Fight Against Terrorism, Ebola: NW Women Pray for Peace, Unity, Security and Health

Regina Mundi: Coordinator of the Organizing Committee

An inter-faith prayer service for peace, unity, security and health took place at the Bamenda Congress hall with over 5.000 women in attendance. The women who were from different religious denominations and different political backgrounds gathered today September 13, 2014 hand in hand to call for God’s mercy to shower peace, unity, security and good health on the Cameroon and the world. Also present at the inter-faith prayer for peace was the chief executive of the Region, Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique.

In a landmark speech, the chairperson of the coordinating Committee, Mrs. Regina Mundi expressed gratitude to the thousands of women and the head of the religious bodies for their presence and participation in the solemn event. She also thanked the traditional rulers who by virtue of their function ensure the peace and stability of their land through cultural mores and traditional religious practices. She noted that “in 2013 the UN Security council demonstrated renewed determination to put women at the center of all efforts to resolve conflict and promote peace”. She also added that women have to stand up to decry any action that goes contrary to peace and the wellbeing of mankind. “And so we have come here today as wives, mothers, sisters and daughters to join and raise one definite voice from one heart. Hands all linked, we have come to proclaim ourselves as one body from our region, one nation, one people”.  While appreciating President Paul Biya’s leadership as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Mrs. Regina Mundi also congratulated the forces for the sacrifices they make to keep the borders secured. “We raise them to the mercy throne of God. We commend all leaders of the world to the light of God’s wisdom for the continued assurance of world peace, order and prosperity”. She added that perhaps the time for the commendation would not have been more appropriate than now given that it is in these days that “we observed with the anguished hearts of mothers and grieving sisters that some of our own children, our own very brothers and sisters and our neighbours are hurting. And whether they are hurting others or are being hurt is not a thing we can be indifferent to”.

Mrs. Regina Mundi cried out that “we denounce all cultural and religious causes of terrorism. We are taken aback by the human heartlessness and cruelty which is like a divine visitation the Lord God himself can stop”. Quoting from the Biblical 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, which the Lord Himself states that: When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people.

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

She continued that the current atmosphere of insecurity starts up great fear for the future, but “evil” she continued “doesn’t and cannot have the final word in human affairs”. To Regina Mundi, the women of the North West have come to invoke the Lord to forgive and heal the land especially at this point in time that Ebola virus is threatening humanity on the heels of HIV/AIDS as well as the rising rate of maternal mortality. All of which are becoming causes of very grievous concern. “And we are confident that He will hear our prayer as He tells his Prophet Mohammed; when my servants ask thee (O Mohammed) concerning me, tell them I am indeed closer to them. I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls upon me” (Qur’an 2:186). She used the opportunity to call on everyone to instill the culture of peace and security, vital principles of mutual respect and tolerance, respect of law, respect for rights of others and the respect for the laws of the land. In her conclusion, Regina Mundi said the women of the North West hand in hand have risen as one woman to cry for God for his peace, “his peace that can be sustained for generations to come”. Adding that God should continue to bless and protect President Paul Biya and those with whom he governs the nation, including all leaders, be they political, religious, academic, socio-cultural or simply respectable opinion leaders.

On her part the regional delegate of Women Affairs and the Family, Judith Abong called God’s miraculous intervention for peace to continue to rein in Cameroon. She also appreciated government efforts in fostering peace and security.

For over four hours, the women prayed for peace with the intervention of the pastors, Rev. Fathers and Imams. The prayer ended with a symbolic fundraising. 


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

We Are All Eric Thomas Duncan

By Boh Herbert 

Liberian-born Eric Thomas Duncan died early Wednesday in a Texas hospital. He has become the first Ebola patient to have lost his life in the USA.

Mr. Duncan fought to the last, medical staff testified. But, alas, he lost his battle to the deadly Ebola virus, which has now killed over 4,000 people and sickened more than 8,000 others in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

In even less than the eleven short days he was in America, Mr. Duncan became the Face of Ebola in the United States. We saw his image so frequently on the TV sets in our living rooms that we have all become Duncan. You are not alone in feeling like you know Mr. Duncan even more than you really did.

With thousands dead already, one more Ebola victim is obviously one death too many. Unlike the 4,000+ Africans who have died from this pandemic, it seems a lot more than one person died when Mr. Duncan took his last breathe at that Texas hospital. Our worst fears of Ebola have now played out and have been amplified by how quickly the virus claimed Mr. Duncan's life.

Eric Duncan

Even without knowing him, millions prayed, wished and even expected Mr. Duncan to survive. His death dashed our hopes that we will win the battle against Ebola fast enough for more of us to feel we are back in charge - not Ebola. His quick passing dashed hopes, raised in millions of Africans, Americans and others around the world that he became "the very lucky one" just by making it to the USA.

More out of frustration than anything else, some have suggested that Mr. Duncan might have survived longer if he stayed on and sought healthcare in Liberia. It does not help that a recently published survey in 46 states of the USA concluded that 85 percent of nurses say they are not ready to deal with Ebola. It adds to the nervous feeling of hopelessness. Alas, even the USA may be unable to delay or turn back the clock of death that the Ebola virus sets off in each of its victims.

It has not helped that accounts from Mr. Duncan's family have suggested that he did not get the same level of care one would have been given if they were white - not black; if they were American - not Liberian; if they had health insurance; if they were not accused by some, including their own president and threatened by the legal system in Texas, for reportedly traveling to the USA despite knowing - the claim goes - that he was already infected.

How presumptuous!

Beyond the stupidity of some of these accusations, what the world must come quickly to terms with is to admit that Mr. Duncan's travel to the USA shattered - nay, buried - the belief that borders will suffice to keep rich countries safe from Ebola. His death buried the myth that America was ready and equal to any challenge an outbreak would throw at it.

While individuals like Mr. Duncan need to fill out paperwork, seeking prior authorization to visit foreign lands, the Ebola virus ain't applying for any visas. The virus ain't paying any airline fares to fly into any country of their choice. The First World has, hopefully, learned that it cannot neglect diseases in the so-called Third World because they will not kill only the poor.

Obviously, there are neither easy nor ready made solutions to tackle the pandemics of our time: HIV/AIDS, SARs, Ebola, etc. Like HIV/AIDS, the Ebola virus is proving that we will be safe only if we take more seriously that our common humanity is truly one race. We can be our brother's (Duncan's) keeper or we can live with the guilt of failing ourselves by failing our brother (Duncan), his family, and the peoples of Africa.

The West cannot be blamed for every of our shortcomings, though. More than a decade since the violent conflicts ended in these Mano River Union countries, failure to build adequate healthcare infrastructure means pandemics like Ebola will first get worse before they get better. Where, for God's sake, have these and other African governments been when they were expected to provide healthcare as a basic service to their citizens?

Unlike the criminals in power in many African countries and the foreign governments and institutions which help maintain them in charge, Mr. Duncan will be remembered for the last good deeds he performed. He risked and finally lost his life because he offered help to a pregnant teenager in Liberia who was turned away from a hospital and later died from Ebola. How could anyone possibly blame him for doing that? He came to the USA to reunite with his kids - one of them born in a refugee camp in Ghana where he fled during Liberia's bloody civil war. He came to meet up with and marry his fiancée and love of his life. This is a dream you and I would drop everything else we are doing to pursue. He showed up at the hospital once he felt sick, despite not having insurance, and returned when he felt worse. What else could he have done?

Blaming America on this is wrong, too. To date, the USA has pledged to spend the most money ($750 million) and to deploy the largest group of workers (4,000 soldiers) to help build the infrastructure needed to contain the virus. With fear spreading in Texas ahead of any virus spread, we witnessed the amazing people of Dallas who received and cared for Mr. Duncan and his family, including six health workers considered alongside his four close family members as the top ten "at risk" persons. We saw officials ride with his family to a new home, away from public glare. A Christian offered his family a place in the inn. Many continue to show them love. We have them in our thoughts and prayers as we struggle against our own worst fears to keep hope alive in the face of the deadly Ebola virus. In that fight - which must begin in every country long before the first case of Ebola is confirmed - we are all Eric Thomas Duncan.

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

Ebola: "Fight the disease, not the victims" Rev. Jesse Jackson Says

 By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Rev. Jesse Jackson with Duncan's mother

The spread of the deadly Ebola virus in Africa is a global health emergency. Countries around the world must join together to mobilize the resources, build the isolation units, supply the needed medicine, doctors, nurses and support personnel needed to isolate and treat those afflicted, track down and monitor those who might have been in contact, and stop the epidemic.
The toll of the victims of the epidemic — centered in the West African countries of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone — is rising. The World Health Organization now reports over 7,400 confirmed or likely cases, and 3,431 deaths. On Sept. 23, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that without a more robust response, as many as 1.4 million cases could erupt in Liberia and Sierra Leone by January 20.
The virus is deadly, but not particularly infectious. It spreads only from direct contact from the bodily fluids — sweat, blood, vomit — of someone infected after the fever and other symptoms have occurred. Sadly, the incubation period — the time after someone is infected but before symptoms appear — lasts a week and sometimes as long as three weeks. People can travel long distances unaware that they are carrying the disease. This poses a challenge for health officials who must make the public aware so that they are cautious, without spreading panic. It also means that the entire world has a stake in countering this lethal epidemic.
The disease can be stopped. An American victim, undiagnosed, carried the disease into crowded Lagos, Nigeria. More people live in Lagos than in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone combined. A vigorous response — investigating all in contact with the patient, monitoring them, and isolating those who showed symptoms — cleared the virus with only eight deaths. Nigeria had the public health and governmental capacity to respond. But in West Africa, civil wars and chronic poverty have disrupted already meager local health systems. Doctors are scarce; health workers had no experience with the disease.
As Nigeria shows, we need mobilization, not panic, particularly with the chilling news that a Liberian, Thomas E. Duncan, tested positive for the disease in Dallas, the first case diagnosed in this country.
Duncan, now in critical condition, traveled to the U.S. without being aware that he was infected. However, he did come into direct contact with a woman while in Liberia, and he failed to report the truth on an airport health questionnaire. When he contracted a fever, he went to the hospital but was sent him home without proper testing. When his symptoms grew worse, he was taken back to the hospital and isolated. Public health authorities have mobilized, identifying and monitoring all those who might have had contact with him. CDC officials fanned out in the hospital and in his neighborhood to investigate. Happily, as pediatrician Matt Karwowski reported to the Washington Post, “there was no resistance from anyone whatsoever ... At every single door, people welcomed us in ... They were also fearful, but not of us.” The CDC teams have been working 18 hours a day.
This epidemic is a human disaster. It will devastate not only its victims, but also millions more as economies freeze up, schools close, tourism dries up, and fear spreads. In this country, some will use the epidemic to fan racial divides or to posture on immigration. President Obama is already criticized for providing military assistance to build hospital units and transport necessary equipment and medicine in Liberia. Some treat Duncan more as a criminal than a patient, due to his failing to report the truth. His family reports that even those who have been cleared are now shunned in their community.
In Jesus’ time, lepers were treated as unclean, sowing fear and hatred. On one of his last nights, Jesus stayed at the home of Simon the Leper. He showed that we should be fighting the disease, not the person. That is a lesson we should remember in the days ahead of us." Keep Hope Alive! Love you guys.

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

Breaking News: Malala Wins Noble Peace Prize

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager who survived

Malala

an assassination attempt by the Taliban, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The prize was awarded jointly to Malala and Kailash Satyarthi from India, "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education".

Last year the award was given to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for its mission to destroy Syria's chemical weapons stocks. She was also Times Parson of the year and she has broken records as the youngest ever Noble Peace Winner. Bravo Malala..... at 17 years old, she is already Noble Peace Prize Winner. 

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

That Landmark Speech by Fon Azefor III of Nkwen on September 19, 2014

A WELCOME SPEECH PRESENTED BY HRM FON AZEHFOR III, PARAMOUNT RULER OF NKWEN ON THE OCCASION OF THE VISIT OF THE MILITANTS OF MEZAM I SECTION OF THE CPDM NKWEN PALACE TODAY FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2014

The Senators
Government Ministers
The Governor North West Region
The S.D.O Mezam
The D.O Bamenda III
Members of The Central Committee CPDM,
The Lord Mayor Bamenda III
All Protocol Respected
Ladies and Gentlemen

You are highly welcome to this Fondom of Nkwen must especially to the militants of CPDM in the North West in general and Mezam I section in particular. Since I was enthroned as the Paramount Ruler of Nkwen Fondom, different villages, institutions, political parties have paid either a private or public courtesy visit to the Palace. Today, the militants of Mezam I section of the CPDM have decided in a colorful and public appearance to pay me a visit of recognition of my enthronement as the Paramount Ruler of Nkwen Fondom.

Fon Azefor III

Thank you for this thoughtful idea, feel at home. At the end of the celebrations of the missing Fon, I made it clear you that the Palace door will remain open to all sons and daughters of Nkwen in particular and the general public concerned at any moment. Now I know that the political wind of change is blowing not only across Nkwen as it used to be but is blowing in Nkwen. Your massive turn out during today’s event can best testify this. I strongly believed that my people will used this opportunity to be able to identify themselves with a political party of their choice. Your visit here could not have passed unnoticed. I had to mobilse my people to turn out in their numbers to receive you; militants of Mezam I Section of the CPDM.
Je saisie de cette occasion pour félicités le President National du RDPC et Le President de la République Son Excellence Paul Biya pour des multiples projet des développements qui sons envisager pour Nkwen et le Département de la MEZAM dans l’avenir. J’envoye l’expression de mes gratitudes au President National d’avoir crier les délègues régionaux, départementaux et des arrondissements pour mieux gérer les affair du RDPC au Cameroun. Ceci coincide avec ceux des militante(s) de la Section RDPC de MEZAM Premier qui ont eu cette idée de m’offerte cette visite colore et rafraichissants du dix huit Septembre deux mille quatorze, ce geste me va droit au cœur. Toutes vos actions démontre votre engagements firme pour rétablir du l’ordre, la discipline, la comptabilité et du respecte de la hiérarchie au sein de notre partir chose que nous apprécions. Cette mobilisation massives ou esplanat de mon palais démontre clairement que nous somme avec vous et pour vous.
Your Excellency, do not forget them when it comes to the appointment of people to head the Regional and Divisional Coordinating unit of the Ruling CPDM party. To this great gesture, I have decided to offer a site to host either the Regional, Divisional or a General Secretariat of the CPDM.
Your Excellency, I hope you know the sacrifices rendered by John Ngu Foncha toward the reunification and eventual independence of Cameroon. Foncha was a Prince from Nkwen. Since ever Foncha left office, the Nkwen people have been forgotten when it come to appointments. No Nkwen son or daughter has been appointed as, D.O S.D.O, Governors, Manager, Director, Minister or even to the post of a Government Delegate. I am strongly convinced that the time is now. I have well educated sons and daughters who can as well be appointed to any governmental position you deemed necessary. Nkwen is fast growing following its strategical location in Mezam in particular and North West in general. All the tribes of Cameroon are resident in Nkwen and this makes Nkwen a melting point of all the cultures of Cameroon. Let us live in peace with all these immigrant population as President Paul Biya said “Cameroonians are free to live anywhere in Cameroon”
The Head of State, President Paul Biya and the arm forces are fighting a war of survival against Boko Haram sects, whose aim is to kill as many Cameroonians as possible. The president and the arm forces alone cannot win the war. All of us must join them in this battle. We have to be vigilant and report to the administration and the forces of law and order any strange people we see roaming in our quarters. We want to join the President to maintain the peace that has existed in Cameroon for the past 32 years. Once more we pledge our full support to you as the National chairman of the CPDM and the President of the Republic of Cameroon.
My Fondom is facing the difficulties of rapid population growth, limited water supply, poor road infrastructure, electricity, and lack of medical doctors at the lone PMI and Nkwen Health center among others. This will go a long way to reduce the risk of exposing our population to the rampant spread of diseases especially the Ebola virus. Listen to the cry of your children. The rapid population growth tells us that Nkwen Fondom needs to be raised to a “First Class Fondom”, more Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools to be constructed, Hospital to be upgraded with permanent doctors, and enclave quarters to be electrified and open up.
With regard to voter’s registration, Bamenda three is ranked second in the North West and I hope that when the registers shall be opened again, we shall be first on the list. We are also doing our best to update the voter’s registration with death events. Remember that you once mentioned that “Bamenda is your second home” I know Nkwen Fondom will subsequently be your Third Home.
To you the militants of Mezam I Section of the CPDM, I say thank you for this brilliant visit which has given me the opportunity to express some of my words to the National Chairman. May you all continue to stand up in unity as clearly stated in your motto. Learn to always bury your differences. Unity will make you to achieve a lot of things in the nearest future. Once more I say thank you all for coming. I hope we shall all join the National Chairman on November 6th to celebrate another birthday as the President of the Republic of Cameroon. Remember that the CPDM party is a party of development, a party of peace, a party of hope and the only party that will lead us through in the program of H.E Paul Biya “ Cameroon emergence by 2035”. I will continue to rally my people to stand behind him when ever need arises. It should also be noted that my father whom I succeed was among the Fons of the North West that crowned our Head of State as the “Fon of Fons”. So always remember this and we will not lay down the back of the CPDM in Nkwen in particular and Mezam I section in general.

God bless you all
Long live the CPDM Party
Long Live the Nkwen Fondom
Long Live the National Chairman of CPDM
Long live Cameroon

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

Yale World Fellows 2015 : Leadership Development Program for mid-career professionals

October 1, 2014 By Gamala Luitel

Deadline: 3 December 2014

The Yale University’s signature leadership development program Yale World Fellows is accepting both nominations and applications for the fellowship program. Individuals around the world in their mid-career stage with demonstrated work accomplishments and a clear indication of future contributions and excellence are the ideal candidates to become Yale World Fellows.

This is a four-month residential program including

1. A cutting-edge global issues curriculum
2. Individualized skill-building
3. Access to prominent thinkers and practitioners

The fellowship will begin in Mid-August and end in Mid-December 2015. The fellows will share

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants can be citizen of any country around the world except for the US.
• Applicants must be in the mid-career stage i.e. 5-20 years into their careers with demonstrated work accomplishments and a clear indication of future contributions and excellence.
• Applicants must be proficient in English language.
• Applicants must have established record of extraordinary achievement and integrity.
• Applicants must be committed to engage in crucial issues and to make a difference at the national or international level.
• Applicants must have special capacity for critical, creative, entrepreneurial, and strategic thinking.
• Nominations can be made of more than one candidate.

Note: Application must be made via online process. Applicants need to create an account to access the online application. Only completed applications are considered, please upload required materials and request letters of recommendation by beginning the application early.

Click here to Make Nominations

Click here to Apply

For more information, please visit Yale World Fellows.

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

60th CPA: Opening speech by H.E. Paul BIYA, President of the Republic of Cameroon

 •The President of the Senate of Cameroon, 

•The President of the National Assembly of Cameroon, Current Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, 

•Distinguished Heads of House of Parliament, 

•The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, 

•The Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,

•The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association,

•The Prime Minister, Head of Government of the Republic of Cameroon, 

•Distinguished Members of Government, 

•Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Representatives of International Organizations, 

•Distinguished Members of Parliament,

•Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

First, I would like, on behalf of the Cameroonian people, to wish you a warm welcome to Cameroon, on African soil, and a pleasant stay in Yaounde. I salute in particular our good friends who have come here from afar and those who are setting foot on African soil for the first time. As you know, it is always a great pleasure to welcome friends from distant places.

• Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

• Distinguished Participants, 

Your conference is taking place in an international context marked by the persistence of many hotbeds of tension. Several parts of the world continue to witness political, economic and social crises. Armed clashes abound. There are repeated and senseless terrorist attacks and acts of maritime piracy which challenge the international community.

This gloomy picture has been compounded by the outbreak of the Ebola viral epidemic. Within months, it has already claimed thousands of lives in Africa. The virus poses a real threat that transcends State boundaries, while the international community is yet to find an appropriate response to contain it.

Therefore, we should hail this conference which is opening today despite the hostile international context. Your presence affirms and confirms your determination to address the challenges of this century.

My country is delighted to have been chosen to host the 60th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The people of Cameroon are honoured by this mark of esteem and confidence. 

The massive turnout of Commonwealth Members of Parliament is an eloquent testimony to their interest in fostering solidarity among the peoples they represent.  For the great Commonwealth family, it is also an excellent example of its deep commitment to working relentlessly and resolutely for a better world. This is truly a source of satisfaction, but also and above all, of hope. 

•Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

•Distinguished Participants, 

The theme of your discussions at the Yaounde Conference is “Repositioning the Commonwealth for the Post-2015 Development Agenda”.

Besides being fully in line with the very foundations of our organization, this theme is highly topical. 

In fact, social progress and human development issues are prime concerns of the Community of Nations. They are interwoven with those of peace and security, as there can be no development without minimum security and stability.

The 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly which has just opened in New York is working on the framework and content of the world’s Post-2015 Development Agenda.

As you are aware, the adoption of the Declaration on the Millennium Development Goals on 8 September 2000 raised new hopes for a world where peace, security and prosperity would be shared at last. 

Fifteen years following the adoption of these goals, it must be acknowledged, unfortunately, that they will not be achieved by 2015 as agreed.

Certainly, significant progress has been made in some areas such as education, immunization coverage, the fight against HIV and malaria, and gender promotion in school. This is commendable.

    Theseappreciable efforts notwithstanding, it should be admitted that much remains to be done in key areas. Hunger has not been eradicated, poverty reduction is extremely slow, unemployment, especially among the youth, remains a thorny problem and health coverage remains inadequate. 

The international community must learn lessons from the difficulties faced over the last fifteen years.  

The Post-2015 Agenda shoulddevise new strategies to substantially improve the population’s living conditions.  

All players will need to demonstrate a stronger political will, greater generosity and more effective, more concrete and more active solidarity. Such are the demands of the interdependence of States and unity of humanity on us. Without this extra touch of the soul, development by the end of the new Agenda may remain a distant goal. 

•Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The UN’s adoption of a Post-2015 Development Agenda reflects reckoning with past lapses as well as recognition of the need for immediate action, with greater determination and greater commitment in order to secure the future.

To that end, African countries have prepared a common position which proposes the alignment of the Agenda with national and international development programmes, fully consistent with the African Union’s 2063 Agenda. This common position also comprises new cooperation thrusts aimed at eradicating poverty, creating endogenous conditions for economic transformation, preserving peace and progressing towards prosperity and sustainable development. 

•Distinguished Commonwealth Parliamentarians,

The challenges I have just outlined are not peculiar to Africa. They are common to all peoples of the world of whom many of you are the elected representatives.

It behoves you to plead with national and international authorities to honour their commitments. It is your bounden duty to work towards giving such commitments force of law in your respective countries. 

While hoping that the Yaounde Conference will be a confirmation of your commitment to shared development in the world, and wishing you every success in your proceedings, I declare open the 60th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

Long live the Commonwealth and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II!

Long live Cameroon!

Thank you.

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

Ahead Mbum Cultural Festival: Ndu Council Writes to WICUDA National President

 Ahead of the Mbum Cultural Festival to hold in Ndu this December 2014, Ndu Council has written to the National President of the Wimbum Cultural and Development Association -WICUDA. Here below is the letter.


Subject: ORGANIZATION OF A MBUM CULTURAL FESTIVAL 

Martin Fon Yembe

We write to formally inform you that the Ndu Council through deliberation as per Law No. 2004/017 of 22 July 2014 on orientation of Decentralization, in its Section 4, 5 and 22 will be organizing a Cultural Week dubbed Mbum Festival of Arts and Culture ( Mbum FESTAC) come December 2014 in Ndu. In line with the above, the Ndu Council is soliciting the collaboration of her sister council, the Nkambe Council which happens to also be in Mbum land. Our idea here is to have a united people forge forward as one man for the good of our traditional values and culture. The Mbum person is one and indivisible, and we need to start doing things right and in a united manner. We have enclosed the entire program of activities for your perusal and possible proposals to make the event a great success. Considering that one of WICUDA’s main objectives is in the line of promoting Mbum Culture as well as Mbum development and unity; Mindful of the fact that WICUDA is currently deliberating and discussing the organization of a Mbum Cultural week this December 2014; In view of the fact that the Ndu Council has already initiated the moves to organize this festival in Ndu: We of the Ndu Council hereby: 
(i) Express our sincere hope that WICUDA joins hands with the Ndu Council to see to the effective and successful organization of this Mbum Cultural Festival in Ndu according to the proposed dates attached; 
(ii) Pray that WICUDA makes further contacts with the Nkambe Council to make this event a veritable Mbum Festival come December 2014; 
(iii) Wish to state here that the Ndu Council will work closely with WICUDA in this bid and to attend all meetings organized by WICUDA for this purpose and vice versa; (iv) Implore WICUDA to use its avenues to mobilize all Mbum elite, citizens and friends to be part of this historic event in Ndu.

Thanks and May God bless Mbumland and its people. 

DONE IN NDU, THIS OCTOBER 1, 2014

SHEY LONTUM MARTIN FON YEMBE (
1st Deputy Mayor i/c of education and Social Affairs Committee))

c.c/  All WICUDA BRANCHES;

      The press

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

How Fon Azefor III, Dr. Ndonwie Peter Turn Tables for CPDM in Bamenda III

Fon Azefor III

 Last September 19, 2014 Fon Azefor III of Nkwen declared for the CPDM. The fon of Nkwen used the ceremony to make a declaration on some important issues. Amongst the most important and pertinent issue was the appointment of Nkwen sons and daughters, the appointment of someone into late Foncha's shoe. HRH Fon Azefor made it clear that the population was growing rapidly with limited water supply, poor road, infrastructure etc.  Implicitly, the rise in the population indicates that Nkwen needs to be raised to a first class fondom and besides, the construction of more educational institutions. The Fon of Nkwen also declared that he will continue to rally his people to stand behind President Biya when the need arises. He recalled that his father whom he succeeded was amongst the North West fons who crowned President Biya "Fon of Fons" and he would never let down the CPDM. He said time for the appointment of his subjects was this time especially as he has well educated elite. 

Speaking earlier, Dr. Ndonwie Peter described the CPDM as the party of development, a party of peace, hope and the only party that will lead the people through in the President Paul Biya's program of emergence by 2035. "In life how do you know that "Day don Break" is just when you have seen light from the horizon and able to distinguish between a mango tree and a pear tree". To him, we cannot say "Day don Break" when we are unable to see, choose, or decide, Dr. Ndonwie Peter told the Nkwen population. He said sons and daughters of Nkwen at home and abroad have delegated him to come and inform all citizens of Nkwen and Bamenda III that "our day has break and we should use the present rising sun to illuminate and clear the darkness that has put us in stagnant position for more than 20 years. He called on the population of Nkwen and Ndzah to partner with the ruling government lead by H.E President Paul Biya to "gain our psoition in this government for the betterment of our children and our entire Bamenda III today and tomorrow. 

Dr. Ndonwie Peter: The Locomotive for CPDM

He lamented that one thing that is keeping the population back is lack of "goodwill".
 "For the past 23 years some Bamenda III citizens have been brainwashed to believe that supporting a particular opposition party and its slogan "Power to the People" will bring better life, better hospitals....... I think for now they have seen that it is not what they were deceived to believe and voted for that is working". He called on the Nkwen and Ndzah to know whether they should invest their votes in the future. In fact where they can get "recognition and the power to lobby and negotiate for rapid development".

Dr. Ndonwie Peter, should be praised for the success story and not Martin Ngante popular opinion holds in Nkwen. According to what we gathered, Dr. Ndonwie Peter sponsored that historic event. That he (Ndonwie) donated 1.000.000 FCFA to make it happen is a mark of greatness. Besides, we have been reliably informed that all gift handed over to the Fon and CPDM T-shirts were printed by Dr, Ndonwie Peter and his family. A well-placed source also hinted us that the planning of the occasion started when Dr. Ndonwie Peter arrive Cameroon from Ghana and put in a place an organizing committee made up of Ruth Ndonyi,Valentine NZIE, others. 

Contrary to a report that Martin Ngante, the truth has been uncovered. Martin Ngante we gathered did not contribute a dime for the organizing committee. Yet Dr. Ndonwie Peter did it. Opinion poll in Nkwen sees Ndonwie Peter as the real patriotic flag bearer of the CPDM due to the fact that he has proven worth of late. However, the decision by the Fon of Nkwen to join the CPDM has been applauded by many. It should be noted that it is thanks to the fon of Nkwen and Dr. Ndonwie Peter that the wife of late SDF mayor decided to say "Day don Break" by joining the CPDM. Political analysts say for Rosa Amandou to have changed camp into the CPDM indicates that the tables have turned in favour of the CDPM thanks to Fon Azefor III, and Dr. Ndonwie Peter.

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

Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference: Cameroon Portrays its Greatness in Democracy

Cameroon is hosting the 60^th edition of Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Yaounde, the nation capital. This infact is an indicator that Cameroon is doing great in the eyes of the International Community. Delegates from member countries have started arriving Cameroon for the historic Conference, the first of its kind since independence. Political analysts say the holding of this conference will go a long way to boost the democratic process in the country. The pluralistic nature of the Cameroon National Assembly is also an eloquent testimony of the fact that Cameroon has gone far in implementing democratic principles. The Senate too on the other hand is another prove of institutional advancement.  In order to guarantee a successful conference, the National Organizing Committee at the National Assembly has been meeting with the various committees and sub-committees. Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, coordinator of the organizing committee in a Press briefing told journalists that everything is set for the conference. Hon. Banmi Emmanuel chairman of the subcommittee for communication speaking over the National Television also disclosed that all is ready for the historic event.  

It should be recalled that the Committee’s Secretariat has also been equipped with new and sophisticated materials including computers, internet connections, printers, photocopiers. The Director of the Congress Hall Mien Zoh said every other thing was ready for a smooth take off as well.

Members of the National Assembly’s Daily Journal are also expected to produce daily write-ups in accordance to the required standards of the Commonwealth.

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

FAP Intensifies Water catchment Protection in Bamenda Highlands

The North West Region is made up of undulating hills which host many spring sources some of the spring sources has been constructed and water connected to communities within the landscape.

The spring sources or water catchment areas keep on degrading due to exposure to unsustainable exploitation by villagers for livelihood and the search of farmlands for the cultivation of food crops as one of the option to supplement already low incomes. The exposure of these protected areas has left most of the spring sources contaminated with chemicals and other stuffs leading to the dry up, this has been some of the reason why water borne deseases especially cholera which has hited some parts of Cameroon in the past two years and again this year in the Northen part of Cameroon.

Some Civil societies and NGOs has taken the challenge to educate communities and assist them in the protection of these spring sources.

Forest and Agroforestry Promoters (FAP NGO Cameroon) is a Ndop based NGO promoting the conservation of watercatchment areas in Ndop and the Bamenda Highlands Region of Cameroon, through the financial support from New England Biolabs foundation, the communities were able to plant 10,000 threatened and indigenous tree species in 4 water catchment protected areas in 2 villages (Bamessing and Bamali) in Ndop Ngoketunjia Division of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon

The main objective of this project is to protect and conserve 50 hectares of watershed/watercathment. The aim of this project is biodiversity conservation in the Bamenda Highlands Region in Cameroon through the planting of 10,000 threatened and indigenous tree species in 5 water catchment protected

areas. It is expected that 10 hectares of land will be planted within the project and about 50 hectares of land will be conserve and protected as a result of this project.

The long term benefits of the project are climate change mitigation, increase in vegetation cover and habitats for wildlife, reduce encroachment by farmers into water catchment areas, provision of portable water to communities and the creation of seed banks for indigenous and threatened species.

The project has as co funders International Analog Forestry Network on the establishment of Analog Demonstration site in Bamessing Ndop.

The coordinator FAP Mr Jaff Francis told the news paper that he is satisfied with participation of the different communities in tree planting, fencing and fire tracing the planted areas and he will not relent his effort in supporting such initiatives if the communities show interest in contributing physically in planting of trees, fencing and fire tracing.

The secatary General of Bamessing Development Union equally thanked FAP for the gesture and pleaded for more support in tree seedlings and training on bee keeping.

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