Misaje Celebrates President Biya’s 35th Anniversary with Electricity

Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry

There was ecstasy and fanfare in Misaje as thousands joined Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry to celebrate President Paul Biya’s 35 Anniversary to accession to power as Head of state.  Thousands gathered at the Misaje Grandstand to express gratitude to President Paul Biya for the historic electricity project that has finally linked Misaje to the National grid in Nkambe. Those who did not have the opportunity to make public speeches expressed themselves in songs. The drumbeats and voices at the Misaje Grandstand echoed into the hills of Akweto, down to the lowlands of Nkanchi, Chunghe, Bem, Dumbu and valleys of Kameni. Tons of accolades were poured on President Paul Biya as well as the illustrious son of Misaje, Minister. Fuh Calistus Gentry for the great achievements. The CPDM Section President for Donga Mantung IV Section Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako was so glad that he reminded Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry that “ Your Excellency, if this project is what took you into politics and to Yaounde then know that it is a legacy that will remain engraved in our hearts and minds and that your people are fully satisfied”.

Harping on the theme of the celebration, Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako reminded the population of Misaje that more than ever, there is a need to promote and preserve national unity and national integration. “ This theme also seeks to project the values of peace, dialogue and reconciliation especially at this period when the Anglophone regions of Cameroon are in serious crisis. He told the people that as militants of the CPDM, they all need to be patriotic, law abiding and also encourage the spirit of living together as one nation. “I want to thank H.E President Paul Biya for all the concessions he has made so far in a bid to find concrete and lasting solution to the Anglophone crisis”, he added. He continued by appealing on the Head of State who already instructed Prime Minister Philemon Yang to begin consultative and appeasement talks with the Anglophone community to initiate in the nearest future an inclusive and frank dialogue that will pave the way to end the crisis.

While thanking government for the numerous projects, and like Oliver Twist, Tantoh Shey Alfred Nyako said Misaje is in deer need of a building to host the Sub Prefecture, the Inspectorate of Basic Education and Sub Delegation of Social Affairs which are still lodged in borrowed premises. He also reiterated the need for the reinstatement of the Misaje Identification Center, the construction of a science Laboratory at GBHS Misaje, the continuation of the tarring of streets in Misaje as well as the effective take off of GSS Kamine and GTC Kibbo. 

Enter Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Mines, Industries and Technological Development

When Dr. Fuh Calistus took to the rostrum, there was total silence as everyone was eager to hear him unveil the new packages for Misaje after the electricity project exploits that has sent everyone celebrating. “I am proud that I was born here and I am proud of Misaje…Thank you Misaje people for the respect”, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry emphasized. He described Misaje as the bastion of the CPDM not only in Donga Mantung Division but in the North West Region reasons why the marriage between Misaje and President Paul Biya has yielded a lot of fruits. “We are today celebrating the 35^th Anniversary of H.E President Paul Biya with electricity”. He reminded the population that in the coming nine months Misaje will have more celebrations to do given the magnitude of development project government has allocated to the area. Dr. Fuh Calistus cited the construction of a new grandstand worth FCFA 77 million, the powering of Akweto, Chunghe-Mfume-Nkanchi as government has provided solar panels to electrify those villages, the extension of the electrification project to Dumbu, the Bansobi and Dumbu water projects, the construction of market sheds at Akweto, Kibalaki and Chakoh. In the domain of road infrastructure, he announced the opening of the road from Misaje to Nigeria which according to him will give back to Dumbu town the economic livewire of Misaje its rightful place and the custom post like it was in the yesteryears. Besides that he also talked of the FCFA 3 billion contract awarded to BOFAS to rehabilitate the Ring road from Kumbo to Misaje (tarring bad all the spots). Minister Fuh Calistus also announced that prospects are high that about FCFA 240 billion will soon be made available for the complete tarring of the Ring Road. More so, feasibility studies have already been sponsored for the Mini Ring Road from Babugo through Oku down to Noni and Misaje while FCFA 800 million has been allocated to solve the problem at Kibbo hill which has been a nightmare. He also disclosed that LIFIDEP and the PNDP will fund the construction of meat sales slabs, sheep and goat markets, cattle crushes, dips to promote sustainable development. With all the goodies “why should Misaje not thank my Boss” he questioned. To Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, “President Paul Biya likes Donga Mantung and President Paul Biya likes Misaje”.

Installation of the 32 Sub Sections

One of the major attractions at this year’s celebration was the installation of the 32 section Executives that make up the Donga Mantung IV Section-Misaje. Before commissioning them into their respective function, CPDM Section President reminded them of the challenges ahead. Dr. Fuh Calistus reiterated that the Sub Section Executives are part of the locomotive of the CPDM in Misaje. He urged them to work hard in order to maintain Misaje on its leading position as the bastion of the CPDM not only in Donga Mantung but the entire North West Region.  

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

Industrialization of Donga Mantung: FAINAP Gets FCFA 40 Million Equipment Support To Enhance for Maize Cluster

Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry

The Board meeting of the Frontier Agro-Industrial Programme –FAINAP held in Nkambe, divisional headquarters of the Donga Mantung Division on November 4, 2017. During the meeting, FAINAP representatives in the five sub Divisions represented their reports on the just ended 2017 farming season.

Addressing stakeholders, partners and special invitees, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Founder/Promoter of FAINAP who doubles as Secretary of state in the Ministry of Mines Industries and Technological Development-MINMITD said his ministry has supported the program with equipment worth FCFA 40 Million. The equipment according to Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry comprised of four motor bikes and a multi functional tractor. He emphasized that the support is intended to boost maize production given that “if you cannot produce, you cannot industrialize”. To Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, FAINAP main goal is to add value to agricultural and livestock produce. The bikes he reiterated will serve FAINAP representatives in following up field activities.

Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry said he is amazed by the geometric increase in maize production that farmers recorded this year, thanks to the improved seed donated by PIDMA which has moved maize production from 1.5 tons per hectare to 4 tons per hectare reasons why the animal feed processing plant is imperative. The animal feed processing plant will process feed and grid, he added. With the already marked increase in the production of maize, the feed/grid processing plant is also expected soon.

 Ngabir Paul Bantar, Mayor of Nkambe, testified at the meeting that for all his life he has never witnessed such a yield. The main problem for now is storage, he added. As an indicator that maize production has increased in Donga Mantung Division, the Delegate for Agriculture says prices of a 15 liter bucket of corn is still as low as FCFA 2000 as compared to FCFA 4500 to 5000 last year.

Minister Fuh Calistus handing the keys of the bike to FAINAP Rep. in Nwa

It should be noted that more impetus is being put into this sector as Minister Fuh Calistus also revealed that experts from the World Bank will be visiting Ngu village in the Mbaw plain to finalize preparation for the construction of a maize storage facility. Upon completion of storage facility farmers would be exchanging corn for money on the spot. More so, the team from the World Bank will select some pilot farmers who will benefit input support to professionalize their activities. The first beneficiaries shall be selected in the Mbaw Plain.

Cattle Cluster

During the meeting, participants also exchanged ideas on how to kickstart the cattle cluster. It was however agreed that cattle fattening and milk processing will boost the sector. The Divisional delegate for Livestock elaborated that corn stalk can easily be transformed in to cattle feed to compliment the Brachiaria which are being planted. He revealed that since grass provides just 1/3 of the required nutrients for cattle, Donga Mantung is blessed with anthill which has silicate and can be mixed with crushed bones to fatten cattle. Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry said he is already in contact with some Italian partners who are specialized in branding. After branding, he added the produce could be sold in European Markets notwithstanding that an already big market is on standby in Nigeria. 

Oil Palm Cluster

The Founder/Promoter of FAINAP also revealed that a FCFA 1.5 billion worth oil palm project submitted to the ministry of economy and planning and Regional Development- MINEPAT with the Production Basin (Agropole Project) has been approved and pending disbursement of funds. According to Dr. Fuh Calistus the project activity will consist of setting up small transformation units in high production areas.

In his closing remarks, the 2^nd Assistant SDO for Donga Mantung lauded Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry for such an initiative aimed at alleviating poverty in the Division and called on elite to take advantage of this project to transform the lives of their people. He caution the concerned delegation to provide technical services to project as part of their normal function given that government is highly involved in encouraging agriculture. He also reechoed the fact that plots allocated to serve as demonstration plots should acquire the necessary documentation to avoid conflict.

FAINAP Board members

Minister Fuh Calistus handing motorbike keys to FAINAP Coordinator

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

Industrialization of Donga Mantung: FAINAP Gets FCFA 40 Million Equipment Support To Enhance for Maize Cluster

The Board meeting of the Frontier Argo-Industrial Programme –FAINAP held in Nkambe, divisional headquarters of the Donga Mantung Division on November 4, 2017. During the meeting, FAINAP representatives in the five sub Divisions represented their reports on the just ended 2017 farming season.

Addressing stakeholders, partners and special invitees, Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Founder/Promoter of FAINAP who doubles as Secretary of state in the Ministry of Mines Industries and Technological Development-MINMITD said his ministry has supported the program with equipment worth FCFA 40 Million. The equipment according to Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry comprised of four motor bikes and a multi functional tractor. He emphasized that the support is intended to boost maize production given that “if you cannot produce, you cannot industrialize”. To Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, FAINAP main goal is to add value to agricultural and livestock produce. The bikes he reiterated will serve FAINAP representatives in following up field activities.

Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry said he is amazed by the geometric increase in maize production that farmers recorded this year, thanks to the improved seed donated by PIDMA which has moved maize production from 1.5 tons per hectare to 4 tons per hectare reasons why the animal feed processing plant is imperative. The animal feed processing plant will process feed and grid, he added. With the already marked increase in the production of maize, the feed/grid processing plant is also expected soon.

 Ngabir Paul Bantar, Mayor of Nkambe, testified at the meeting that for all his life he has never witnessed such a yield. The main problem for now is storage, he added. As an indicator that maize production has increased in Donga Mantung Division, the Delegate for Agriculture says prices of a 15 liter bucket of corn is still as low as FCFA 2000 as compared to FCFA 4500 to 5000 last year.

It should be noted that more impetus is being put into this sector as Minister Fuh Calistus also revealed that experts from the World Bank will be visiting Ngu village in the Mbaw plain to finalize preparation for the construction of a maize storage facility. Upon completion of storage facility farmers would be exchanging corn for money on the spot. More so, the team from the World Bank will select some pilot farmers who will benefit input support to professionalize their activities. The first beneficiaries shall be selected in the Mbaw Plain.

Cattle Cluster

During the meeting, participants also exchanged ideas on how to kickstart the cattle cluster. It was however agreed that cattle fattening and milk processing will boost the sector. The Divisional delegate for Livestock elaborated that corn stalk can easily be transformed in to cattle feed to compliment the Brachiaria which are being planted. He revealed that since grass provides just 1/3 of the required nutrients for cattle, Donga Mantung is blessed with anthill which has silicate and can be mixed with crushed bones to fatten cattle. Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry said he is already in contact with some Italian partners who are specialized in branding. After branding, he added the produce could be sold in European Markets notwithstanding that an already big market is on standby in Nigeria.

Oil Palm Cluster

The Founder/Promoter of FAINAP also revealed that a FCFA 1.5 billion worth oil palm project submitted to the ministry of economy and planning and Regional Development- MINEPAT with the Production Basin (Agropole Project) has been approved and pending disbursement of funds. According to Dr. Fuh Calistus the project activity will consist of  setting up small transformation units in high production areas.

In his closing remarks, the 2^nd Assistant SDO for Donga Mantung lauded Minister Fuh Calistus Gentry for such an initiative aimed at alleviating poverty in the Division and called on elite to take advantage of this project to transform the lives of their people. He caution the concerned delegation to provide technical services to project as part of their normal function given that government is highly involved in encouraging agriculture. He also reechoed the fact that plots allocated to serve as demonstration plots should acquire the necessary documentation to avoid conflict.

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

Pan African Youth Development Network Take the ‘Voice of Peace’ to Mankon People

Abdou Karim

Traditional Councilors of the Fondom of Mankon have been urged to resort to peace as a means to solve the ongoing crises that have rocked the North West and South West regions.

This was during a “peace gathering” at the Mankon Fon’s Palace Courtyard, on Tuesday October 31, 2017 organized by the Pan African Youth Development Network, an apolitical non-governmental organization.

Opening the gathering, Bih Mande Basame, National Coordinator of the Pan African Youth Development Network-Cameroon said the gathering is aimed at introducing the voice of peace to the hearts of “our people in the face of evident turmoil”.

“We seek to warm the hearts of fellow Cameroonians by showing them that the voice of peace is the voice of reason. We are strongly positive that adding your voice to this noble course will enhance our desire for a better Cameroon” she observed.

Bih Mande Basame, National enjoined those present to first believe in themselves, believe in peace and then they can transport and carry it to others adding that the gathering which has started in Mankon will taken to other Fondoms in the Northwest and palaces in the Southwest Regions.

One of the high points of this gathering was a peace presentation delivered by Abdou Karim, a peace crusader and researcher in comparative religious studies. With inspiration from peace related passages in the Holy Bible and Quaran, Abdou Karim demystified the concept of peace and most especially how it can be achieved.

He described peace as not the absence of war or threats but the presence of justice in society observing that extremism and terrorism are products of injustice which is threat to peace.

Abdou Karim added that when injustice, corruption, nepotism, self-centeredness, favoritism and hate takes is prioritized in society, the end product is resistance, social strife, and anarchy noting that “You cannot be at peace when your neighbour is in pain…you have to ensure that the peace that reigns in your home should shine in your neighbour’s home.”

The researcher in comparative religious studies prescribed education, information and dialogue as weapons of peace. He ended his presentation by calling on all to engage in acts of charity which he was upbeat will go a long way to bridge the gap between the haves and have-not.

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

Trump May Junk Visa Lottery into USA

Pro-immigration activists attend a "#NoMuslimBanEver" rally in front of the White House on October 18. Photo by Pete Marovich/UPI| License Photo

 

Nov. 2 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's announcement that he's "begun the process of terminating the diversity visa lottery" -- in reaction to Tuesday's New York City terror attack -- has clouded the future of a decades-long staple of U.S. immigration policy.

Trump immediately indicated he would take action with the program when it was learned that the New York suspect, Sayfullo Saipov, emigrated from Uzbekistan to the United States by way of the diversity visa lottery program in 2010. The president said he would prefer a merit-based program.

The lottery program was created under former President George H.W. Bush with the Immigration Act of 1990, as a dedicated channel for immigrants from countries with low rates of immigration to enter the United States. Under the program, the United States makes as many as 50,000 visas available each year for nationals of countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the United States in the previous five years.

The aim of the program is to diversify the U.S. immigrant population, and was originally intended to favor immigrants from Ireland. It later became one of the only avenues for nationals from certain countries to obtain a green card.

A total of 46,718 visas were issued under the program last year, with 2,378 coming from Uzbekistan. Nearly half of the visas were granted to migrants in Africa.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on Wednesday criticized the "random" element of the selection process for granting immigrants "the greatest opportunity in the world" to live in the United States.

"To give that away randomly, to have to vetting no system, to have no way to determine who comes, why they're here, and if they want to contribute to society, is a problem," she said.

While Sanders acknowledged a merit-based "component" of the program, she described the lottery as "the lowest level of criteria that any part of our immigration system has."

Applicants to the program are subject to the same background checks and screening processes as other immigrant visa applicants, including in-person interviews, document presentation and medical exams.

To be eligible, applicants must have a high-school education or a minimum of two years working recently in a qualifying profession.

Applicants have until Nov. 22 to submit their applications for fiscal year 2019. Those who qualify will be placed in a computer-generated lottery that distributes visas among six geographic regions.

Regions with the lowest rates of immigration receive the greatest number of visas, and no visas are granted to applicants from countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States over the last five years.

The diversity visa program has faced threats in the past, including a bill proposed by a bipartisan group of senators known as the "Gang of Eight" -- which presented a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2013 that sought to eliminate the program. The bill ultimately failed.

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

She is the Most Powerful Woman in the World According to Forbes Magazine

 For the seventh time in a row, Angela Merkel has emerged as the most powerful woman in the world according to Forbes magazine.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been named the world’s most powerful woman for the seventh time in a row by Forbes magazine, the publication announced on Thursday.

“Merkel this year won a hard-fought election that saw the far-right Alternative for Germany party creep into the Bundestag.

“She’ll have to continue to hold tight to the EU rudder as she faces oncoming storms from Brexit and the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe,” Forbes said in a statement.

British Prime Minister, Theresa May, took second place in the ranking, while Hillary Clinton, who was ranked the world’s second-most powerful woman in 2016, fell to 63rd place after her election defeat to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, who has been serving as a White House advisor in his administration, ranked 19th on the list, while the U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, came in 43rd.

Melinda Gates of the Gates Foundation, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook and Mary Barra, the head of General Motors, took third, fourth and fifth place, respectively. 

-dpa/NAN

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