Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

The members of The Gideons International, Buea Chapter, have indicated that there is no boundary for Christ’s message to the world. Determined to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to all, the Gideons International, Friday, May 2 2014 carried out free distribution of the New Testament Bibles to the staff and students of the National School of Penitentiary Administration, ENAP, Buea.

Valentin Makomra of The Gideons International said their motive is to promote God’s word to all people. “Being aware of the moral decadence, in our society and what we see in our prison centres, we trust that through the distribution of these Holy Scriptures to would be workers in the prisons and those already working, it will help to raise their spiritual standards,” he noted.

Makomra (R) distributes Bibles to stduents of ENAP

He will be corroborated by Franklin Fidelis Fuh, the Buea Chapter Chair of The Gideons International who explained that Christians must get out of sin and look forward to spend eternity with God. “We are presenting Jesus Christ through his words. We will not love to see a perishing world. The world is too beautiful to be destroyed and brought to darkness and Satan. We are in a beautiful world, created by a beautiful God. Let’s enjoy the benefits of God because we have been redeemed from sin. We should shun evil,

Students of ENAP brandish their Bibles and set to know the content

wickedness, witchcraft and all kinds of malpractices,” he cautioned. “Our wish is for people to be saved and come to know God almighty via Jesus Christ,” he added.

Fuh promised that they will be back to ENAP to hold Bible conferences with the students and the management so that the message of God is entrenched in the institution. “God’s words must transform us and do away with embezzlement, corruption, killing, doing drugs, drunkenness, rape and others. It is wrong. That is not the kind of society we want to see and what God wants,” he said.

Prison Superintendent at ENAP, Merlin Yangmo expressed delight with the gesture from The Gideons International, saying the training of Warders must go with a strong sense of spirituality following the quality of training they receive from the school. “We train our students to manage people, who largely believe that all is ended for them. So, having a mastery of their Bible will help them better manage deviants and other wayward members of the society. Let our students read their Bibles religiously and we look forward to welcome members of The Gideons International for more conferences on the Bible.”

Lovett Benyela Fonkusam and Claudette Fomunyui Berinyui, all, students administrators at ENAP expressed joy with members of The Gideons International, noting that the Bibles will reinforce their spiritual life and make their faith in God stronger.

The Gideons International is a non-denominational Association of Christian Business and Professional men, banded together in more than 194 countries for fellowship and service.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

The wife of Julius Teke, Journalist and Chief of Programmes and Copyrights at the Southwest Regional office of the Cameroon Radio and Television, CRTV, Buea, is no more. Mrs Wenifred Njang Mah Teke died Friday, April 18 2014 at 35. She had battled with Liver Cirrhosis without success. The deceased was interred Saturday, May 3 2014 at Lower-Bessi, Batibo in the Northwest Region.

At a funeral service in the honour of late Mrs Wenifred Teke, Friday, May 2 2014 at the Presbyterian Church, Great Soppo, Buea, Rev. Namaya Elangwe in a sermon on the theme; Dying In The Lord  said people die in many ways, at different times but the circumstances vary. “However, what is important is the afterwards of death,” the Pastor noted.

The casket of Mrs Wenifred Teke being taken out of PC Great Soppo by Elders of the Church after a funeral service in her honour

He told the Christians and the sympathisers who came to pray for the repose of Mrs Teke that people either die in their sins or in the Lord. According to Rev. Namaya, Christians die in difficult circumstances, adding that a Christian must follow and serve Christ.

Rev. Namaya said Mrs Wenifred Teke has died in the Lord.

Wenifred Njang Mah was born on May 28 1979 in Banyo, Adamawa Region to Mathias Sama Njang and Hannah Mbah all deceased.

After her primary education in Fundong and Mbengwi, she moved on with the secondary and high school in Mbengwi and Bafoussam.

1998, she passed the GCE Advanced Level Certificate, which opened her the way into the University of Yaounde I to read English Language. 2001, she will graduate with a Bachelor Degree and in 2002 she passed the entrance examination into the National Teacher Training College, ENS Yaounde. While in ENS, she also did a course on Commonwealth Literature in the University of Yaounde I.

March 23 2003, Julius Teke got married to Wenifred and in 2004, she graduated from ENS Yaounde and still in 2004, Wenifred was conferred a Masters Degree in English Language with specialisation on Commonwealth Literature from the University of Yaounde I.

She will be integrated into the Public Service and posted to teach at Government Bilingual High School, Maroua, where her husband, Julius Teke has been working at CRTV Maroua.

2008, Julius Teke will be transferred to CRTV Buea and joined by the wife, who was redeployed to Government High School, GHS, Buea Town.

2012, Wenifred suffered from a Fungi infection, which she successfully overcome but in September 2013, she was diagnosed of Liver Cirrhosis, which she has been battling with until her death on April 18 2014.

Wenifred and Julius Teke are blessed with three children; two boys and a girl; Tidings, Treasure and Feelings.

She leaves behind her husband, three kids, three sisters, a brother, other family members and the teachers and staff of GHS Buea Town to mourn her.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

Media men and women in the Southwest Region were also party to activities to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day 2014. Under the canopy of the Commonwealth Journalists Association, CJA – Cameroon, the Cameroon Association of English speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ, the Cameroon Anglophone Newspaper Publishers Association, CANPA and the Cameroon Union of Journalists, CUJ, journalists practicing across Cameroon gathered at the Buea Parliamentarian Flat Hotel to reflect on their professional activities, while decrying the various strategies in which the press is gagged in Cameroon.

From right; Charly Endeley, Bouddih Adams, Yerima Kini Nsom following discussions at the Buea commemoration of World Press Freedom Day

CJA – Cameroon President, Chief Paul Nkemanyang said journalists cannot operate freely in an environment of bad laws. To him, press freedom in Cameroon is on paper, noting that press freedom in Cameroon has been given with the left hand and taken from the right, citing Articles 13, 14, 15, 16 and 81, which are arbitrary and contemptuous  to the practice of journalism.

He will invite Cameroonian journalists to be united, stay stronger, sit up, remain fearless and courageous when doing their

CJA - Cameroon President, Chief Nkemanyang making a point

job.

Charly Ndi Chia, CUJ Chair and Editor-In-Chief, The Post Newspaper entreated journalists to be ethical, data-oriented, profound and orderly in their operations. He told journalists to work in tandem with the government for a better society, while indicating the respect for national security requirements.

According to the CUJ Executive, freedom of the press is not press passes for

Julius Tata, Social & Cultural Adviser in the Southwest Governor's office at the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day in Buea

journalists to stray anywhere.

CAMASEJ President, Tricia Oben saw in the World Press Freedom Day an opportunity for all meaning people to be reminiscent of the necessity to promote, protect and safeguard freedom of expression and freedom of the press. “Free and independent media is central to building strong democracies, promoting civic participation, the rule of law and encourage human development,” she mentioned.

A family picture to close the day's activities

Oben challenged journalists to face issues of corruption and bad governance, which are impediments to the execution of their duties.

She will indicate that laws criminalising news reports, commentaries or criticising public officials are meant to gag and should have no place in democracy. “These laws have a negative impact on investigative journalism as it makes it difficult for journalists to expose corruption, bad governance, human rights abuses and issues of accountability,” she added.

Elvis Ntui Arrey of the British High Commission in Yaounde, Cameroon corroborated some of the aforementioned views, highlighting that freedom is fundamental in building a democratic society.

Ntui Arrey noted that freedom of expression in Cameroon is not perfect, but a lot is been achieved. He said the British High Commission in Cameroon is promoting the practice of investigative journalism through capacity building opportunities.

Inspector General in the Ministry of Communication, Metuge Ekane asked journalists to know where their liberty starts and ends but will also advise Cameroonian journalists to set standards.

Julius Tata, Social and Cultural Adviser in the Southwest Governor’s office said the Cameroon administration is no longer the hangman of the press but a partner in nation building. However, George Ngwane, Executive Director of the civil society organisation, AFRICAphonie mentioned in a Press Freedom and Advocacy Project to the journalists that there is for a freedom to information act to be enacted in Cameroon, saying journalists should be at the fore of its advocacy.

UN Officials Speak Out!

In a joint message by the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon and UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova they mentioned that it is the fundamental rights of all people to enjoy freedom of opinion and expression, explaining that the rights are essential to democracy, transparency, accountability and the rule of law. “These rights are vital for human dignity, social progress and inclusive development,” stated the joint message.

According to Ban Ki-moon and Bokova, journalism provides a platform for informed discussions across a wide range of development issues; from environmental challenges and scientific progress to gender equality, youth engagement and peace building. “Only when journalists are at liberty to monitor, investigate and criticise policies and actions can good governance exist,” the officials said.

The UN Secretary General and the UNESCO Director also made a plea on all States, societies and individuals to actively defend freedom of expression and press freedom as fundamental rights and as critical contributions to achieving the MDGs and advancing the post – 2015 development agenda.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

The Management of Korup National Park, KNP and the people of the Esukutan village in Toko Subdivision, Ndian Division, Southwest Region have signed a livelihood agreement.

Dubbed the Permanent Use Zone, PUZ, the Management Plan Agreement with Esukutan Village, one of the five villages within the KNP has as objective to preserve the integrity of KNP. The agreement clearly carves out a total of 2,940 hectares of land for Esukutan Village, outlining four management sectors; (settlement, farm expansion, farm reserve land for future generation, communal forests), guidelines for their management, roles and responsibilities of both KNP and Esukutan village. It is an agreement to engage in long term collaboration between Esukutan village and the park.

L-R Divisional Officer of Toko, Chief of Esukutan village & Conservator of KNP put pen on paper.

The first of its kind within the national territory, the agreement, simply acknowledges that human beings play a vital role in the ecosystem, especially those in the five villages within the KNP;  Esukutan, Ikenge, Bera, Erat and Bareka Batanga. It is against this backdrop including the financial and security reasons that previous option of resettling the five in-park villages was dropped in favour of the creation of PUZs.

Samuel Eben Ebai, South West Regional

Conservator of KNP(in mufti) pose for a souvenir pic with other villagers of Esukutan with a copy of the agreement

delegate of Forestry and Wildlife explained that ‘The boundary of the PUZ for Esukutan has been determined after a rigorous agro-socio-economic, demographic and wildlife surveys and the signing of this management plan agreement with Esukutan village marks the first step for the village in becoming a legal entity within the KNP’

Ferdinand Fotendong the Conservator of KNP will add; ‘Within the framework of the proposed management plan of KNP, PUZ with accompanying management plan is the only feasible scenario for human settlements within KNP’.

The PUZ agreement opens the door for Esukutan and subsequently the other in-park villages to collaborate with the Management of KNP in the preservation of the high-value ecosystem of the park and also to the development of these villages.

The signing event which took place recently in Esukutan village, was under the auspices of the Divisional Officer of Toko Sub-Division, the Mayor of Toko, the Traditional Chief of Esukutan, the Regional Chief of wildlife and Protected Areas in the Southwest Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife and the Conservator of Korup National Park, KNP. Prior to this, there was  a one-year participatory process that included; village sensitisation, PUZ studies and negotiation between the management of KNP and Esukutan village with the technical and financial support of the Programme for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the South West Region, PSMNR-SWR.

The PSMNR-SWR is a development programme of the Republic of Cameroon, co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank, KFW in cooperation with German International Cooperation, GIZ, World Wide Fund for Nature, WWF and Wildlife Conservation Society, WCS.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

Officials of the leading brewery company in Cameroon, Les Brasseries Du Cameroun took the opportunity during Labour Day commemoration on May 1 2014, across the country to say workers and other persons living with HIV/AIDS must be supported and encouraged to move on.

At the Les Brasseries Du Cameroun recreation centre in Mutengene, Southwest Region, staff of the Regional office in Ombe gathered for merry-making and some few speeches after a colourful match pass in Limbe.

Happy-looking staffers of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun

Michel Mvondo, Southwest Regional Manager of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun revisited the Cameroon theme of the 128^th edition of the International Labour Day, which is; “Workers of Cameroon: Together, Let’s Combat HIV and AIDS.”

Mvondo told his colleagues that HIV/AIDS is like any other sickness, so, persons suffering from the disease must be encouraged and given all the support they deserve. “We must show concern for each other to have a serene working environment,” he noted.

He will invite workers of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun to always remember the significance of the Labour Day, which started some 128 years ago, adding that if the workers then did not indicate that there is dignity in working, they would not have been on their feet every May 1 to celebrate and give a deep reflection to what they do on a daily basis.

Mvondo expressed satisfaction in the manner in which they carried themselves during the match pass in Limbe, saying he was proud being part and parcel of a company like Les Brasseries Du Cameroun, which brings to the fore the dignity of the worker via their product Castel Beer.

From Mutengene, Mvondo took same message to the staff of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun in the Kumba Agency.

The Southwest Regional staff representative of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun, John Ade said as a watchdog of the company, he is happy that the management of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun listens to the plight of its workers.

According to Ade a recent meeting at the company’s headquarter in Douala on some of the worries raised by staffers were amicably handled with a lot of benefits trickling down to the staff.

He promised to faithfully remain the eyes and ears of the workers in all that the management does, while enjoining the staff of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun to come up with their grievances when they arise and also ensure that they are properly channelled.

Southwest Regional Publicity Manager of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun, Andre Nkem said in the build up to Labour Day 2014, the company organised a one-week promotional campaign with the product, Castel Beer. “We had special promotional activities in the locality of Batoke, outskirt of Limbe where we invited staff from other companies like SONARA, AES SONEL, BETON, military officers in the area and officials of the Taxi Drivers Syndicate in Batoke for a general celebration before May 1 2014. The guest artist was Tata Kingue, who brought in a lot of spice and colour into the show,” he mentioned.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 10, 2014 ) — Press Release Distribution Services –

Mali : Ibrahim Boubacar Keta, prsident de la rpublique du Mali

Mon honneur n’est pas jeter aux chiens

A 69 ans, llu des quinze millions de Maliens a pour objectif de reconstruire un tat sinistr par une bonne dcennie de gabegie et deffondrement progressif, au point dy perdre son identit, son intgrit et une part de sa lgitimit. Bien quil ait runi, 77% des suffrages lors dune lection incontestable en aot 2013, IBK a d faire face aux critiques

: lenteur, autosatisfaction, npotisme, voire soupons de corruption. Aprs stre longtemps recroquevill dans sa carapace, le natif de Koutiala rpond aux questions de Jeune Afrique.

Sngal : Abdoulaye Wade Je ne peux pas tolrer que tout ce que jai fait soit dtruit
Je peux renverser Macky Sall tout moment. Il me suffit de lancer les populations sur le palais

Ses relations avec son successeur, son rapport trs dcomplex largent, le sort de son fils De retour Dakar, lancien prsident se lche. Et, manifestement, il est en pleine forme. Interview lire dans Jeune Afrique.

Boko Haram : Le Nigeria face ses dmons

Obscur mouvement arm sa naissance, la secte islamiste fait prsent des ravages dans le pays et bien au-del. Dernire action spectaculaire, lenlvement de plus de 270 jeunes filles, qui met le monde en moi. Comment la premire puissance conomique africaine (500 milliards de dollars de PIB, soit 359 milliards deuros) fera face cet obscur mouvement arm mlant idologie religieuse et crapulerie. Analyse de Jeune Afrique.

Tunisie : ils y pensent tous les matins en se rasant

Prvue en principe avant la fin de lanne, llection prsidentielle obsde les tats-majors des partis

Politiques qui ont lanc les grandes manuvres. Mme dpouille de lessentiel de ses prrogatives au profit du Premier ministre, la fonction prsidentielle continue de faire rver. Jeune Afrique campe le dcor avant la bataille.

Economie : Le dclin des banques panafricaines

la mode dans les annes 2000, limplantation continentale est juge par certains peu rentable, trop

coteuse et inefficace Le modle panafricain en panne? Place aux banques rgionales!

Cameroun : En attendant un miracle

Un remaniement qui se fait attendre, des ministres qui se dtestent cordialement et, sans surprise, peu de rsultats. ce rythme, il sera difficile datteindre lmergence en 2035.

A lire aussi dans ce Plus Cameroun que vous propose Jeune Afrique :

-conomie Stable, dsesprment stable

-Infrastructures a avance?

-Culture Aux arts, citoyens!

Fatou Tandiang
+331 44 30 19 96
-

Source: EmailWire.Com

By Walter Wilson Nana & Isidore Abah
Buea, Cameroon

It is well crafted in the language of Moliere; L’artiste ne meurt pas. Simply put the artiste never dies! Robert Nesta Marley is dead but the artiste Bob Marley lives on! This was the feeling, Sunday, May 11 2014 at the Guangzhou Snack Bar in Buea. The population of Buea municipality had turned out in their numbers to commemorate the man and artiste, Bob Marley, his music, legacy and ideology.  Robert Nesta Marley died on May 11 1981 in Miami, Florida, USA after battling without success with a Metastatic Skin Cancer, which started from his toe.

Les Brasseries Du Cameroun National Song Competition Winner for 2012, Emmanuel Kimbi enjoying the show in honour of Bob Marley in Buea

The gathering was spiced by Les Brasseries Du Cameroun, with their spirited musical band, slamming and jamming in the honour of Bob Marley.

For many hours, the MUTZIG BAND of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun thrilled the fans of Bob Marley with his rhythms and songs. These included; Buffalo Soldier, Africa Unite, War, Roots Reggae, Get up Stand up, Jamming, Chant Down Babylon, Is This Love, No Woman No Cry and more.

While the fans of Bob Marley and enthusiasts of reggae music enjoyed the show, while savouring the content of a chilled bottle of the Les Brasseries Du Cameroun product designated for the event, MUTZIG, the reggae-jam-session was also flavoured with a Bob Marley singing competition. From an initially ten contenders, it was scaled down to the best three singers, who could do a good replay of any Bob Marley songs. The first, second and third winners went home with variety of Les Brasseries Du Cameroun gears.

A delighted Bebe Ngalle, Jurist and devotee of reggae music remembered Bob Marley for his ideals about natural love. “We are celebrating Bob because he enriched the world with his music full of love, especially in the song; One Love,” he said.

According to Ngalle, though Bob Marley was a mundane singer, he had something to do with the supernatural. “That is why we can still enjoy the effervescence of his songs,” he added.

With a citizen-oriented approach to business, Les Brasseries Du Cameroun, in recent years, has joined Cameroonians who are fans of Bob Marley and reggae music to commemorate the reggae icon from Jamaica on the day he died, May 11.

The MUTZIG BAND of Les Brasseries was on and alife, slamming and jamming with their fans.

A contestant of the Bob Marley songs competition doing his show

A fan donning a memorabilia of Bob Marley

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

The September 30 2013 Parliamentary and Municipal elections in Cameroon have come and gone and now is the time to share the spoils, say thanks and live up to campaign promises.

On the ground to meet with her militants of the Fako West Constituency, otherwise called Buea Rural, the Member of Parliament, MP for that political base, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, who doubles as Vice President of the National Assembly is not only saying thanks for her political victory but taking down the worries raised by her electorates.

Hon. Lifaka(R) dancing with a young dancer of 'Nganya' at the rally in Bonjongo Court Area

At the Maumu stopover of the Meet The People Tour in the outskirt of Buea, CPDM Subsection President of Maumu, Kulu Mondoa, will not only express gratitude for Hon. Lifaka for coming to commune with them after the September 30 twin elections, he asked the MP to do more for the people of Maumu, mentioning the need for a secondary school in the area, health centre, construction of a good road to link Maumu to Buea and push their many files in Yaounde that need attention.

According to Mondoa, Maumu is behind Hon Lifaka all the time, saying they have changed their habits of the 1990s to something different.

The YCPDM Subsection President of Maumu, Markus Eberitu will add that the water supply in their community is inadequate, while inviting the MP to live up to the promises she made during the campaigns building up to the September 30 twin elections.

At the Bonjongo Court Area, Fabian Mosoko, CPDM Subsection President, described Hon. Lifaka as a pragmatic politician, having a deep sense of clairvoyance and a profound interest in the education of the children from the Bonjongo Court Area. However, a passionate request was made for the tarring of the Mapanja stretch of road in the Bonjongo Court Area.

Chief Kama of one of the villages that that make up the Bonjongo Court Area and the Third Deputy Mayor of Buea Council, Edward Mosoke, a son from Bonjongo joined their voices to say there is a need for the Bonjongo Court Area to be upgraded to a Subdivision.

In Maumu like in the Bonjongo Court Area, Hon. Lifaka said she has come to say a big thanks after the support shown to her political career, noting that “when you share in the pot of a hunter-man, you will not lack food in your house. The CPDM is the hunter, you will not lack food in your pot.” She will put action to her words as she doled out FCFA 250,000 and five bags of fertilisers to be shared to the militants of Maumu, who are predominantly farmers. “This is from my heart. I have listened to your worries about the poor road network, the need for a secondary school and more. It is work you have given me. I will do that which I can and that which I cannot, I will make a lot of noise about them at the government corridors,” she mentioned.

Hon. Lifaka invited the people of Maumu to reinforce their trust in the CPDM, saying it is the party of light. “Let all those who stay in Fako Division feel Fako. We should respect the laws of Cameroon. We are all children of Fako Division,” she mentioned.

To the militants in Bonjongo Court Area, she told them she has come to strengthen the conviction they have established for each other, adding that Bonjongo Court Area is a CPDM stronghold all the time and they should never derail.

Though the Veepee of the National Assembly is not empowered to sign all the development goodies for the Bonjongo Court Area, she indicated that she has her mouth to do the whistle-blowing on the worries of the people of Bonjongo.

The Meet-the-people-tour of Hon. Lifaka, which opened May 11, ends on May 16 2014 after having gone through the Lysoka and Bonavada areas, which are parts of her political jurisdiction in the Fako West Constituency. She was joined in her tour by a newcomer in the National Assembly and MP for Buea Urban Constituency, Hon. Arthur Ekeke Lysinge and the YCPDM Section President for Fako III, Emmanuel Motomby Mbome.

MP for Fako West Constituency, Hon Lifaka addresses militants in Bonjongo

The traditional rulers of the Bonjongo Court Area also answered present at the rally

Hon Emilia Monjowa Lifaka(in kaba) receives gifts from her militants in Bonjongo

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

The Cameroon GCE Board is evolving with the changing trends across the country and even beyond the frontiers. Following meticulous syllabus review mechanisms pursued in recent years and adequate preparation done, the 2014 GCE Examinations will have a new element, the Bilingual GCE. After the May 6 2014 take off with the practical sessions, Registrar, Cameroon GCE Board, Humphrey Ekema Monono says they are ready to deliver all the exams they will organise for the 2014 session and put in all what it takes to do a successful organisation. In this exclusive interview, he tells us more.

Humphrey Ekema Monono Registrar, Cameroon GCE Board

Excerpts:

How did the 2013 examinations session go for the Cameroon GCE Board?

It went on smoothly. Our only worry was that the public was not sensitised enough about the additional mode of publishing results by MTN. That was a good lesson for us and since then, we have stepped up our sensitisation campaign. We keep improving.

The 2014 examinations have taken off with the practical sessions, which started May 6 2014. What are the echoes coming in so far?

So far so good! The materials they need are with the concerned persons. We are into the third practical subject. Next week, we will get into the fourth and fifth. The specimens are there and the candidates are working hand in glove with their supervisors.

What are the specificities on the ground?

A lot more vigilance, responsibility, show of citizenship to make the exams a Cameroonian culture, with a positive note and not negative practices. We should show good practices and no mal practices; no collusion between students themselves and the supervisors, less impersonation, time consciousness for all the stakeholders, examiners marking like they usually do with objectivity and serenity.

Are there new issues at the level of the exams?

New issues are coming up regularly. This year, we will begin with the Bilingual GCE. The practical sessions have been slated for May 15 2014. It will be holding in 18 centres across the country, two of them in Fako Division; GBHS Limbe and GBHS Muea, there is GBHS Kumba and more. That will be a new subject partly introduced, our country being bilingual. It is a positive note towards that direction. Advanced Level English will be coming up next year or so. We are looking forward to introduce Citizenship. And tailoring our exams towards the emergence of the country, the growth and strategic paper and professionalism.

How much preparations have been done for the Bilingual GCE?

A lot have been done and put in already. Following our traditions, we are taking over the exam when the Francophones have tested it. We have been preparing as the tradition demands; pre-test questions, be sure of the human resources and be sure that we can handle the exams before we go in for it. We do not just say yes, because it is a subject and go in without looking at our back yard and the necessary resources. We are sure about what we are doing.

How ready is Cameroon GCE Board for 2014?

Yes, we are ready! And we say a word of appreciation to our clientele, which include transporters and even those who transport our materials by head load to some of our colleges. On behalf of the GCE Board Council, we thank these people in the background for their tremendous work. These are the people we do not see. We are warm about what they do to carry the GCE Board forward. We thank the media for their efforts in sensitising our stakeholders.

How do you manage the tracking by those who go by head load?

Leave that with the Board. We have our tracking system. You do not expect everybody to be part of it. Even security follows that up. Be sure that the materials get to their destination without blemish.

The Cameroon GCE Board in recent weeks have been in the news. Has that impacted what you are doing now; the exams?

No, No!! That is an infrastructural issue. It has nothing to do with the running of the Board and examinations. We have been given a pat on the back for having a locus, from where we are operating safely. We are grateful to God.

Examination leakages have featured in recent years, how are you closing the holes?

Those are long forgotten stories about the GCE Board. Since I got to the Board, we are not talking about leakages. Students and parents are no longer onto examination fraud. They are out to make the exams a success story for themselves. I do not know much about any leakages.

What about hitches as you pursue your endeavours at the Board?

Running an exam session like what we are doing cannot be without some minor hitches or not having any difficulties. We have some difficulties but how we surmount them, makes us an Examination Board.  We begin from the test items, which some do not measure up or prone with ambiguities. Some can be discarded even before you call in the Moderators and more. But we handle them with the right human resources and the teachers, invigilators, superintendents who are always there. However, our heads are high and you can compare the GCE Board with similar institutions out of Cameroon, who follow the Anglo-Saxon System. Our candidates go for good and perform in flying colours. We are ready for the exam.

How has the registration figures dropped or increased as of 2013?

The growth rate is about seven percent for all the exams we ran at the Board in 2013. However, we will be running JAMB under the Foreign Exams Unit. But now we are talking the GCE and in its entirety for all the exams we are running, we have a total of 164,789 Candidates above the 154,903 candidates we had last year. We have an increase of more than 9,000 candidates. That figure is challenging.

How are you managing it?

As usual, as I manage the 64,000 candidates I inherited in 2006. I remember that in the 1970s, there used to be less than 15,000 candidates. Financially, not much has changed.

How will the publication of the results be done this year, so as to avoid the traffic jam we had last year with the electronic media?

The publication systems and styles will be maintained and improved upon. Everyone should be given an opportunity to find his or her results; written or spoken, published by newspapers and the new E-systems, which favours also those who failed the exams. What is published is only those who passed the exams. Who should also carter for failures. Nobody reads and prepares those who have failed. When people fail the GCE it does not mean they have failed in life. It could have been one or two orientation that was not in place.

It is assuring that the traditional media will have the results this year…

I owe the candidates their slips and their schools their results. The media is free to pick whatever they want to print from me. It is not boxed up in the drawers of GCE Board.

Any contract, conditions for them?

There is no condition; you pay the normal things you have been paying and you pick up your booklet or soft copies. The problem with the newspaper houses has been monopoly. We will not encourage monopoly when it comes to results. We will continue to give the media to read and publish. Now that we are getting to 164,000 candidates, you will imagine what it means reading and going to print a newspaper of 30 pages.

To the markers, what are you telling them?

Give them money and there will be no road blocks. But you have to inform them ahead of time if there will be no money, so that they are prepared that they will not have it in time. Presently, I am not certain if I will be able to pay all of that but we must communicate. If communication fails, then we must have those road blocks. Government will not only accept a date, it will honour their engagements. So far, we are not owing anybody but our constraint is that subvention is not moving according to the number of candidates. As the candidates keep growing, we need a lot more financial attention. We might have some few hitches but it will not deter us from doing our work.

Advice to candidates, parents…

They should look at life and the world in a positive manner. Negativity does not help us. Exams are set by their teachers. They are not set by people from the moon. The books they are using are same books used by other candidates across the country. All they need to do is put in their all to perfect their grades and pass the exams. I consider that they have already passed the exams since they have been preparing in the course of the year.

Interviewed by Walter Wilson Nana

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

Sr. Florence-Mary Lum Akwenji Awambeng is a member of the congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus. For 25 years, she has kept her veil and stayed steadfast to her vows of service to the Lord.

Wednesday, May 14 2014 at the Sacred Heart Parish, Fiango, Kumba, her parish of origin, Sr. Florence-Mary was joined by her Bishop in Buea Diocese, Mgr. Immanuel Bushu, Priests of Buea Diocese, Religious in and out of Buea Diocese, biological family members and friends to celebrate her silver jubilee of Religious Profession.

After 25 years in the Sisterhood, Sr. Florence-Mary is still holding strong to her candle and her vows

In a holy mass to her honour, celebrated by Bishop Bushu, the Prelate said in his homily that it is a moment of thanksgiving to Sr. Florence-Mary, for all the goodness God has done to her life and for all mankind. “We cannot thank God enough, but we say thanks!!” he noted.

He enjoined all to pray for Sr. Florence-Mary, for the message she is passing is that when God is alive, mankind is also alive.

Sr. Florence Mary(carrying gift) is joined by fellow Religious during the special offertory procession to the alta of God

Mgr. Bushu indicated that the best thing for Sr. Florence-Mary is the mass we have offered in her honour, adding that no matter the difficulties in human life, we should believe in God. “Sr. Florence-Mary should never give-up. You are paving your way already to Heaven,” Mgr. Bushu said.

He will invite the Rev.Sr to stand with fortitude after 25 years in the Religious, saying it will never be easy but she must be strong in spirit and with God.

A colourful offertory procession during the mass the celebration of Sr. Florence-Mary Awambeng 25 Years In Sisterhood

Sr. Florence-Mary will cue in after the Bishop’s sermon with the renewal of her vows saying; “Lord I am weak, give me thy strength. Arise take my hands. Come to my aid with no time length. My days in thy hands…”

Martin Mekuru Elondo, President of the Sacred Heart Parish Council, Fiango, Kumba saw in the silver jubilee celebrations a grace of God to the parish, the Diocese of Buea and to Sr. Florence-Mary. He appealed to parents, guardians, adults and the youths to listen

Senior staff of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, UB in a souvenir pic with Sr Florence Mary & Mgr Bushu

to the voice of the Holy Spirit knocking at their doors, while praying God to bless Sr. Florence-Mary, her family and the universal church. “The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. Let us turn to the Lord of the harvest with our hearts honestly in a bid to serve him,” Mekuru said.

Sr. Florence-Mary was born to Mr Godfred Awambeng and Mrs Theresia Awambeng from Mankon, Bamenda, Northwest Region.

The desire to serve God as a Religious grew strong in Florence-Mary after completing her secondary and high school education in GTHS Kumba and St. Paul Technical High School, Bonjongo respectively. She was not only interested to become a Religious but to join a Missionary Congregation. Thanks to the advice of some Priests and the then Bishop of Buea Diocese, the late Bishop Emeritus, Mgr Pius Suh Awa, she was recommended to the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus Congregation, which at the time had come to work in Buea Diocese. Mgr. Awa will introduce Florence-Mary to the then Superior General, Mother Marie Therese Akwe of blessed memory, during one of her visits to Cameroon and then the process of joining the Handmaids took off.

February 6 1986, she left Cameroon to Nigeria to join the Handmaids. February 27, she will be hooded on Mother Foundress’ Day and on September 8 1986, she was clothed. She will make her First Religious Profession on September 10 1988. She spent most of her years working and studying in Nigeria until two years ago when she was transferred to Cameroon.

She worked in Owerri Archdiocese, where she was given the name; Nwachinemere, which means in the igbo dialect of Nigeria a child whom God does things for.  Other places she has worked include the Handmaids Convents in Lagos, Owerri and Port Harcourt. Back to Cameroon, she has worked in the Handmaids Convents in Bonjongo and Mutengene.

Presently, she is a part-time lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Buea and Editor of Cameroon Panorama, a publication of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Cameroon lodged in the Catholic Communication Service of the Diocese of Buea.

During her Nigerian sojourn, Sr. Florence-Mary did a Masters Degree programme in Education at the University of Port Harcourt and another Masters in Pastoral Communication at the Catholic University of West Africa.

Comme contribution à la lutte contre les changements climatiques, beaucoup de ménagères camerounaises ont décidé d’utiliser des foyers culinaires qui nécessitent l’utilisation d’environ 70 pour cent de bois en moins.

 Anne Mireille Nzouankeu
Yaoundé, Cameroun

Une pièce pleine de fumée : c’est le calvaire que vivent beaucoup de ménagères camerounaises.  Elles sont trop pauvres pour avoir accès au gaz et doivent cuisiner sur des foyers dits traditionnels, généralement composés de trois pierres entre lesquelles on met du bois.  Marthe Ngom, un agent de l’Etat retraité de 56 ans, a absorbé cette fumée pendant 40 ans. Elle se souvient qu’à l’époque, faire la cuisine était devenu un calvaire et que la fumée a même endommagé sa santé. « Le foyer traditionnel m’a donné beaucoup de peine. J’ai même eu mal aux yeux. C’est difficile de préparer avec ce foyer », explique-t-elle.

Marthe Ngom utilise désormais un foyer amélioré

C’est donc avec plaisir que Marthe Ngom a accepté d’expérimenter un foyer amélioré vulgarisé par certaines ONG locales. Il se présente sous forme cylindrique avec une fente vers le bas pour le bois. L‘intérieur est enduit de terre cuite ayant la particularité de retenir la chaleur. Ce foyer nécessite jusqu’à 70 pour cent de bois en moins que le foyer à trois pierres.  Aujourd’hui, la dame qui vit à Mfou, une petite ville du Cameroun, exprime sa satisfaction : « J’ai constaté une grande différence. Le foyer amélioré consomme moins de bois et produit moins de fumée par rapport au foyer traditionnel. Faire la cuisine n’est plus un stress pour moi».

Moins de bois

Régis Priso, un expert en énergies renouvelables, a testé plusieurs sources d’énergies propres dans le cadre de ses activités au Centre pour l’Environnement et le Développement, une ONG reconnue pour sa compétence dans le domaine environnemental. Rencontré à Yaoundé, il confirme que les foyers améliorés nécessitent l’utilisation de moins de bois que les foyers traditionnels, à cause de leur capacité à conserver la chaleur. « En fait, c’est la chaleur qui cuit les aliments et cette chaleur est produite par le feu. Une fois que le feu est ouvert comme avec les foyers à trois pierres, il y a beaucoup de chaleur perdue, qui ne sert pas à la cuisson des aliments. Or avec un foyer amélioré, on concentre toute la chaleur produite par le feu pour la cuisson. Ce qui fait qu’on utilise moins de bois », dit Priso.

D’après des experts, chaque famille consomme environ six kilogrammes de bois de chauffe par jour, soit deux tonnes par an. Avec une population de 20 millions d’habitants qui ne cesse de croître, et considérant le niveau de développement du Cameroun, il est difficile à court terme que tout le monde ait accès à une autre forme d’énergie que le bois et le charbon pour la cuisine. La consommation de bois va donc augmenter si rien n’est fait.

D’après Régis Priso l’expert en énergies renouvelables, la forte utilisation du bois pour la cuisine est l’une des causes des changements climatiques actuellement observés au Cameroun et les conséquences se répercutent dans tous les domaines de la vie. « Ici au Cameroun, on a par exemple une agriculture essentiellement saisonnière c’est-à-dire qu’on sème pendant la saison des pluies. Mais, ces changements climatiques font en sorte qu’au moment où on attend les pluies, il n’y a plus de pluies. Les saisons sont vraiment bouleversées. Il y a même des endroits où il y a des inondations alors qu’avant il n’y avait jamais d’inondations », constate Priso.

120 000 foyers améliorés distribués

Les foyers améliorés permettent de limiter la déforestation et par ricochet, de lutter contre les changements climatiques. Ces foyers améliorés sont la solution utilisée par les femmes face aux changements climatiques. Une solution que le gouvernement camerounais a trouvé intéressante au point de « subventionner » leur fabrication d’après un rapport de l’Institut national de la Statistique rédigé en 2012.  « Aujourd’hui, plus de 120 000 foyers améliorés ont été distribués à environ 50 000 ménages pour réduire la pression exercée sur le couvert végétal », révèle le rapport.

En 2000 aux Etats-Unis, le Cameroun a signé, en même temps que 192 autres pays membres de l’ONU, les Objectifs du Millénaire pour le Développement (OMD), un ensemble de huit objectifs à atteindre en 2015 pour assurer le développement des Etats signataires. L’objectif numéro sept demande à chaque Etat d’«assurer un environnement durable » en inversant par exemple « la tendance actuelle à la déperdition des ressources environnementales ». Grâce à plusieurs actions parmi lesquelles l’encouragement à l’utilisation des foyers améliorés, « cette tendance laisse entrevoir une probabilité d’atteindre cet objectif à l’horizon 2020 à condition de maintenir les efforts actuels du gouvernement » indique le rapport national d’évaluation à mi-parcours de l’atteinte des OMD, réalisé en 2012 par l’Institut national de la Statistique.

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Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

Like the rest of the 31 countries booked for the FIFA World Cup due to open in Brazil in the weeks ahead, the Normalisation Committee of Cameroon Football Fedration, FECAFOOT, has presented the 30-man provisionary squad of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to FIFA headquarter in Zurich, Switzerland.

Selected by the head coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, German-born football trainer, Volker Finke in consultation with his collaborators, Finke told the media that the selected players who are expected to begin a two week camping in Austria from Tuesday, May 20 2014 have been selected on the bases of their experience, majority of them form the group that took part in the qualifiers while others were selected to prepare the future of the team.

German-born coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Volker Finke

According to Finke, the current squad of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is a medley of the experienced and the young, with a mission to be efficient.

Finke told journalists that in Austria, they will be working on the spirit of the team, create a fighting spirit, put in place an atmosphere of collective success for the team, ensure the tactical strategies vis-a-vis Cameroon’s opponents and how to change the rhythm of a match.

In the 30-selected players are three players invited from Cameroon League I. The three come from Cotonsport of Garoua.

The roll call of selected players are:

Keepers

1. Charles Itandje
2. Sammy Ndjock
3. Guy-Roland Ndy-Assembe
4. Loïc Fedjou (Cotonsport of Garoua)

Defenders

1. Henri Bédimo
2. Cédric Djeugoue (Cotonsport of Garoua)
3. Aurélien Chedjou
4. Nicolas Nkoulou
5. Assou-Ekotto
6. Allan Nyom
7. Dany Nounkeu
8. Armel Kana-Biyik
9. Gaetan Bong

Midfielders

1. Joël Matip
2. Stéphane Mbia
3. Jean II Makoun
4. Enoh Eyong
5. Alexandre Song
6. Salli Edgar
7. Landry Nguémo
8. Raoul Loé

Forwards

1. Samuel Eto’o
2. Vincent Aboubakar
3. Achille Wébo
4. Mohamadou Idrissou
5. Benjamin Moukandjo
6. Choupo-Moting
7. Fabrice Olinga

Waiting list

1. Franck Bagnack
2. Guy Zock (Cosmos of Yaounde)

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

Tuesday, May 20 2014, 27 of the 28 preselected players by Cameroon’s coach, Volker Finke arrived at the training ground in Austria. The absentee is defender, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who has been held back by his Division 2 team, Queens Park Rangers in England that is involved in the play-off match against Derby County for qualification into the Premiere League in England come Saturday, May 24 2014. Hence, serious business has begun for the Lions’ campaign for the 2014 FIFA World Cup due in Brazil in the next four weeks.

So far, captain Samuel Fils Eto’o and his mates have begun a series of training sessions. According to the Team Press Officer of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Raphael Nkoa, the intensive training programme has been unfolded already; “Every day, we will have a general training session, thereafter we have two separate training sessions and in the evening the players are expected to watch a recorded match of Cameroon’s opponents at the World Cup, Mexico, Croatia and Brazil,” he told journalists.

Indomitable Lions of Cameroon - We are in Austria for serious business

Apart from the botched international friendly between Cameroon and Guatemala earlier slated for June 7 2014 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, the other international friendlies programmed for the Lions are still intact.

After the March 5 2014 4-1 defeat from Portugal in Lieira, Cameroon will take on Macedonia on Monday, May 26 2014 in the Kufstein Stadium, Austria. Three days later, May 29 2014, the Indomitable Lions will sharpen their skills with Paraguay still in Kufstein and on Sunday, June 1 2014, the Cameroonian national football squad will be up for a big do with the German Manschafft. Done with the game against Germany, another qualified country for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, Volker Finke is expected to make public his final 23-man team for the Brazil 2014 Campaign that will carry the flag of Cameroon.

As part of the strategy of the technical bench of the Lions to fortify the team, a five-man technico-medical staff have been hired to join the squad. These include French man Christophe Manouvrier, who played that role briefly during the short stay of French born coach for the Lions, Denis Lavagne in 2011. There is Aex Weib who will play the role of chief scout for the Lions. He is expected to make available to the Lions head coach, Volker Finke, the modus operandi of Cameroon’s opponents at the World Cup and those the Lions will face if they qualify for the second round of the World Cup in Brazil. Boris NOLZON and Christopher SCHMOFD have been given the responsibility to analyse the videos of Lions’ challengers for the first round and would be opponents as they progress in the competition. UWE Vetter joins the Lions’ den and the medical team as the kinetherapist.

Some members of the Indomitable Lions family in a convivial atmosphere at their Seehof Walchsee lodge in Austria

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

H.E Dan Wari Nwazim, Nigerian Diplomat and Consul General for the Southwest and Northwest Regions of Cameroon with residence in Buea is looking at the residence permit issue from another angle. Residence Permit is a document, which all foreign nationals, who have opted for a long stay in Cameroon, must possess. So, Nigerians, who have opted to stay and move on with their lives in Cameroon, must be in possession of a residence permit issued by the competent authorities.

Nigerian Consul General in Buea - All Nigerians must pay their resident permits

In a recent outing to meet the huge Nigerian communities in the Mabeta Fishing Port and Njangassa, all localities in the Limbe III Subdivision, the Consul General told his compatriots that they have to make their stay legitimate while in Cameroon. “Do not be an illegal immigrant. Prepare to pay your residence permit,” he noted while adding that the Consulate in Buea is open and ready to facilitate the process involved in getting the residence permit.

Executive members of the Nigerian Union in Mabeta Fishing Port welcome the Nigerian Consul General, HE Dan Wari in chocolate-coloured outfit

The Diplomat said while Nigerian citizens resident in Cameroon expect much from the government in Nigeria, they should take their own responsibilities, watch out for the kind of people who visit their communities and be the keeper of each other.

Reacting to an earlier complain from Chief Samuel Epupa Ekum of Dikolo village, which has Mabeta as one of the neighbourhoods, where, the latter indicated that most members of the Nigerian community do not send their

Senior officials of Nigerian Consulate in Buea at the trip to Mabeta Fishing Port

children to school, Wari said it is a shameful act for a father or mother not to send the child to school today, saying education is the key to all successes and even the surest means to get wealth. “Give your children education and there will be no limits for them. Make the difference in your lives, which you had not made by fostering the education of your children,” he advised.

To the newly elected members of the Nigerian Union in Mabeta Fishing Port, with Raymond Edebisong as President and Mrs Okon Asukwo as the leader of the Nigerian Women Forum, the Consul General enjoined them to be strong in heart, indicating that their job is a thankless one. “You will be pummelled and abused for doing your job and the right thing. You must be ready to relate with the Consulate in Buea and through you, we in the Consulate relate with the people in Mabeta Fishing Port,” he said.

In Mabeta Fishing Port as in Njangassa, Wari told his country men and women  to work hand-in-glove with the newly elected Nigerian Union executives in their communities, remain good people and avoid problems of all sorts. “We have been sent by the Nigerian government to look after you and listen to your problems. But all the problems will be dealt with if Nigerian children in Mabeta Fishing Port and Njangassa are given adequate education,” he mentioned.

Earlier, newly elected chair of the Nigerian Union executive in Mabeta Fishing Port, Edebisong raised the issue of some Nigerians arrested in their community recently and they are in jail at the Buea Central Prison. He prayed the Consul General to look into the matter with the authorities concerned in Buea, while bringing to fore what he termed an additional tax Nigerians are expected to pay before they acquire their resident permits from the taxation department in Buea.

Chief SamueL Epupa Ekum expressed delight with the visit of the Nigerian Consul General, saying his availability will now put order in the Nigerian Union in Mabeta Fishing Port. While joining his voice to others that the new executive work closely with the traditional and civil authorities in Limbe III Subdivision, Chief Epupa expressed disgust that most of the Nigerian Children in the area do not go to school, which is at their door steps, especially those from Akwa-Ibom State. “Another worrying issue here is that children are either offered for early marriages by their parents, for the girls and the boys go for fishing. It is not correct. Education is the life-wire for every child. It is a must,” he mentioned.

He will encourage all Nigerians to register their marriages either at the Civil Status Registration offices in Limbe III or at the Consulate in Buea. “A registered marriage enhances the harmony of the home and prevents future problems,” he said.

Clement Sone, the Divisional Officer, DO of Limbe III said Mabeta Fishing Port is a melting pot of international cultural values, with Nigerians, Beninese, Malians, Ghanaians and Cameroonian fishermen co-existing in a peaceful atmosphere. He will advice the members of the new executive of the Nigerian Union of Mabeta Fishing Port to be extremely vigilant since they are in a maritime region, while liaising with the forces of law and order and the administrative officials at their reach.

Chief Andrew Essien, President of the Nigerian Union in Cameroon will reiterate same message, adding that there is need to consult hierarchy when in difficulties.

(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 23, 2014 ) The convention welcomes the Diaspora of Manyu, Cameroonians and well wishers for the development of Manyu Division in Cameroon

Houston, TX The Houston chapter of National Organization for Manyu Advancement (NOMA) is hosting this years national convention on July 25 through July 27 under the theme Changing Lives Through Technology. The convention will take place at Hotel Preet Grand Conference Center11050 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074.

The purpose of the convention is to bring together well wishers together

for the purpose of developing Manyu Division in Cameroon by placing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the hands of the less fortunate and to encourage entrepreneurship in this landlocked but burgeoning area of the country.

NOMA members of various chapters from California, Las Vegas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Texas, members-at-large and well wishers from around the United States are expected to attend the convention.

About NOMA
NOMA is a not for profit organization with 501(c) (3) status in the United States, and an NGO status in Cameroon. NOMAs entrepreneurial and leadership team has the sole objective of Manyus technological development for the welfare of Manyu people. The organization is making life easier for all Manyu residents by bridging the technological divide when it comes to the information superhighway. For more information on NOMA, please go to http://www.nomamanyu.org.

Contact Information
National Organization for Manyu Advancement
Houston Chapter
Joseph Nchor, Tel: 281-645-4086.

Houston Chapter, AO
281-645-4086
jtnchor@hotmail.com

Source: EmailWire.Com

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

The fine-gynaecologist, generous and God-fearing man that he was, same feeling and atmosphere reigned at the funeral and burial activities of Dr. Lawrence Francis Tonye Biaka, Saturday, May 24 2014 in Buea. The medical icon died Thursday, April 3 2014 in Buea after battling with stroke for a little more than a decade.

In a medical honour done for the deceased by the Cameroon Medical Council on Friday, May 23 2014, the colleagues of late Dr. Biaka, the old and the young, who took to the rostrum noted that Dr. Biaka’s life is worth celebrating and worth remembering. “It is a life of hard work,” Prof. Boniface Nasah said.

Dr. Lawrence Francis Tonye Biaka(in academic robe) chairing one of the convocation ceremonies of his three medical schools

Prof. Gottlieb Lobe Monekosso saw in Dr. Biaka a great colleague, a professional Anaesthetist and a philanthropist. He will add; “Dr. Biaka was professionally competent, disciplined, made tremendous contributions to the healthcare system in Cameroon, a good Christian and a blessing to the Buea community.”

In one of the three masses said in his honour at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Buea Station, Saturday, May 24 2014 and concelebrated by Bishops George Nkuo of Kumbo Diocese

The casket of Dr Biaka being conveyed into the hearse by family members after reqiuem mass in his honour at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Buea

and Immanuel Bushu of Buea Diocese, with ten Priests, Mgr. Nkuo in his homily said only the words of Jesus Christ brings consolation to those who mourn.

The Prelate said the Christian community has come to pray for the repose of the soul of Dr. Biaka and thank God for his life. “Dr. Biaka lived an elegant life and lived with resilience. He (Dr. Biaka) new the mass is the source of grace and shared in the joys and sorrows of others,” noted Bishop Nkuo.

According to Mgr. Nkuo, God does not abandon man in times of suffering, “He shares in our pains,” the shepherd of Kumbo Diocese added.

Mgr. Nkuo will tell the family members, friends and the rest of the congregation that there is nothing beneficial than praying for Dr. Biaka and the family left behind. “We should celebrate more masses for Dr. Biaka and thank God for constant prayers on his life.”

Born in Ibadan, Nigeria on June 22 1939 to a Yoruba Princess as mother and a Cameroonian father of Bassa origin, Biaka lived his early life in Nigeria and Cameroon with his parents. He was the third child of six children; three boys and three girls.

After going through his primary and secondary education, which saw the young Biaka gained admission into St. Joseph College, Sasse, Buea in 1951, he will subsequently emerge as one of the finest Cameroonian Gynaecologist, who dedicated his life to healing and helping people. He was a distinguished medic, who made a name for himself in the field of medicine, after earning a WHO scholarship to study medicine in India in 1958 and an extension in Yugoslavia in 1961.

He will pursue his training in some of the finest medical schools in England and worked in many capacities as a physician, surgeon, gynaecologist and teacher in a variety of institutions. These included; Eastern General Hospital, Edinburg, Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte, London, St. Helier Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey and more.

Dr. Biaka returned to Cameroon in 1977 and served as Gynaecologist-Obstetrician at the Bamenda Provincial Hospital and District Hospital Bota, Limbe. Having spent six years in Limbe, he was transferred to Bertoua, East Region of Cameroon. Dr Biaka will not take up the Bertoua appointment and decided to put in his resignation from the government service to go private. He will move on to begin private practice at home and in 1982, he opened the St. Veronica Medical Centre, where he consulted and treated patients as well as trained healthcare professionals in the three autonomous schools that will go operational in 1998, 2007 and 2010 respectively.

His hard work and quest for quality is seen in the medical centre and the three professional schools. Despite family and work pressure, Dr. Biaka found time to be close to God. His numerous charitable activities are testimony to his enthusiasm to serve mankind.

He is survived by his wife, Francisca Hongla Biaka, with whom they have been married for 25 years, seven children, thirteen grand children, brothers, sisters, many relatives and friends.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

Officials of the Catholic University Institute of Buea, CUIB say they have begun a revolution in the Cameroonian higher education sector. At the close of the 9^th Council Session of CUIB, Tuesday, May 27 2014 in the Bishop’s House, Small Soppo, Buea, the President, Rev. Fr George Jingwa Nkeze told journalists that they have tailored the entrepreneurial university to change the mindset of Cameroonians and build capacity towards creativity.

CUIB Council members in a family pic after the 9th Council Session

According to Fr. Nkeze, the Council members have given the administration of CUIB a vote of confidence for the contribution they are making so far in the higher education sector in Cameroon. “Our proposal of a new paradigm shift for Cameroon’s higher education is on and we are on the success lane. Hence, we have to aggressively reach out to the public, the companies across the country and tell them what we are doing,” he noted.

Fr. Nkeze said there is reason to tell

Catholic University Institute of Buea

Cameroonians what an entrepreneurial university is, the motive for the revolution they are introducing in the higher education sector and how they are doing it. “We are supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and the capacity to carry on is available. We have the capacity to change the mindset of Cameroonians. That is the issue. We have designed programmes on excellence and we are set to help existing structures and companies re-orientate their focus, build the capacity of their staff and improve on their rate of excellence,” he added.

To the authorities of the municipalities of Buea and Tiko who were party to the CUIB Council, Fr. Nkeze indicated that some MOUs are in the pipeline, which will step up their relationship and create opportunities for growth and development in the respective municipalities. “We are reaching out beyond Buea and Tiko to the business community in Douala to better explain what we are up to and how we can be of good to their entrepreneurial development. They are now abreast that there is something special about CUIB and ready to support us. Some have already indicated their interest to send their children to CUIB in the next academic year. The revolution is extending to the commercial world in Douala,” he mentioned.

CUIB’s Chancellor, Mgr. Immanuel Bushu, Bishop of Buea Diocese will corroborate, asking Cameroonians to put their minds into good use. “Let’s allow our minds to work well and teach people what to do. All of us can change Cameroon to be like the big nations and cities in the world. We have most of the resources in Cameroon than anywhere else in the world,” he said.

Mayor of Buea Municipality, Patrick Ekema Esunge and the First Deputy Mayor of Tiko, Joseph Eloundou saw in CUIB a relationship that must be harnessed for their mutual benefits, indicating that there are areas of capacity building for Council staff, the need for the Councils to generate income thanks to CUIB’s entrepreneurial savvy and internship opportunities for the students of the university in the aforementioned Councils.

Besong Ogork Ntui, the Project Coordinator of Rumpi, a Southwest Regional development agency for poverty alleviation, said there are a lot CUIB and Rumpi can do for the betterment and the development of their community. “When we train people in the university, we build their capacities, bring in new skills and create other opportunities. We at Rumpi are out to fight poverty and put in a new face to our economy. So, we have opportunities at Rumpi for the students of CUIB to come and see hands-on experience, know why we are succeeding, where we are failing and the way forward,”

While we look forward to Rumpi Phase II, which we have designed already, we invite CUIB to come in with their spirit of changing mindsets in Cameroon and make training an entrepreneurial concept.

Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon

More than 700 footballs have been given out to the pupils of United Action for Children, UAC, Nursery and Primary school in Bwitingi, Buea municipality. Christened ‘UAC Play Around Programme’ – a child going home with a ball, Thomas Orock, Guidance Counsellor and initiator of the projector said it is an opportunity to see the power in playing football so that children can grow up in a responsible manner.

700 pupils in United Action for Children, UAC, Nursery and Primary school got footballs to play around with

Orock said football is at the centre of everything and all activities, therefore, it is important for children to play around their vicinity and encourage the spirit of sharing. “It goes beyond that. Children must play together. In football, there is no white or black. There is no enmity. It is all about friendship and love. We must inculcate these values to our children,” he mentioned.

After initial ideas of a one child, one computer, one child, one chicken and now one child, one ball, Orock explained the

"Thanks UAC, I got my football to play," a pupil of the Nursery and Primary school in Bwitingi, Buea

source of his inspiration. “A man is born to have a solution to problems. When I go to bed, I reflect on how to improve on the wellbeing of human beings.  I ask the question how do I want to be remembered? As somebody who owned many houses and slept just in one room? As somebody who owned many cars and drove just in one? I want to be remembered as somebody who helped many people as much as possible. I reflect on issues that can bring joy to many people.”

Thomas Orock, initiator of One Child, One Ball explains his inspiration to the press.

He saw in the gesture an opportunity to build individual talent and prepare the future of Cameroon football, which is dwindling, though we qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup to open in Brazil in the weeks ahead. “We must get talents from our communities. The Eto’os of today started from the smaller communities like ours. So, we must begin encouraging our children and whip up the talent in them,” he indicated.

A Class Six pupil of UAC, Jesus Abangma Arrah expressed delight with the gesture from the management of his school and promised to play around with his friends. “They should keep up with the good work and I look forward to shine someday like Eto’o and the other big names in football across the world.”

A father of five kids in UAC, Paul Simo lauded Thomas Orock for his distinguished ideas, noting that children have potentials that must be tactfully developed and encouraged at all cost. “Some may not quickly understand the philosophy of Mr Orock, but it is enriching. Football is a medium to project and promote peace in today’s turbulent world. It is one of the most efficient methods to rally people together. This is another way of looking at the other side of the world. Mr Orock will not stop giving us brilliant surprises. Kudos to him. It is a good mix of education and the talent embedded in you,” he said

Tabeson Eyere, a teacher of Government Technical College, Bova and parent of a pupil at UAC was not indifferent to the gesture. “This will help my children and the rest develop skills in sports, their social life and pursue a good relationship with one another. Our children have to be friendly, while developing their football spirit for the future,” she noted.

Des camerounais soupçonnent ces étrangers d’être complices de la disparition de deux enfants au quartier Newtown aéroport 5.

Josiane Kouagheu,
Douala-Cameroun  

Débout devant une maison construite en planches au quartier Newtown aéroport 5 à Douala, deux jeunes hommes bavardent. « Ils ont dit qu’ils n’allaient plus revenir ici. Nos frères veulent aller n’importe où, en dehors de Bangui. Ils ont des blessures sur le corps. Ils sont allés samedi (24 mai 2014 ndlr) au Hcr pour se protéger », lance l’un. Les deux jeunes hommes se taisent à l’approche du reporter. Après plusieurs minutes de discussion, l’un d’eux consent à nous parler. Abdou, réfugié centrafricain installé dans le quartier depuis le mois de janvier 2014, explique que des camerounais avec qui ils vivaient « dans la paix depuis plusieurs mois » sont entrés dans leurs et les ont bastonnés vendredi 23 mai 2014. Abdou précise que les jeunes camerounais étaient munis des gourdins. « Pour se protéger, des centrafricains se sont réfugiés dans une église », explique Prince Benoît Noubissie, chef traditionnel du 3ème degré du quartier Newtown aéroport 5.

Tout part de la disparition de deux petits garçons camerounais âgés de 4 ans. Les parents remarquent l’absence des enfants mercredi 21 mai 2014. Des voisins soupçonnent aussitôt une jeune femme d’origine centrafricaine. D’après Prince Benoît Noubissie, des camerounais sont allés dans le domicile de la femme dans la soirée de jeudi 22 mai. « Je n’étais pas là. Mon fils m’a expliqué qu’ils ont amené la femme nue à la chefferie. Des habitants voulaient en découdre avec elle. Ce sont des jeunes du comité de vigilance du quartier qui ont réussi à la mettre à l’abri dans ma maison », raconte Prince Benoît Noubissie. Les éléments de la Direction régionale de la police judiciaire (Drpj) du Littoral descendus sur les lieux le même jeudi ont interpellé la jeune centrafricaine. Elle y est gardée à vue.

Le consulat de Rca réagit

« Ce jeudi-là, ils ont saccagé ma maison car la femme s’était réfugiée chez moi. Ils l’ont arrêtée. Ils voulaient me bastonner. Vendredi, ils sont revenus pour nous bastonner. J’ai réussi à m’enfuir pour me refugier à notre consulat à Douala, d’autres se sont réfugiés dans une église au quartier », précise Francis Dobe, un réfugié centrafricain. Le lendemain samedi, les deux enfants ont été retrouvés. Ils ont été conduits à la chefferie. Mais, jusque-là, des habitants n’étaient pas apaisés. Le chef du quartier explique que certaines personnes, malgré la vue des deux enfants retrouvés, ont continué à s’en prendre aux centrafricains. Il a fallu l’intervention des policiers du commissariat de sécurité publique du 8ème arrondissement de Douala pour calmer la foule. Prince Benoît Noubissie affirme que les policiers ont dû tirer des coups de feu en l’air pour disperser la population.
« L’incident était tel que le consulat nous a envoyé deux émissaires pour s’enquérir de la situation. Heureusement que tout est revenu dans l’ordre.

Depuis hier, je fais des tournées dans le quartier pour sensibiliser mes frères camerounais et centrafricains », affirme le chef du quartier Newtown aéroport 5. Pour éviter que des incidents pareils ne se reproduisent plus, une opération d’identification des réfugiés centrafricains a débuté depuis dimanche 25 mai dans le quartier. Prince Benoît Noubissie compte organiser des réunions avec sa population, des responsables d’association et des centrafricains pour leur expliquer l’importance du « vivre ensemble ». « Les centrafricains sont nos frères. Nous ne savons pas ce qui va nous arriver demain. Il faut promouvoir la non violence », souligne Joseph Ferdinand Ngueumelieu, vice-président de l’association des hommes du bloc 6 du quartier Newtown aéroport 5.

A quelques jours du mondial 2014 au Brésil, nous avons rencontré l’ancien buteur des lions indomptables de passage à Douala. Il nous parle de sa perception de notre équipe nationale.

Josiane Kouagheu
Douala-Cameroun

Il y a quelques jours, les lions indomptables revendiquaient leurs primes. Que dites-vous après ce vent de grève ?

Je trouve que c’est dommage encore une fois. Ça a trop miné ma carrière internationale pour voir cela comme un épiphénomène. Maintenant quand on prend un peu la genèse de cette grève, je pense qu’on arrive sur une attitude plutôt puérile et il faudrait vraiment se consacre sur la compétition. L’important c’est le terrain et c’est ce que nous camerounais

Patrick Mboma repondait à la presse le 28 mai 2014

attendons des joueurs qui sont probablement sur le terrain avec leur pied et non avec un vent de grève que je comprends. Pour être un ancien joueur, je soutiens à demi mots. Le plus important maintenant comme il n’y a pas eu grève, c’est de se consacrer sur le jeu. Il ya une préparation qui a déjà débuté. Il y a une équipe à mettre sur pied, un état d’esprit a conservé. Le Cameroun est là pour donner des frissons, nous faire vibrer sur le terrain et pas en dehors.

Le Cameroun est dans sa poule avec le Brésil, le Mexique et la Croatie. Es-ce la poule la plus difficile de la coupe du monde 2014 ?

C’est une poule difficile. Ce n’est pas la plus difficile de la coupe du monde. Ce n’est pas le plus difficile que le Cameroun ait déjà joué. Et je crois que le Cameroun doit espérer la 2ème place et de jouer cette place notamment contre la Croatie. J’ai aussi constaté que quand les équipes africaines commencent bien la coupe du monde, elles la terminent bien. J’espère que dès le 13 juin le Cameroun gagnera ses trois premiers points et nous donnera beaucoup d’espoirs pour la suite.

Pensez-vous que les matches amicaux contre la Macédoine, le Paraguay, l’Allemagne soient une bonne préparation pour la coupe du monde ?

Oui. Parce qu’il y a un gros test-match. Et des équipes qui sont plus d’Espagne même si le Paraguay reste encore une formation à considérer. Ce sont des équipes qui permettent de faire des essais et des réglages et ça c’est important. Derrière, le match contre l’Allemagne est quelque chose d’important pour pouvoir de nouveau jauger la qualité du Cameroun qu’on a malheureusement décrié.

Quels sont selon vous les chances du Cameroun à cette coupe du monde au brésil ?

Je vais être clair. Le Cameroun a moins de chance. D’abord, je suis certes camerounais, mais africain. Je vais supporter les nations africaines. Je serai à fond derrière le Cameroun. Je n’ai pas de honte à penser que le Cameroun n’est pas en 2014, sur le papier, la première nation africaine. C’est ce que je pense. Maintenant si le Cameroun réussit à faire ce que l’on espère, c’est-à-dire comme en 1990, alors je serai le plus heureux des consultants.

Quels sont les éléments qui vous permettent de le dire ?

Je parle par exemple des résultats récents. Je prends le Nigeria qui est le premier représentant à titre de champion d’Afrique. Quand je parle de la Côte d’Ivoire, je parle notamment des huit dernières années où ils ont été très performants sur le continent africain. Je ne dis pas pour autant que le Cameroun n’a pas de chance.

Sur quel aspect technique doit-on insisté pour que le Cameroun puisse dépasser le premier tour ?

Ça c’est toujours une question délicate car ça voudrait dire se mettre à la place d’un entraineur et qu’on n’est pas soit même entraineur, je reconnais que c’est très difficile. Mais pour répondre avec un avis de consultant, je dirais que la transmission du jeu vers l’attaque est déficiente. On a un couloir droit qui peine à trouver ses repères. Donc il faudra insister sur la réparation de ces petites lacunes ou alors la transformation du jeu pour qu’on soit beaucoup plus performant dans notre secteur jeu. C’est à notre sélectionneur de nous séduire sur tout cela.

Pour cette coupe du monde 2014, vous êtes consultant pour la chaîne de télévision française Canal +, comment vous êtes vous préparé?

La préparation se fait tout au long de l’année, à suivre les joueurs africains et les équipes africaines. Essayer de voir un peu les attitudes des équipes, des entraineurs pour constater leurs évolutions tactiques, leur changement, qui sont des choses importantes à prendre en considération pour un peu deviner les mouvements qui peuvent y avoir pendant la coupe du monde et donc la préparation continue chaque jour après les matches. On se documente beaucoup et on espère qu’avec toute cette préparation on sera bon.