World Environment Day: NW Stakeholders Kick Start Activities with Tree Planting at GBHS Down Town, Bamenda

Tansi Laban Bambo

 This year's world environment day activities have been launched in the North West Region. The three days activities were launched at Government Bilingual High School Down Town, Bamenda in the presence of the Representative of North West Governor. Students, teachers and stakeholders all planted trees during the launching exercise. Talking to journalists after the tree planting exercise, Nji Joseph said the exercise is very important due to the number of disasters that are happening now due to climate change. Harping on why GBHS Down Town was chosen, he explained that the trees planted will control erosion, landslides etc given that school is located on a slope. The species of trees planted included amongst others Prunnus Africanna, Grevilia Robusta, Calixtamore etc.

On his part the North West Regional Delegation of Environment, Protection of the Nature and Sustainable Development highlighted the various challenges faced by the population. Harping on this year’s theme, Tansi Laban Bambo “Sustainable Consumption and Production”, he added that there is an urgent need for people to plant more trees so as stabilize the soil as well as reverse the impact of climate change.

He called on the population to join in the campaign “Seven Million Dreams; One Planet. Consume with Care by planting trees and this will change their attitude towards land use and management of natural resources. According to the regional delegate, planting environment friendly trees is a noble cause given that trees are a source of food, energy, fuel wood, and above all a source of oxygen.

To the regional delegate, land degradation is a serious threat to human existence reasons why GBHS Down Town was chosen to host the exercise. He ended by expressing gratitude to NESCAM, a network of stakeholders in the North West Region which has been very active in promoting sustainable management of natural resources

It should be noted that the day II activities continue today June 3, with a Round Table Discussion and Quiz for pupils and students. To draw the cotton on this year’s world environment day, stakeholders are expected to attend the groundbreaking exhibition in the city of Bamenda.

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

Batibo Council Congratulates H.E. Ni John Fru Ndi, SDF National Chairman

How Time Flies! 1990 till date is 25 years. From young University  students to full fledge party frontliners now that some of us are; we are highly committed to your ideals.

You have been standing tall in your vision;

You have moved round the whole country the number of times no state personnel has done yet;

You have had your name blackmailed many times, your life threatened to death, your loved ones dying at critical moments and your election victory sized over and over;

But you have not wavered. Because of your steadfastness, we are benefiting so many fruits, the most important being the Peace and Stability.
Because of all these and many other innovative ideas as well as your struggle for democracy and good governance, the councilors and militants/sympathizers of Batibo Municipality say Well Done!
 

Congratulation Your Excellency.
 

Tanjoh Fridrick Tetuh
Mayor Batibo Council 

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

Silver Jubilee Goodwill Message from Nkum Council to H.E Ni John Fru Ndi, Chairman of the SDF

 

Today we are celebrating 25 years of continued existence of our great party which has been characterized by Your commitment to peace, social dialogue, Freedom for Cameroonians and the improvement in Human Rights. Added to these, is the  struggle struggle to a sound economic policy, good governance, democracy and the improvement in our education systems, with emphasis on bilingualism.
Your Excellency, the dexterousness you have demonstrated in handling with tact burning political issues crown it all as the SDF has maintained its leading position in this country. We need not emphasize on your outstanding leadership skills at the helm of our Great Party, SDF which recently earned you a Peace  and Stabiility Award from the United States of America.
 Bravo Your Excellency and Happy Silver Jubilee.
On behalf of all the living forces of Nkum municipality, I, Suila Aruna, Mayor of Nkum Council would like to express our encouragement to you at this Silver Jubilee Celebration. We wish you Good Health, God guidance and Pray that God gives you more years to celebrate at the helm of our Great Party.

 Once more Happy Silver Jubilee Your Excellency

 

Suila Aruna

Mayor Nkum Council

 

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

Silver Jubilee Goodwill Message From Hon. Awudu Mbaya to H.E. Ni John Fru Ndi, SDF National Chairman

 ·    Considering the wisdom, tact, clear sightedness with which you have been conducting the affairs of the Social Democratic Front-SDF since May 26, 1990, date of the official launching of our Great Party;
·    Appreciative of the important steps ahead and the successes so far recorded in 25 years by the SDF under your guidance leadership since then, in spite of sometimes difficult environment;
·    Conscious of the fundamental options of the SDF to bring about democracy, freedom of speech, civil liberty, expose corruption, inertia and other forms of societal ills;
·    Mindful of your determination to ensure that an independent electoral body is put in place to meet challenges of modern times;
·    Considering the resounding successes of our party during the past 25 years;
·    Cognizance of your relentless efforts to constantly put a watchful eye on government action;
·    Proud of your Nomination and Winning of the Peace Award from the United States of America for promoting Peace and in Cameroon;
·    Considering that Donga Mantung Division and the Nkambe Electoral District has always benefitted your distinguished affection and care;

On behalf of the living forces of Donga Mantung Centre and in my humble capacity as the National Coordinator of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations, it is our desire to express our full gratitude to Your Excellency, for the straight forward actions you have been carrying out, for your today’s endeavours and for what you shall again do to instill democracy, peace, harmony and concord.

We pray God the Almighty to grant you more wisdom, strength, energy, health and longevity in ever serving the best interest of our party and Cameroon. We stand Firm Behind You...

 

Congratulation Chairman, Sir!

 

 Hon. Awudu Mbaya Cyprian
MP for Donga Mantung Division
Questor at the National Assembly

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

Anglophone Lawyers Have A Point - Barrister Bernard Muna

Renowned international legalist, Batonnier Bernard Muna Acho has in his critical eyes observed that the Anglophone legal system which was implanted to Anglophones by the British, is suffering from immense humiliation. This according to him, has almost stonewalled the legal practise in Cameroon in favour of Francophones. In a chat with the press, Batonnier Bernard Muna popularly called Ni Ben categorically said from all indications, Anglophone lawyers have a point to make as far as their advancement and harmonization of the legal practise both in the French and English speaking parts of Cameroon are concerned. He spoke among others about his 75th anniversary and the beginning of his 50th years in the legal practise. Excerpts:-

Today is May 27, 2015 exactly 75 years since you were born. Happy birthday Sir.

Thank you very much!

Ben Muna

How do you feel on this day?

I feel very grateful to the Lord. I feel that God has loved me so much; has allowed me to attain this age. The party yesterday (May 26) added to this feeling because my colleagues of the Bar; all past Batonniers who were free to come were present: to recognize the leadership that I gave to the Bar in Many times of crisis. But it must be noted that if they were not around me, I would not have achieved these alone.

It is true that I am the one getting the praises now. But it must not be forgotten that all past Batonniers were around me, when we did the marches; when we defended Yondo Black in the military tribunal, all the lawyers marched for us. So, I feel very honoured.

Yesterday’s ceremony helps us to reflect and see whether the young are going towards the right direction: where they would arrive 50 years of practice as I am arriving, they could look back.

When I look back, I thank God that those things that I believed in, I was able to fight for them with might. I dealt with them with honesty, rigour that was demanded.

Interestingly, it was a dual event: 75th anniversary and the beginning of your 50th year in legal practice. So when will you retire?

Retirement from what? I can not retire from life! The real retirement is when you are placed in a coffin and nailed. I can go back to Ngyenmbu, stay there but I can not retire. I will be with the people. The little knowledge I have, I will be able to put it to use to advise my people.

Retirement, which is a notion is a wrong aspect of life. Nobody should think of retirement. There are certain things I can do better, when I am young and there are certain things I can do better, when I am old. I don’t thing anybody should thing about living his regular job to go home and sit by the fire side (retired)

Can we now know some of the good and bad moments of your 49 years in legal practice?

The good moments was: being able to work in West Cameroon in absolute freedom. We had judges of integrity, not corrupted. Good moments when people like Justice Endeley led the Judiciary; Magistrates who loved over justice.

The bad moments came with the spreading of corruption in the judiciary. Going to court was no longer a pleasure. I already knew what the verdict was. The bad moments for me was when justice became a sellable commodity.

Good moments is when the Bar was united to defend certain fundamental freedoms like multipartism. We were in Meridian Hotel in Douala where 99% of Lawyers stood for the institution of democratic freedoms.

Good moments of the Bar again was when all the Lawyers of Cameroon filled the Military Tribunal in Yaounde to defend Yondo Black and co. To know that Cameroonians can rally around a good course.

Some good moments were spoilt when a lawyer was shot to dead in Bafoussam by a policeman.

Again, when some lawyers tried to reduce the Bar into an arm of government. Two attempts were made in 1987 and 1989.

Also, another moment was when the President of the Republic refused to promulgate this text in law, because the Bar made it clear that they were opposed to it. These were good moments to know that government can listen to the Bar.

You have just returned home to take part in your dual anniversary. But while you were out, Anglophone lawyers threatened to cut-off following the introduction of the French language in English courts. What do you hold about this?

Government must look very carefully on the letter of intention of the constitution. In instituting bilingualism was to allow people to express themselves in the language of their own culture like English or French in whatever official situation they find themselves. Therefore in the English speaking area, the language in the court should be English and vice versa in the French system. Why have they not introduced that in the French (francophone) courts, it should be English?

I think Anglophone Lawyers have a point. You don’t make laws for its sake. It is not because we have now abolished the federation that the spirit of reunification is gone. There are some francophones who feel that West Cameroon (North and South Cameroon) should be colonized by francophone system.

The purpose of reunification was that we take the best of each system and build a stronger and united country.

Anglophone lawyers have a point and I hope government will listen.

Any last word?

My last word on this particular day is that if they are reading this piece, it is because there is a God. There is a God who would bless us to do things that are right: A God who will hear us when we pray for pardon and forgiveness.

We should not be too disappointed. There is no country in the world that something suddenly changed and everything was going on right. Whatever is happening in our country, we should recognized that we are building up our history. The mistakes we are making, we hope that the younger people who will take over would learn from them.

I hope that the Lord would bless our country so that we move from good to better and the best.

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

PC Ntanfoang Bali Bubbles; Church Seal!

·         *Furious Agitation as Thousands Protest Against Punitive Transfer of Pastor

·       *  Christians Accuse PCC of Sabotage; Threaten Boycott Church Activities

Source: The Drum

Last Monday the 1st of June 2015, about 4pm) saw the presence of thousands of PC Christians and non-Christians storming the premises of Ntanfoang church in defiance of what The Drum was told is in reaction to the abrupt transfer of their Presbyterial Secretary Rev. Titatang Kingsley Bobga who has served in the church for 10 months, to Banso in Bui division.

According to PC Christians, it was unusual for the church bell to ring during the week. June 1 was the day of the weekly market. The sound of the bell could not therefore leave anybody indifferent. The gravity of the situation could be determined from the anxiety in the voice of a caller who invited The Drum to come and witness the situation. So preoccupied were the Christians with the situation that our arrival was noticed as most of the Christians were busy vomiting their bile.

Weeping, curses and verbal war was the order of the day, as most of the Christian members including some church elders who converged inside the church to react to what The Drum further learnt, was the unholy news which was Rev. Titatang Kingsley Bobga’s removal.

According to sources, on Saturday 29th May 2015, the Moderator of the PCC, Rt Rev Samuel Fonki Forba signed a decree appointing and transferring church workers in all parts of Cameroon especially within the church. When the news got into the ears of PC Ntanfoang Christians that their PS had been transferred, they did not get it in fine fettle. The Drum was briefed that most of the Christians who got the news believed that the abrupt transfer of the pioneer Presbyterial Secretary is punitive. This action was manifested when they cried out cursing the PCC Moderator and the Synod Clerk.

They were the more furious with Rev Fochang Babila who is a Bali man, to have masterminded the sending away of their darling pastor. This was seen as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards them. In the midst of the confusion was Elder Elizabeth Sama who attempted to coax the furious minds of Christians. Yet, every word that came out from her mouth was received with boos and jeers. The Drum observed that those accused of petitioning against Rev Titatang, received the greatest humiliation in their lives. Their presence and temperament were noticeable. They were suspiciously silent, reason why they were given all types of obnoxious appellations;- blackmailers, hypocrites, fraudsters and so one. Many could not understand why the transfer of Rev. Titatang Kingsley within 10 months of stay at the helm of PC Ntanfoang and Bali presbytery as a whole, but The Drum learnt that he is being victimized by his detractors.

According to many PC Ntanfoang Christians, he is being hunted because he blocked all the holes through which some church elders/workers swindled church finances for their personal gains. The Drum further learnt that during the celebrations marking 100 years of PC Ntanfoang, induction of the pioneer presbyterial secretary and the proclamation of Bali presbytery by the Rt Rev Dr. Festus Asana in 2014, in Bali the perfect organization of the event raised a lot of envy. Some church elders, according to The Drum’s investigations formed camps against him and his admirers. Every action taken by him for the success of the event generated a lot of criticism. 10 months down the lane, PC Ntanfoang faithful hold that the transfer of their pastor is the handiwork of his detractors.

Rev. Titatang Kingsley

Hundreds, The Drum learnt, have vowed to boycott all church activities if their pastor is not reinstated. They have equally blamed the Moderator of the PCC for siding with the wrong camp. The new moderator and Synod Clerk many hold, have not been equal to the task of solving the pathetic and palpitating problem rocking PC Ntanfoang Bali since their election seven months ago. Many told The Drum that they will hold the church hierarchy responsible if the church crumbles like a pack of cards. Sunday church services, according to some diehards, shall be disrupted if sanity is not restored in the church because to them, the church hierarchy is supporting crooks and sending away dynamic pastors. Many recalled that the imposing PC Ntanfoang building which has undergone complete developmental metamorphosis during the reign of Rev Titatang Kingsley has made the community proud as opposed to what obtained some seven years ago. With Bali presbytery having the largest Christian following, pastors and faithful from other denominations did joined the furious Christians to express through emotional outbursts their disappointment with the mafia going on in the mother church in Cameroon.

Though many complain bitterly against the alleged punitive transfer, according to one of the faithful Christians Madam Tanichu Christy who had once been the project chairlady of the church, it is a promotion in the pastoral life of Rev Titatang Kingsley. She believes that, any challenge in the life of a devoted man of God comes with promotion. Mrs. Tanichu referred to the Book of Malachi, which states that when a man of God preached goodness to this Christians urging them to change for the better, he suffers persecution. That is why to her, Rev Titatang is suffering from persecution and hatred.

Apart from that The Drum got hints that the appointment and transfer from the Synod office in Buea came at a time when Rev Titatang is in Switzerland for ‘Mission 21’ workshop alongside other pastors within the PCC.

Those equally transferred out of Bali are the Presbyterial Treasurer Pastor Ayaba of PC Njenka, Pastor of Bawock, Gungong etc.

Tension is reportedly mounting amongst Christians of PC Ntanfoang especially those alleged to have wished evil to the pioneer Presbyterial Secretary. But shall they boycott church services? At the time of going to the press, no comment had filtered from the PCC.

The Drum was further told that whether PCC reverses the appointment decision or not, the church shall suffer immense decline of its members because according to some faithful, the church has been polluted where the good are punished and the evil goes scot-free.

PC Ntanfoang that recently celebrated its 100 years as the mother church in the North West region seems to have been bewitched judging from recent happenings. Though the Rt Rev Dr Festus Asana prayed for it to live long, human and financial factors shall stonewall its very existence. The palpitating situation taking place in the church has sent many wondering whether, the next generation shall see and read with love what this present generation has done.

Some subdued voices have the moderator and synod clerk of attempting to put asunder what God has painfully brought together. Many wonder why a workaholic pastor like Rev Titatang should be sanctioned for doing a good job in the PCC, when others are swindlers and villains.

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

DIBI DOBO AND ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO RELEASE MUSICAL HIT "EKOMOLE"

 PRESS RELEASE:

Future chart top of African and international music? Dibi Dobo's new single entitled "Ekomole", on which Angélique Kidjo collaborated, was released this week on radio. This hit is trendy, great for dancing and perfect for clubs.

Both Beninese artists worked together for the first time on a project. Dibi Dobo knows very well how to strike while the iron is hot: he just released simultaneously "Kpekperero" and "Dji Mahou", two hits that announce Dibi Dobo's upcoming album coming out December 2015. It is a true pleasure to listen to the duet with Angélique Kidjo, who just received her second Grammy Award, rewarding her album "Eve" (Best World Music Album). The diva had already received a Grammy in 2007 for her album "Djin Djin", on which the famous guitarist Carlos Santana and the R&B star Alicia Keys participated. After Bono and John Legend, it is now Dibi Dobo that is honered to collaborate with Angélique Kidjo.

Not to be stopped, Dibi Dobo draw the attention on the Web and social media this morning by announcing the imminent release of the Ekomole video clip which has been shot and directed in New York (USA). During the shooting of Dibi Dobo's new video, American director J.R. Saint (who directed Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Juicy J, The Game among many others) drew his inspiration from an exclusive red and gold Afro atmosphere. Musical energy was brought along by American dancers, Angélique Kidjo's incredible voice and Dibi Dobo's charisma.

This song which features Angélique Kidjo, "Ekomole", is the first title of Dibi Dobo's next album, to be released by the end of 2015. The tracklist is ready and should remain in the field of the afrobeats, trend and groovy. The titles could also open a new era if we listen closely to the comments made by the singer, who has said he collaborated with May D (Nigeria) and Arafat DJ (Ivory Coast) among others on this album. A project held secret for the moment, but almost buckled according his record label "Soyimavo Music".

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

Madam Chantal BIYA designated Special Ambassador of UNAIDS.

 The humanitarian activities of the First Lady Madam Chantal BIYA have once more been given world-wide attention following her appointment as a Special Ambassador of UNAIDS. The Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel SIDIBE personally made the announcement at Unity Palace in Yaoundé on 1st June 2015 following an audience with the First Lady, with the President of the Republic His Excellency Paul BIYA also checking in to mark his support for the First Lady.

The prestigious appointment was awarded at a brief but highly significant ceremony at the East Wing of Unity Palace, during which Mr. Michel SIDIBE handed over a trophy and a certificate of recognition to the First Lady.

Speaking on the significance of the award, the Executive Director of UNAIDS posited that the distinction of Madam Chantal BIYA is in recognition of her work of over twenty years in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. He further stated that the First Lady is a pioneer in the effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS from the continent. Michel SIDIBE also pointed out that another distinguishing factor can be seen in the fact that the First Lady associated operational research to field work in combating the disease, a dual strategy that has enabled the accomplishment of many tangible results.

The President of the Republic, who was in attendance to give maximum support to his wife, reaffirmed his determination to make the fight against HIV/AIDS a priority as he said: “African Synergies and the Government will redouble efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I make the pledge in front of you all”. A Presidential promise that should warm the hearts of all those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Executive Director of UNAIDS was accompanied to Unity Palace the Representative of UNAIDS in Cameroon Dr. Amadou MBAYE and other close collaborators.

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

With Sepp Blatter out, FIFA May Strip Qatar of 2022 World Cup

 Source YahooNews

Just days ago Sepp Blatter smiled triumphantly after a near landslide re-election for a fifth term as FIFA president and arrogantly declared himself, "president of everybody."

Indictments and extraditions meant nothing. Scandal and open criminal cases on two continents were mere distractions. The howls of the West, where the wealthiest soccer playing countries tried to band together to unseat him, were discarded.

Then Tuesday he up and quit, the 79-year-old running for the Swiss hills for some yet to be known reason … a gathering posse remaining the most likely, but yet unconfirmed choice.

"FIFA needs a profound restructuring," Blatter said Tuesday in Zurich, at a hastily scheduled news conference.

Perhaps for the first time Sepp Blatter said something undeniably true. And now there is a chance it can happen.

Blatter noted that he no longer enjoyed the world's support, no matter his "President of Everybody" stance. Many of the smaller, poorer countries of the 209 FIFA members were fine with the status quo because they received a disproportionate amount of the funding, and in a one-vote system, their influence mattered as much if not more than their bigger Western counterparts.

But those Western counterparts, including the United States, could flex their muscle in other ways, making life miserable for Blatter.

"While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football," Blatter said Tuesday.

Again, totally true.

Blatter promised to work for reform, which was so laughable but really, who cares? Let this tired old man be quiet. No one wants to hear from him. He can either wind up charged with a crime or he can fade off into irrelevance.

He was a clown. He is a clown. He always will be a clown.

So now FIFA will reconvene and do what it should've done last week: find a new president who can bring at least some semblance of order to the organization. Among the favorites would be Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan, a 39-year-old who ran against Blatter on a platform of transparency and forced a second ballot last week before stepping down because he had so little chance of winning.

Would an Ali presidency put an end to every example of corruption and kickbacks? Of course not.

He, or whoever is elected, should at least try.

And the new president should start by focusing on the 2022 World Cup bid process and pulling the event from Qatar while there is still plenty of time.

Money is at the center of the corruption charges handed down by the U.S. Justice Department last week. Fourteen people, either former FIFA executives or businessmen in the sport, were charged. Five guilty pleas were announced. One of the charged appears to have already reached a plea.

More will flip. It will get uglier, maybe even for Blatter. ABC News is reporting that Blatter is, in fact, a, subject of the continuing U.S. investigation, which has made Attorney General Loretta Lynch a global hero in ways she probably never imagined possible.

Still, money is money and while it's wrong for funds that should've been used for youth development, infrastructure, referees or actual grass playing surfaces for the coming Women's World Cup to wind up in private bank accounts or suitcases of cash, it's still just money.

Some Third World soccer official skimming off the top is wrong, but not an international tragedy.

Continuing with the Qatar World Cup is.

 Qatar never should've been awarded the event. Its 14-8 final vote victory over the United States was suspicious at the time and has grown only worse. It had no viable argument other than the World Cup had never been held in an Arab nation. There was a reason for that, however, and not just that summer temperatures that can climb to 130 degrees meant moving the event to November and December, screwing up tradition and messing with professional league seasons.

The real tragedy is an increasing number of deaths by migrant workers brought in from the world's poorest nations – Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma and so on – to build unnecessarily opulent stadiums, rail lines, hotels and even entire cities needed because Qatar had no infrastructure in place at the time of the bid.

Qatar operates under the kafala labor system that is essentially the closest thing to forced labor modern society tolerates. So let's not tolerate it anymore.

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