The Surprisingly Positive Flip Side Of Nalova Lyonga's Student Pregnancy Pass

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The Surprisingly Positive Flip Side Of Nalova Lyonga's Student Pregnancy Pass

Secondary Education Minister, Professor Nalova Lyonga's radical new move to correct the scripts of decades of Government's authoritarianism in systematically dismissing pregnant students from colleges in Cameroon may at first sight seem controversial.

Yet, a deeper reading reveals a tsaunami of equally systematic injustices to generations of female students who have been deprived of their education, and by extension, life-long opportunities, simply because they got pregnant.

Despite years of lobbying and advocacy by local women's rights' campaigners who were largely inspired by regional and international instruments duly ratified by Cameroon, it took the courage and dogged determination of Professor Nalova Lyonga, to reverse the retrogressive Government decision.

Cognizant of the fact that the Minister's decision was informed by UN human rights instruments that urge state parties to 'recognize the vulnerability of adolescent girls', school authorities and the education community must only be encouraged to implement Nalova Lyonga's decision, to the letter.

For, once the girls are allowed to drop out of school because of pregnancy, they are easily lured into 'early and forced marriages, which reduce their opportunity to complete school, develop employable skills, and contribute to community development'* 

To better understand the import of the recent ministerial decision, one only needs to go through available research on the subject. Going by a reproductive health report published on January 5, 2022 by some seasoned Cameroonian researchers, including Joelle Sobgwi Tambekou, Marthe Tsague Agnoux, and Flavien Ndonko, under Open Access, 77% of pregnant school dropouts in Cameroon, never return to complete their education. A situation Secondary Education Minister, Professor Nalova Lyonga is fighting tooth and nail to reverse.

More dangerously, the research results point to the fact that almost one in five (19.3%) of teenage mothers interviewed confessed to have had induced abortion, at least once. And this is where Professor Pauline Nalova's preemptive foresightedness comes alive. Her logic: If a student and by extension, some parents, know for sure the child's education would not be tampered with, they would not take the risky option of abortion-a thing many parents and sometimes authors of such pregnancies, have forced the victims to do,-a thing the victims themselves have voluntarily done. 

What results in immediate risks of death for some, and long-term consequences of infections and barrenness, for others.

The Open Access researchers reveal that Cameroon's national registry for single mothers, Reseau Nationale des Tantines (RENATA), or National Network of Aunties, (an auntie being a single mother trained in reproductive health and adolescent rights), has over 20,000 members, belonging to 305 associations nationwide, with 42.3% of them having dropped out of school due to unplanned pregancy. The study also names pregnancy as the second cause of school dropout in girls with 16.9% dropout rates, after financial problems. It was probably for this reason therefore, that the Minister sort to reverse the alarming situation, and in a more productive manner.

With some studies already conclusive on the fact that the long-term consequences of early child birth on a teenage mother's social status and child development could be lessened by continuing education, and that educational continuity may reduce the risk of subsequent pregnancies, one could only applaud H.E, Professor Nalova Lyonga's decision to reverse the outdated 1980 circular prescribing dismissal as only sanction to a pregnant student.

Professor Nalova Lyonga's proactive decision not only helps to bring back Cameroon to the table of Commitment Makers at the UN Women's Generation Equality Coalition, but also aligns with the thinking that since student pregnancy is just a temporary disability, and that since a woman does not get dismissed from her job simply because she got pregnant, the female student should be allowed to continue her education. 

Professor Nalova Lyonga's recent directives come to correct and complete Nathaniel Hawthorne's story of sin and punishment, of the strengths of women and the weakness of men, in the famous American novel, 'The Scarlet Letter'. Although the Scarlet Letter 'A' that Hester Prynne, the main character in the fictional story, is forced to wear, is a punishment for adultery in Puritan New England, Professor Nalova Lyonga, who was long time lecturer of 'The Scarlet Letter' in the University of Yaounde and beyond, completely redefines it in today's Cameroon to mean, 'able' or 'angel', and no longer a badge of shame.

Just like Rev. Dimmesdale, the clergy man in The Scarlet Letter convinces the Governor to allow Hester tokeep her daughter, Pearl, with her as a constant reminder of her 'fall and transgression'.

This could be evaluated to, Cameroon' Secondary Education Minister convincing school authorities, both public and private, to allow pregnant students to stay in school, as a constant reminder of their 'fall and transgression'.

If 'The Scarlet Letter' continues to be taught in schools today because it is a direct path to students engagement with the past and the future, Professor Nalova Lyonga completes that relevance in her directives by tasking school authorities to systematically include sexual and reproductive health education into all lessons.

Professor Nalova Lyonga's latest edict is therefore, a wake-up-call that we cannot continue to live in a repressive and authoritarian society, as it is analogue for the girl child in particular and humankind in general. 

It demonstrates in triumphant detail that change is possible in Cameroon once we have the right people with the right mind frames.

*Colbert Gwain is digital rights activist, author, radio host, Commitment Maker at UN Generation Equality Coalition, and content creator @TheColbertFactor

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

The Numfor Solange Foundation Empowers Communities in Limbe on Waste Segregation

Two localities in Limbe II Council in the South West Region of .Cameroon have benefitted material support from The Numfor Solange Foundation to engage in waste segregation at community level. Speaking during sensitization and handing over of waste bins to the beneficiary communities, the Mayor of Limbe II Council expressed gratitude to Dr. Numfor Solange for the timely support. Chief Ndive Woka Daniel Ngale equally used the opportunity to thank The Numfor Solange Foundation, Tohoko University and The Numfor Solange Foundation for extending a hand of fellowship to his fast growing municipality. Harping on the importance of the project to his municipality, Chief Ndive Woka said plastic pollution is one of the major problems in his municipality. 

The Divisional Delegate of Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, Madame Ekwangeh Mercy applauded the donor for encouraging waste collection, reuse and recycling. She added that the waste segregation and sensitization project will go a long way to impact the lives of the poorest of the poor. However, before handing over the support to the beneficiary communities of Batoke and Mokundange, volunteers carried out sensitization campaigns moving from household to household where they lectured on household waste separation and how families could generate compost manure from homes. 

Talking to the press after the handing over ceremony, Dr. Numfor Solange, CEO of The Numfor Solange Foundation said plastic pollution is everywhere due to the poor management of waste at local levels. She emphasized that the segregation and sensitization project is the begining of a large recycling project that will in the nearest future cover the entire Fako Division. According to Dr. Numfor Solange, the project will impact lives given that it will generate more compost manure and stimulate farmers to go into regenerative agriculture. The representatives of communities of Batoke and Mokundange communities promised the support will be used for the purpose intended. Due to the hike in the prices of fertilizer, beneficiary communities expressed much thanks for the support. It is worth mentioning that The Numfor Solange Foundation also received support from Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju, a Master Degree student at Tohuko University, the same institution that funded the project. 

WICUDA Goes Blue with CAMTEL

The Wimbum Cultural and Development Association has gone Blue. The Wimbum Cultural and Development Association's head quarters was today dressed in Camtel colours. The thousands of Wimbum people in Yaounde are expected to switch to Blue Camtel network. Prospects are high at that all WICUDA branches nationwide will join the bandwagon to switch to Blue Camtel so as to enjoy cheap and latest digital technologies. 

Following the contract signed between CAMTEL and MTN, where there is MTN network, there is equally CAMTEL network. Sources at CAMTEL have hinted that in the few months, Camtel network will covering the entire Donga Mantung Division. An authoritative voice also adviced that it will be of great advantage to get Camtel sims to access the fastest G4 network. 

Ndu Council, WICUDA, Ndu MP Donate to Displaced Population of Mbongong

There was euphoria at the Ndu council esplanade on April 16, 2022 where the Ndu Council and its partners; Wimbum Cultural and Development Association(WICUDA) and the Honorable member of Parliament for Ndu, Hon. Naomi Ngando donated to the displaced population of Mbongong affected by the recent crises of March 29th that led to death of four persons and destruction of properties.

Beneficiaries included Wimbum and Mbororo people. The crises sparked off when three mbororo men were executed in cold blood by separatists operating in the area. In retaliation, the Mbororo community went on rampage and burnt houses in Mbongong which resulted to one person losing his life. However calm has return to the area with a call for peaceful coexistence to reign among the two communities as it has been in the years past. "Nobody is a stranger in mbongong and we shall continue to live together as one people" reiterated Mayor Abdou Kanfon Borno during the distribution exercise. The item shared ranges from food to mattresses, blankets, dresses etc 

*The Mbongong Community Received Relief Package From Ndu Council, Ndu MP and WICUDA*

Sources say a consignment of basic needs and food items got to Mbongong today Saturday 16th April 2022.

The Ndu Council donated -100 bags of 25kg rice 

-30 cartons of groundnut oil

-10 bags of maize

-5 bags of beans

10 cartons of sugar and

-50 two-place matrasses.

The Ndu MP Hon Ngando Naomi Mbonyor and WICUDA donated 20 bags of 50kgs rice, 4 belts of used clothes and blankets, 3 bags of maize and 2 bags of beans.

The above items were distributed to the Wimbum population of Mbongong, the Fulani of Mbongong, Njipyang, Ntayi and Sirtang.

Speaking on behalf of the Ndu Council Mayor, Ibrahim Jiberu Ndzi used the tongue/teeth relationship to emphasize the need for peaceful coexistence despite man's imperfections and his tendency to sin. 

Imam Ahmadu Babaiya, speaking for the Mbongong Community thanked the donors immensely and prayed that Allah bless them abundantly for this wonderful act of generosity. The Joro of Mbongong, Abdullai Ndzi equally extended the deepest regards of the affected Community to these friends in time of need. 

 Imam Ahmadu Babaiya, expressed the helplessness of the population of Mbongong in the face of growing insecurity in the area and called on the living forces of Ndu to help reconcile the Wimbum and the Fulani communities of Mbongong as there were still visible signs of tension. In times like this, he continued, it's needless crying over spilled milk and concentrate efforts towards averting future reoccurrence.

The Fulani community of Mbongong received their own consignment at the cattle market. The Fulani of Njipyang, Ntayi and Sirtang were present and collected their own consignment as well.

Speaking for the Fulani community, Alhadji Yukuda Nana expressed deep feelings and added that the gesture was timely judging from their precarious condition. He said they know only Mbongong village and no other place in this wide world. Living in peace with their Wimbum brothers, he said, is not only necessary but an imperative. They are very conscious of the need for peaceful coexistence and shall exploit any given opportunity to work towards that. 

The body language of both communities indicated regret for the senseless lost of lives and significant material damages.

On their way back, the distribution caravan passed through Mbipgo Fon's Palace to Fai Ngantu and Fai Ngotong sub palaces of Fuh and Njipmbo respectively. At every stop, the palace or sub palace package was delivered and the essence of the mission explained. The Fon, Fai Ngantu and the representative of Fai Ngotong all expressed happiness for the goodwill gesture and in turns recounted their ordeal with the influx of people from Mbongong on that faithful day and the days that ensued. 

The mission was a huge success and feedback from both communities signalled hope. The ground is very fertile to sow the seed of reconciliation. The authorities of Ndu must seize the opportunity, for "a stitch in time, it is said, saves nine."

Ndu Council shall continue with the relief package to Gidado and Mbandfvung communities on Sunday 17th April 2022.

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

Hon. Agho Oliver Takes Parliamentary Goodies to Elderly

 77 years old Mama Lum Monica of Njibujang- Bafut is the first beneficiary of Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju's parliamentary largess to the elderly. What else could an elderly person needs in life more than a comfortable sleep in a clean environment. This is exactly what Hon. Agho Oliver, the MP for the Bafut/Tubah constituency is doing for the elderly. 

Working in collaboration with Juliana Sirri's community-based foundation, Vision for Hope, the program seeks to reach out to the poorest of the poor in the Bafut/Tubah constituency. This is however, the first of it's kind from a Member of Parliament. Prospects are high at that this action by the MP for Bafut/Tubah constituency will ignite Parliament to look into the living condition of elderly in Cameroon. A school of thought holds that Hon. Agho Oliver could be the right person to advocate Cameroon Parliament to look into the challenges of the elderly, to bring together those of interest on issues of the elderly, as well as creating awareness for Parliament to adopt laws that provides minimum benefits to the elderly to live decent lives. Why not a Parliamentary Network of Ageing and Old People in the Cameroon Parliament?

This action by Hon. Agho Oliver puts to spotlight that there is need to provide minimum standards of living conditions for elderly persons like, Mama Lum Monica. It should be recalled that the parliamentary largess to Mama Monica was made up of a new bed, bedsheets and blanket. 

Overwhelmed by the magnanimity of the MP, the old widow thank God Almighty for making her smile again after years of living in deplorable conditions and abandonment. She saw in Hon. Agho Oliver and Vision for Hope Foundation, the husband to widows and the underprivileged and prayed God to continue to replenish and protect their sources. For the Bible teaches us that God loves the cheerful giver. 

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

Act 1 of Mbum Fons Union: Franklin Ndzi Nformi Coronated Ntumfon

The constituent general assembly of the Mbum Fons Union held in the Nkambe Fon's palace from March 28-29, 2022 to review, amend and adopt the constitution of the newly created Fons Union. At the end of the two-days meeting, an executive bureau headed by the Fon of Talla ( Tang clan head) was elected. Prospects are high that this union will act as a catalyst for peace and sustainable development. In order to engage in its mission, the Mbum Fons Union coronated one of their sons as Ntumfon. ( The union's messenger). Franklin Ndzi Nformi alias Shey Frank, was coronated and catapulted be the Ntumfon of Mbum Fons. Ntumfon Franklin Ndzi Nformi is President of Nkambe Central Fish Farmers Cooperative and one who has for years moved up the ladder of tradition and culture. To many who had the opportunity to witnessed his coronation, he is the right man in the right place. A school of thought holds that no other person deserved that honour more than Shey Frank. When it comes to the Wimbum promotion of the Mbum cultural heritage, he has been a real role model. There is no palace in Mbumland that Shey Frank has not reached out to.

 While waiting for administrative papers which will confirm the legality of the Union, impressionists are holding shoulders high that the future is likely going to be bright in Mbum land. This is so because of late Mbum land has recorded several skirmishes amongst fondoms which could easily be solved amicably but nothing was being done in that light. The new generation of Fon might be able to create this long expectation as the union has taken on right (left) foot with energetic move. 

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

Cholera Hits SW, Littoral Regions

Reports say cholera cases have been diagnosed in five out of ten regions. According to latest information gathered, the South West Region is topping the chart with 1700 cholera cases and about 40 persons are said to have died, South West health officials say.  Sources say hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. "Some are lying in the corridors of the hospital and we are trying to set up makeshift structures to host more patients. The situation is critical," news reports quote one health official as saying. Limbe in the South West region is said to have registered the highest number of cases as compared to other towns. Experts and the population are pointing accusing fingers at dirty water for being the driver of the cholera cases. Poor drainages and inaccess to potable water is rampant. However, health facilities have embarked on aggressive campaign to remedy the situation. And have recommended that cleanliness around water is very vital to stop the spread 

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

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

Cholera Pandemic Hits SW, Littoral, Cases Diagnosed in Five of Ten Regions

Reports say cholera cases have been diagnosed in five out of ten regions. According to latest information gathered, the South West Region is toppinh the chart with 1700 cholera cases and about 40 deads. South West health officials say health facilities are full with patients. Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. Some are lying in the corridors of the hospital and we are trying to set up makeshift structures to host more patients. The situation is critical," reports quote one health official saying. Limbe in the South West region is said to have registered the highest number of cases as compared to other towns. Experts and the population are pointing accusing fingers at dirty water for being the driver of the cholera cases. Poor drainages and inaccess to potable water is rampant. However, health facilities have embarked on aggressive campaign to remedy the situation. And have recommended that cleanliness around water is very vital to stop the spread 

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

This is How Yodo is Growing Trees From Plastic Waste

Statistics show that about 300 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year, nearly equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. And the global production of primary plastic is forecast to reach 34 billion tonnes by 2050. A larger quantity of these plastics end up in landfills. Today plastics are everywhere. In our food, air, water, soil and even in our bloodstream. It is therefore very imperative to develop innovative ways to reduce the quality of plastics polluting land, air and water. Youth Development Organization-Yodo tree nursery is one of the model examples of how collecting and reusing plastic waste to grow trees can be very effective in combating climate change. By collecting and reusing, Yodo is reducing the quantity of plastics that end up in landfills, gutters and even the streets. This approach therefore has help in reducing the quantity of plastic litters in Nkambe town and it's environ. Fai Cassian Ndi, coordinator of Youth Development Organization-Yodo Cameroon, says apart from collecting and reusing there are prospects of recycling. Plastic collection and reuse can provide job opportunity and recycling equally offers a wide range of opportunities for youths to create wealth from waste. The idea could be adapted in any village and town in Cameroon given that plastic litters are everywhere. 

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

Hon.Ngong Denis: The Perfect Example of a Regional Councilor

The world is full of unsung and undiscovered good natured people and one of such heroes is Hon. Ngong Denis, Member of the NW Regional Assembly. It is not by error that he is the pioneer Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee and Standing Order of the regional Assembly.  He is a perfect example of a neat man. Always smiling and full of gentleness yet has done so many ordinary things in an extraordinary manner. He is a member of the North West Regional council. He is serviceable, down to earth and very humble gentleman. Hon. Ngong Denis unlike his contemporaries full of character and conscience. He puts a lot of innovation and inspiration as well as the love of the job into everything he does. This gentleman who everyone fondly calls "Ntumfor" before becoming a refined politician he is, was once a contractor. He knew he would become a career politician and had to learn from many other politicians. His humility knows no boundaries and a development oriented person. At thee regional Assembly Hon. Ngong Denis produce one of the most admirable Standing Orders that was applauded by the entire House. 

To be a developer, the first quality is to be good natured and selfless. The celebrated English writer, Henry Fielding, observes that good people sacrifice for others not because it is their duty but because it is their nature to do that. What Fielding simply means is that truly good people do what they do because they have the goodwill and not out of compulsion. Hon. Ngong Denis is a good natured person. Development is facilitated when people are sensitized on how to go about it. Developers are born as well as made.  But development is a process that starts from good ideas without good ideas, there is no development. Hon. Ngong Denis falls within the category of people with feasible ideas that can boost development. Since the days of NOWODEP, he has been indefatigable in his crusade to always be present where elites gather to talk about development and facilities like good roads, bridges, well built classrooms, markets, electricity, water, health etc. 

Humility is the greatest attribute of a great man, according to Thomas a Kempis, author of the much approved book, “Imitations of Christ”. The author, drawing inspiration from the humility of Christ (washing the feet of his apostles) Christ was in effect teaching us that leadership is service. In fact, to minister means to serve. As regional councilors, prospects are high at that Ngong Denis will continue to stand out of the madding crowd. He thus abides by the advice ‘Be kind to those you meet on your way up because you will meet them again on your way down’. Kindness does not however denote philanthropy or giving lavishly. It simply means having a spirit of sharing, a spirit of goodwill to contribute ideas that can foster development process. 

To conclude, we can state without exaggeration and without any fear of contradiction that Ngong Denis is not only one of the greatest developers the North West can boast of for now, he is good role model that many youths can emulate, to be humble in life. 

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

Ngah Christian Mbipgo and The Guardian Post Flying in Colours

Ngah Christian Mbipgo is the publisher of The Guardian Post and symbol of hard work. In fact he is a successful businessman and journalist. In his capacity as Publisher of the Guardian Post, he is guadually entering into records in great names: The man who ran the English language newspaper daily, the man who was amongst the first to run a constant Sunday newspaper and the man who published the first all coloured English newspaper.  His dexterity as newspaper businessman can only be likened to William Randolph Hearst Sr known for developing the largest chain and media company. 

With the digital and social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc) threatening the existence of newspaper businesses, Ngah Christian commonly known as "DP" developed a turnaround strategy by imposing his products in the kiosk with catchy headlines and more human interest stories alongside running a printing press. This innovation yeilded dividends, reduced cost, replenished sales, boosted earnings, making The Guardian Post newspaper a rare success story. 

It would not be an exegeration to say Ngah Christian Mbipgo has made The Guardian Post newspaper one if the strongest newspapers in the country with a strong balance sheet. The transition to the digital age has made the paper even more stronger. The Guardian Post is now building on its success for being Cameroon's highest selling English language newspaper.This is promising in terms of both monetisation for the publisher, and brand recognition. But it takes a genius to achieve it. One of the fastest growing publishers over the past two years is Ngah Christian Mbipgo. My judgement is not wrong and the indicators are clear and visible. This growth is visibly clear and promising but yet the question as to whether The Guardian Post newspaper will start publishing morning and evening versions abound high. Innovation has driven Ngah Christian's success. Not only is he at the forefront of audience relationships, but The Guardian Post is constantly looking for ways to improve on their content. The Guardian Post is today the citadel of journalism in Cameroon and offers internship facilities to several budding journalists. 

Despite the fact that social media has increased competition taking over much of newspapers’ readers and sources of income, Ngah Christian and The Guardian Post are flying in colours. 

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

Women's Day: Meet Christelle Bay Chongwain Nfor, The Peacebuilder

Christelle Bay Chongwain Nfor is a woman of the future who was born with the knack to cater the need of

others. She is a veritable peace crusader and Peacebuilder.  Accompanying rural women and needy children through 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 long ago with scholarship scheme she offered at CS Ngwanri in Nkambe Central. Since then she has reached out to thousands of needy youths nationwide especially the girl, child. To her it is a way to raise hopes in communities and build a better future for the next generation. 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. Her activities touches the entire nation especially when it comes to peace building. 

Happy Women's Day Madame 

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

Nkenda Margareta: The Role Model Worth Celebrating

Nkenda Margreta: The Role Model worth celebrating

ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, once said in a statement to mark International Women's Day that rural women must not be overlooked in policy decision because they feed the world. One of such women has contribute enormously to food security, agricultural production and the management of natural resources is Nkenda Margreta. She is today a household name when it comes to the cultivation and processing of palm oil in Donga Mantung Division. Nkenda Margreta won the first prize for palm oil at the Ebolowa National Agro-pastoral show. The fact that she competed and won the prize wasn’t by error but the fruit of her hard work and determination. This distinction at the National Agro Pastoral Show also placed her on the ladder of fame as she was voted Donga Mantung Woman of the Year by readers of The Eye newspaper, Best Farmer by listeners of Savannah Radio Nkambe and again Best All Round Farmer by readers of the Watchdog Tribune.

It is thanks to Nkenda Margreta that President Biya instructed the late GM of CDC to kickstart the Oil Palm Expansion programme in Donga Mantung Division. By winning the national first prize in palm oil, she created the needed awareness that Donga Mantung Division has suitable climatic conditions for the cultivation of oil palms. Meet her in her plantation and you will be filled by the gulp of having met a professional farmer. To her farming is not just a profession but a calling.

However, what makes her different is that she is a very hard working woman and besides being a house wife, she moved above men established artificial barriers to create an oil palm plantation. In Misaje where she hails, women hardly own plantations but she has not only defeated that notion but is inspring other women and young girl in the entire division. She is a practical example of the long established slogan that “what a man can do, a woman can do it better”. With over 10 ha of oil palms, Nkenda Margreta says her dream is to expand her plantation to about 25 hectares. What is however very interesting is that she has a very good knowledge on local processing techniques. Anybody who has had the opportunity to come closer to Madame Nkenda Margreta would agree with me that she is a professional farmer given that she envies nothing from those who work in offices, “my office is my farm”, and she once told us.

Happy Women's Day Madame 

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

Women's Day: Celebrating Makfu Miriam Labu Awudu "Ma'amu

Today March 8, I celebrate a woman of integrity, dynamic, hard working and a veritable Grandma. She is no other woman than Makfu Miriam Labu Awudu "Ma'amu'. In our contemporary society some people might think that being the virtuous woman that was described in Proverbs 31 is impossible. As women around the globe commemorate the 2022 International Women's Day, it is timely for me to commit to memories, a life worth celebrating. Ma'amu is the only Grandma I have known in my life. She was the moon and the sun, and was worth more than gold. At 102 years, she is probably the oldest woman in Donga Mantung Division. 

However old Ma'amu was, she still looked very strong and beautiful. Everybody used to admire her and that is the reason why many children  have been named after her.

She composed traditional songs to the listening of all her grand, great grand children and also told wonderful stories every evening before everyone gets to bed. Even from a long distance, she would recognize everyone. I remember the last time I visited her, the advise she gave me are worth more than all diamonds on earth.

In everything she did, and or stood for my Ma'amu was very real. She had built a very strong foundation for all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. She was very hardworking woman. As old as she was, she feeds her chicks every morning and had the strength to visit her farm. I remember one day when I started my landscapes restoration activities (tree planting) and I wanted to give up she took time and encouraged me never to quit in life. Such is the life worth celebrating this March 8, 2022. Now I hope that her soul rests in eternal peace knowing that she played her part very well and that her children together with all the coming generations on her lineage will always remember. 

Grandmothers are gift of knowledge, a Wikipedia and a school. But after teaching us everything about life, like many other Makfus, Ma'amu forgot to teach us how to live without her. Dear God, if flowers grow in heaven, plug some and place on her hands on this great day the world is celebrating women.WhenNews Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Meet Ma Ngwang Mercy Mbong: The Industrious Woman

Among the Wimbum women of Donga Mantung, the norm of the industrious woman has been reconstituted historically. Ma Ngwang Mercy Mbong aka Hon. Mercy Mbong is a role model entrepreneur. She has validated women’s esteemed place in Mbumland by her great knack in business. Her rise to prominence in business is a mark departure that hard and decent work pays huge dividends. From the production of corn beer(shaa), she has been able to put up a business empire which is appreciated by everyone. Today, she is celebrated as a refined contractor and owner of a business complex. Recently, she was honoured with the title of Ma Ngwang in the Nkambe Fondom.  

Being a successful business woman, like Mercy Mbong means that she was capable of creating her own narrative. It means she has been strong enough to make her own decisions wisely, to be free and to break the status quo that people have set up for women. Her success story is worth celebrating. Happy Women's day Ma Ngwang Mercy Mbong

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

Meet Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando, MP for Ndu

Hon. Mbongnyor Naomi Ngando  is a female political colossus 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. Donating fertilizer, farm tools, covid 19 kits and supporting youth activities have been magnitude. She is one of the few women who works hard. Of late she was in Ghana to empower herself.

Besides, she is an educationist. She had served as head teacher in several schools before moving to work in the inspectorate. Happy women's day Honourable 

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

Meet Hajara Danjuma: First Deputy Mayor of Nkambe Council

Madame Hajara Danjuma is an educationist and a perfect one.  She is the First Deputy Mayor of the Nkambe Council. Her being elected as First Deputy Mayor was not an error but by merit. When judged from her trappings during the last mandate, she is already entering into records as a development luminary and career politician. Though purely from Muslim background, she is worth celebrating for braving the odds to stand tall from the madding crowd. She is very soft spoken, down to earth, serviceable  and rich in expedient in politics of the CPDM. Though trained educationist, Hajara Danjuma's success in politics continue to act as a spur to women who intend to take leadership positions through politics. 

Happy women's day Madame Deputy Mayor

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

Meet Yaah Patience Tamfu,: The Exemplary Leader

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)

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

Epistle to all Women today March 8, 2022

Temperature is rising and rising as we all look forward to join you in commemorating #IWD2022 to support this year's campaign #BreakTheBias. The theme “gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. “Advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century is infact well chosen. I think there is nothing more important than taking advantage of the heavy dose of Mother Earth to commit to memory all your efforts in changing lives positively. Today is March 8,  you should always know that real men will be along to accompany you throughout the year and not just a single day. The pure will be there to #BreakTheBias by joining you in celebrating your social, economic, cultural and political achievements. This is a goal we all stand to achieve for our homes, community, Division, region, Nation, continent and the world at large. 

My dear sister, mothers, aunties, some years ago one wise man, (Sa Majeste Michel Kamse, Mayor of Yaounde III) inspired me alot when he advised a couple at wedding. He said beauty lies in a smile, kindness, actions and deeds. And let me contextualize the description by adding that the little you have been doing is what is changing the face of humanity and the progress that we have registered. I salute you for your bravery.  I continue to look up to you as the woman emancipators. From a distant, you stood out of the madding crowd in a world where men (us) claim their position next to God. When in homes, along streets and in drinking spots we still have men who wear Mike Tyson to transform women to bunching bags. I know and I believe you have succeeded where others did not. 

In Cameroon, they are millions of women who have moved above the male artificial barriers to becoming Ministers, Directors, Senior Divisional Officers, Parliamentarians, development experts, lawyers, journalists, pastors etc. In fact this rare specie of woman apart from the fact they are caring mothers in their various homes have become role models to other young girls. However, since charity begins at home, I would like to use this opportunity to pay respect, appreciation and love to the woman who brought me to this world, my mum, Regina Muchop as she is known by her young girl’s name and Makfu Miriam Labu Awudu Ma'amu'. Nothing is worth celebrating than a lifetime achievement in purely masculine dominated world. To my personal person, my better half, Beri Comfort, I say thumbs up for constantly challenging the blind exercise of power for me to understand that no institution is immune to change. The story of other women like Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, Queen Elizabeth, Allen Johnson and many others continue to act as a stimulant to the woman.

The story of other women who are doing extraordinary things in a very common manner will continue to inspire society.

 I salute you all, especially Madame Chantal Biya, Minister Mbah Acha Rose, Prof. Nalova, Mafor Yaah Judith epse Achidi, Hon. Esther Ngala Ntala, Hon. Regina Mundi, Hon. Emma Lafon, Edith Kaah Walah, Prof. Uphie Melo Chinje, Col. Ngah Rose Angeline, Yaah Patience Tamfu, Hon. Naomi, Hajara Danjuma, Mary Awudu Ngayi, Sally Ebot Gentry, Christelle Bay Chongwain, Amy Banda, Enaka Yembe, Mbinglo Kimbi Maureen, Comfort Musa, Nakinti Besumbu Nofuru, Angela Fobi, Oba Rose, Clauddia Nsono, DBG Manka'a, Nkenda Margareta, Clemntina Yong, Ada Mbah, Noela Lyonga, Kekwi Linda Kanjo, Wanja Cynthia, Live Brenda and million others.  

Thumbs up woman.

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

Women's Day Role Model(1): Yaah Judith Sunday ’épse Achidi

Mafor Yaah Judith Sunday ’épouse Achidi is the General Manager of CAMTEL. Before she became 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, with Blue CAMTEL. The Blue Camtel product 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  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)

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