Cameroon House of Culture Inaugurated in Italy

By James Achanyi-Fontem,
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
The Cameroon Ambassador to Italy in Rome, His Excellency, Dominique Awono Essama, has inaugurated the first Cameroon House of Culture in Europe in the City Council Hall of Vasanello in the presence of top level officials from Cameroon, Italy and other parts of Europe. The artifacts used in decorating the Cameroon House of Culture were selected from the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Museum in Melong created by HRH Fonjinju Tatabong Alexander.
Speaking on the occasion, HRH Fonjinju told the audience that the most important element of Cameroon culture is to provide an environment that encourages a deeper appreciation and understanding of the history of a community and the people.
He added that the arts and craft from the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Museum in Melong carry symbolic meanings and will give visitors an insight of the historic development, social customs and religious morals of the different traditional cultures of Cameroon people.
He concluded by saying the Cameroon House of Culture in Italy is a dream come true of the members of the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club in Melong and its role in the partnership agreement is to sustain exchange programs through education and valorization of the positive aspects of the culture of the two countries.
During the guided tour of the Cameroon House of Culture in Vasanello, the dignitaries of both countries were shown through the arts work and expressions, how Cameroon traditional village communities function, the role and functions of each member of the community. The works also traced past situations of misery, lost strikes and how the people were repressed by rulers.
The house of culture also carries a message of hope, courage and solidarity of the Cameroon people. The pieces exhibited in Italy were created between 1800 and 1950.
Present at the official ceremony were the Mayor of Vasanello, Antonio Porri, and the Mayor of Dschang, Bernard Momo, who initiated the twinning exercise of both cultures, Stefania Pinci of the Italian Ministry of External Relations, the Prefet of Viterbo, Antonella Scolamiero and the Prefet of Menoua Division, Naseri Paul bea, and Professor Anaciet Fomethe , Rector of the University of Dschang, only to name a few.
The Cameroon delegation to the inaugural ceremony was made of over 80 traditional leaders and dignitaries from the West, North West, South West and South regions of Cameroon.

UNESCO supported AMARC workshop for African community radios

UNESCO, Windhoek,28-07-2010
“Community Radios in African Human Development: Strengthening Networks, Empowering Women and Improving Content” was the title of the workshop that took place last week in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event was organized by the AMARC Africa Bureau and funded by UNESCO’s Windhoek Office.
The workshop examined the situation of the various national community radio networks, and discussed current and future activities focusing on HIV and AIDS, water and sanitation, women empowerment. It tried to identify the methodologies, technologies and best practices for the coverage of issues related to human development in Africa.
The event gathered 25 delegates, representing community radios and national networks, from 13 countries: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Participants identified tutoring and knowledge-sharing mechanisms able to reinforce the existing networks, improve the community radio’s contents and facilitate their contribution to human development in Africa. They also determined the priorities in the implementation of the AMARC Africa Strategic Action Plan for 2010-2014.
This training workshop was sponsored by the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), which is the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community to discuss and promote media development in developing countries. The Programme not only provides support for media projects but also seeks to secure a healthy media environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media.

Lebialem Population Cries for Tarred Roads….

By James Achanyi-Fontem
Email: camlink99@gmail.com
During the visit of Governor Koumpa Issa of the south west region to Lebiallem on April 27, the population through their leaders appealed for good motorable roads in the region of 1000 hills and valleys as the only guarantee for rapid development. It was the second time; the governor was visiting the division.
Governor Koumpa Issa was accompanied by some 30 strong-man delegation, most of who are heads of regional delegations and services based in Buea. On his way to Menji, the governor made a stop over in Dschang and was received by the Senior Divisional Officer for Menoua, West Region, Galim Ngong, who had served in Ndian as Prefect. Dschang is the entry route into Lebialem, because of the bad road linking Menji to Bakebe, in Manyu Division, south west region.
It was in Alou, in the north of Lebialem that the SDO for Lebialem , Amougou François and his close collaborators received the governor with several traditional dance groups as school children said welcome to the august official visitor.
Another stop was at the residence of Prof. Leke Tambo at Lewoh before the governor was driven to Ema Azi where HRM Fon of Fontem hosted another reception. At the Fon Fontem’s palace, Governor Koumpa Issa was told that since 1982, very little had been done on road infrastructure by the government and this has slowed down development goals in the sub division. With this, HRM Fon of Fontem appealed that the governor should transmit the population’s request to the right quarters, so good roads can also be constructed in Lebialem division.
The governor responded by informing the audience that his transfer to the South West is to develop the region, and not to listen to gossips, blackmail and back stabbing. He observed that those visiting him should come with development suggestions and how to collaborate for proposal to be achieved.
While at Menji, the governor visited Mary Health of Africa Hospital and he was shown the different wards by the Matron Winifred Nwafor, accompanied by some staff of the health facility specialized in the cure of sleeping sickness caused by tse tse flies.
At the Municipal Public celebrations ground on the following day, it was an occasion to listen to the address of the Manyor of Menji, Retired Colonel Chief Daniel Fobellah , full of a catalogue of development requests and problems. Mayor Fobellah said the solution to Lebialem bad roads will begin with the tarring of Bakebe- Menji – Dschang axe. Another important axe is the unity road linking Essoh Attah with Menji and Wabane. Cameroon Radio television channel signals are not received in Lebialem and the population listens to radio signals from Nigeria border cities and Nigeria television signals. Only the local Lebialem Community Radio Station in Menji is making an effort to inform, educate and entertain the population, but the programme content is not enough.
Land occupation remains a problem in Lebialem due to the illegal penetration of individuals into government public land without permission. Some land and survey officers sell government land with the knowledge of the Mayors and the Senior Divisional Officer .
Talking about classification of Chiefs, Mayor Fobella said since 1977, many changes have taken place in Lebialem, which was formerly known as Nweh Mundani. The restructuring and renaming of this territory by the government resulted to carving out Fondoms and chiefdoms under the three sub divisions of Lebialem. Though the current vast territory with thick populations and several traditional rulers, only seven out of the 18 traditional heads and chiefs have been classified since 15th July 1977 under Decree No. 77/245.
Responding to the address of the Mayor of Menji, Governor Koumpa Issa, observed that Lebialem Division is the gateway into the south west region, though this has not been given the merited consideration and that is why he opted to place the division second on the agenda of the regional tour following his installation as head of the jurisdiction.
After according several audiences in Buea, the governor realized that there is a lot of work to be done and that is why he decided to undertake the meet the people tour. The divisional officers for Wabane and Fontem have been housed by the administration and the DO for Alou will have his residence constructed within the 2011 national budget.
The government has projected the construction of more classrooms for schools and colleges, the extension of water and electricity supply, and the improvement of social infrastructure in the three sub divisions. The South West Development Authority, SOWEDA, is currently working on the Ashong-Bateng-Wabane road. Apart from road maintenance, Lebialem has benefit from a national budget allocation of CFA 2000 Million, Governor Koumpa Issa announced. The government budgeted for the maintenance of the Dschang-Menji and Menji-Bakebe road axes, but the company that won the contract was incapable of meeting with the tasks and the government was invited to halt the execution of the contract in a peaceful manner. The governor promised to follow up for the two road projects to be revived with another contractor.
Before leaving Lebialem, he called on the population to remain law abiding and continue to live peacefully with respect of hierarchy, respect of tradition and the Bangwa people should refrain from unnecessary conflicts. Decisions by the local authorities to halt conflicts must be respected.
On politics, the governor informed the population that the presidential elections of 2011 are around and ELECAM was set up to replace ONEL with the appointment of persons to head the new structure, so there could be free, fair and transparent elections. He invited all to start preparation for the elections now. He concluded by saying, more exchanges will be possible during his next socio-economic tour of the south west region. Top officials from Lebialem who accompanied the Governor included Honourable Bernard Foju, the Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister, prince Jacob Lekunze and Chief Fojap Romanus only to name a few.
On his way back to Buea, Governor Koumpa Issa made a stop over at the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Museum that houses the largest number of art craft works that depict and venerate the tradition of Lebialem people. The Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club offered Governor Koumpa Issa and his entourage a tourism reception dinner.While SDO for Lebialem, Amougou François, was compensated with the 50th Anniversary of independence of Cameroon medal by the Governor at Menji, the Coordinator of Lenale Ndem UNESCO Museum Club in Melong was also decorated by SDO Justin Mvondo of Moungo.The importance of the visit to Lenale Ndem lies on the fact the South West Governor Koumpa Issa went there twice in less than two weeks.

LENALE NDEM UNESCO CLUB DEBATE

By Prof. Asonganyi Tazoacha,
Email: asontaz@yahoo.com
"I have been in the West at the Université des Montages following my attendance at my friend Denis Atemnkeng's mother's memorial celebration, Fonjinju' s mother's cry-die, a Cultural galore. I have read what I consider bizarre postings on the net. As a son of a prince of Lebang, in Lebialem Division of Cameroon, I grew up learning like many young Nweh children that Lefem is a sacred place where important governance issues are discussed, including traditional leadership issues. I learned that the operational word "secrecy" is more about issues discussed there, not the place as such. Except I am making a mistake, I think I was told that anybody whose father is no more can enter Lefem, thus stressing further that the secrecy of the place lies in its proceedings. I have never entered Lefem myself, and I do not think that I need to in future, except perhaps I am invited tomorrow for some secret discussions.
This said, those clamouring for the "secrecy" of Lefem that should not be exposed should explain very clearly why they think Lefem cannot be exposed. Those saying that our forefathers "will be angry" should explain very clearly why they will be. I am pleased to read from a contributor that our ancestors used our Culture/Traditions for their own purposes - mainly to live happily in harmony with nature, while harnessing natural forces to improve on their welfare; I agree with the contributor that in the world of today, we cannot pretend to want to use our culture/tradition in exactly the same way they used it because much has changed and is changing...
The relevance of Lefem to us should be how the secret discussions and conclusions reached there from time to time improve our lives and welfare, and create harmony in our villages; it should not lie in the fact that "it is a no-go area" or "not an area for YouTubes" or "only an area for notables". I think our venerable Fuasehngong has not lost an iota of his chieftaincy because of the lofty project he is involved in. And I think his grandfather Asonganyi will only shake his head in acknowledgement, knowing the man he was!
That said:
1) Although Iboland is mainly a "republican" society, the films that are coming out of there are educating us on Ibo culture and tradition, while allowing the Ibos to valorise their culture and make it contribute to their welfare. Same with the Yorubas that to me are a more traditional society...
2) The succession of Waffo Deffo that came out of Bandjoun showcased the Bandjoun tradition... and brought fame to Essola and many other film actors. I am sure that with what is coming out of Nigeria, even the Bandjoun people that criticised the film are thinking twice...
3) In the French revolution of 1789, republicanism took over from traditional rule. Ancestors did not haunt the French because the Louis's and the rest were kicked out, did they?
4) And Ethiopia, and? and?... Hopefully reactions on the above debate should help to educate me and others better... Two things have given me the impression that Lebialem people may indeed be waking up from their slumber:
1) the singlehanded creation of Lebialem territory in Melong by Fuanjinju; do not be surprised tomorrow to get Lebialem names there in future, like we have New England, New York, Cambridge, London, ...in the USA, Australia, Canada, etc.
2) The great Hotel Complex built in Buea by a Lebialem son as I write this, convinces me that the Lebialem Man may at last be stirring in His sleep. They may as well wake up soon."
Prof. Tazoacha Asonganyi is Lecturer at University of Yaoundé, Cameroon

Lenale Ndem UNESCO CLUB Takes Off

By James Achanyi-Fontem
Director of Publication
Cameroon Link
Over 5.000 guests from various parts of Cameroon jammed the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club Museum in Melong, Moungo Division of Cameroon to participate in the official take off of 2010 activities associated to the memorial celebration of Mafuankeng Forminka, Queen Mother of the Lenale Ndem Palace.
The official ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Senior Divisional Officer, Tapca Albert, who lauded the community initiative aimed at promoting the conservation of cultural arts and heritage of the museum. He added that arts and craft at the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club museum constituted great cultural patrimony of Cameroon that attracts tourists to the region.
He invited members of the executive bureau of the club to elaborate policies that would include the organisation of training on arts conservation for the transfer of the heritage to young persons and for the promotion of exchanges between Cameroon and other countries.
The SDO for Moungo encourage the population to support the community initiative which also unites people, promotes peace and development. The Senior Civil Administrator for Moungo, Mvondo Justin signed the legal frame work authorisation reference no. 112/RDA/C16/BAPP for the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club on the 22nd October 2009 to undertake its initiative for the promotion of rights, cooperation and the development of the culture of the people of Cameroon.
These activities, according to the constitution and internal regulations of the UNESCO Club, will not only promote national arts and cultural patrimony, but also reinforce friendship and solidarity between the people of Cameroon and other countries through mutual exchanges.
The non governmental organisation will elaborate policies on the role of conservation and preservation of cultural arts and crafts in conformity with legislation and regulations for the protection of patrimony, act as a consultative organ to the government, public and private institutions in the region on questions related to the development of traditional museums.
To achieve these goals, Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club will identify all the necessary human, technical and financial resources available at national, regional and international levels through information sharing on the needs and sources of assistance.
The chairman of Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club, Fonjinju Tatabong Alexander, made it known that his team would work to valorise Melong as the portal for the promotion of cooperation, the development of culture, arts and heritage of the people of Cameroon.
Melong is already very popular for its agricultural activities and the museum will promote tourism through the 2.826 traditional arts and crafts already stocked in the Lenale Ndem with the oldest art having 140 years.
Fonjinju reiterated that by setting up the club as a community initiative, it aimed at mobilising the population to support the mission of UNESCO and that of the government with the frame work of promoting the culture of peace and development.
The Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club will initiate, promote and stimulate diverse activities by using the experiences of the icons of UNESCO Clubs around the world. He explained that Mafuankeng Fprminka Esther, who was honoured on the occasion was born in 1914 and she told most of the stories which were transformed into the arts work found in the museum in Melong today. The executive bureau of the Lenale Ndem UNESCO Club of Melong is constituted of the following personalities:
President: Fonjinju Tatabong Alexander (Melong)
Vice President: Dr. John Nkengasong (USA)
General Secretary: Afutendem Lucas(Dschang)
Financial Secretary: Mbekem Loveline (Melong)
Treasurer: Akaya Claire (Melong)
Communication Officer: James Achanyi-Fontem (Douala)
Technical Adviser: Dr. Asaah Nkohkwo (United Kingdom)
Over 50 traditional leaders from North West, South West, West and Littoral regions led delegations of their Fondoms and Chiefdoms to participate in the traditional exhibition of Cameroon heritage through dances and traditional performances. Some of the dances that went on stage included Esseih, Lenya, Nkang, Kwang bequifua, Alunga chaba, Tchutcha of Bazou, Abin, Kana of Mbouda, and Njang of Nso only to name a few. FERMENCAM supported the organisation of the event by animating the population for two days and serving refreshments to the different dance groups that showed up. The media presence at the event was also very remarkable, especially as cameroon Radio Television, Cameroon Tribune and Canal 2 International Television despatched teams to the UNESCO Club activities launching in Melong.Cameroon Link covered the event extensively and more of the story can be watch through the videos uploaded at http://uk.youtube.com/camlink99/