the letter equally states that not.more than 50 persons should be allowed to attend a burial ceremony. The same measures concern churches, marriages and other public gatherings. 

Prospects are high at that if these instructions are respected, they could mitigate the widespread of covid 19 in communities. Notwithstanding, another school or thought holds that if the public doesn't adhere, MINAT may take more drastic measures which include prohibiting public gatherings, closure of bars, snacks and restaurants in order to intensify the fight against covid 19. 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Here is the Funeral Programme of Retired Lt. Colonel Sunday Nfor Lawrence

Cameroon has lost one of it's foremost senior citizens and retired military official. Retired Lt. Colonel Sunday Nfor Lawrence was a great son of Donga Mantung Division and would be remembered for his contributions in nation building. 

The man who many described as a Role Model is father of Camtel General Manager, Mafor Yaah Achidi Achu Judith. Born in June 1939, he took the journey of no return on February 10, 2021 in Canada. The sad news of his demise in Canada has left the entire North West Region in disbelief and tears. The great military officer who hails from Ndu was a man of great ideas and learning as well as development luminary.

Born in Ndu on June 30th 1939, retired Lt. Colonel Sunday went to primary school in Kumba and later completed his secondary school in Sasse, Buea.

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Following his graduation from Sasse, he went for the selection into the Military Academy. He was part of 1 in 10 officers selected from West Cameroon to go to Yaoundé during the reunification of the two cameroons. He started his training 01/10/1961, the day of reunification of The Cameroons. He trained for two years exclusively in French and in 1963 he ended his training in July.

 

He was appointed second lieutenant and posted to Loum and then on to Tombel where he met and married Marguerite Epote with whom he had seven children.

 

Throughout his carrer in the army he was posted at different positions within Cameroon. From Bamenda in 1966 before being sent to Mbouda, then Bafang, Djoum, Ebolowa, Yaounde in 1977, Buea 1979, Mamfe in 1980 then Bafoussam, Koutaba in 1984, Yaounde in 1994, Maroua and then back to Yaounde before he retired in 1996.

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He lived between Bamenda and Canada where most of his children and grandchildren had settled.

 His family has released his burial programme for people to pay their last homage to the departed astute retired military official

Date March 05 at 2pm

Viewing Ceremony in Montreal

Location: Magnus Poirier Inc.

6825 Sherbrooke Est. Montreal, QC

Cameroon programme

​Wednesday March 03

*Mass at the family residence, Yaounde

Friday March 05

*Celebration of Holy Mass followed by viewing of ceremony in Montreal, live feed

Saturday March 06

*Wake keeping at the family residence, Yaounde

Tueday March 09

*Arrival of the remains at Nsimalen International Airport

*Celebration of Holy Mass at the family residence

*Wake keeping at the family residence, Yaounde

Wednesday March 10

*Celebration of Holy Mass at the Cathedral Our Lady of Victory, Yaounde

*Departure for Bamenda

*Celebration of Holy Mass at the family residence, Bamenda

*Wake keeping at the family residence

Thursday March 11

*Mass at the Saint Joseph's Cathedral, Big Mankon

*Military Honours at the family residence, GRA

*Burial - Restricted to family only

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)