NGONNSO GETS NSO NATIVES TOGETHER IN 2010

By James Achanyi-Fontem
in Kumbo

His Royal Highness Selm Mbinglo I of Nso, Bui Division of the North West region of Cameroon has prescribed togetherness as an ingredient for the development of families. He was speaking during the revival of the culture of Nso people during its festival in Kumbo from 3rd to 10th April 2010.
The people of Nso from all over the country turned out to exhibit their traditional adherence to Ngonnso, as they dressed in traditional regalia at their decorated Nso palace, where drums, tam tam, the gongs and flutes sounded for one full week all day round.
It was an occasion for showcasing Nso tradition, culture, royal dances and the exhibition of arts and crafts with traditional foods of the people of that part of Cameroon. The Fons of Kom, Nkambe and Royal personalities from other parts of Cameroon attended the festival to support the people of Nso.
Other personalities seen at the event place were the Libyian Consulate, mohammed Abdel Salam, the special adviser to the Prime Minister, Francis Wadzela Fonye and Ex-minister Kibuh Henry Tume, just to name a few.
The Senior Divisional Officer for Bui, Daniel Panjouono, sat in as chair of the event for the minister of culture, Ama Tutu Muna. SDO Panjouono invited the people of Nso not to listen to any calls of disunity, division and disintegration of Cameroon.
HRH Fon Sehn Mbinglo I described the event as a big opportunity for the people of Nso to remain calm and care for themselves with their families. He added that living in peace and harmony with each other was beneficial to all,as he warned members of “Nwerong” and “Ngiri” societies to keep their bad habits behind for the well being of all.
As guests on the occasion wishes Nso people well, the president of Nso Development Association, NSODA, Shey Banmbuh Wilfred said, Ngonnso 2010 celebrated under the theme “One People, one Culture and One Identity”, was a realisation after the last event in 2008.
The Mayor of Kumbo Council, Donatus Njong Fonyuy, said Nso tradition and culture is very deep in the bones and marrows of his people and that it had to be preserved jealously in order to keep up the legacy of the ancestors for future generations.
The Libyian Diplomat, Mohammed Abdel Salam of the Libyian consulate thankes the Fon of Nso for extending an invitation to him for the event. He added, that Libyian President Kaddafi has chosen the Fon of Nso as his emissary to extend his message of peace and unity to all Fons of Africa, while calling on Africa to remain united under the Union of African states.
The sea of heads disappeared after April 10 with everyone carrying a special souvenir from the celebration grounds at Kumbo. It was really an event of sharing and exchanges.

FRI Cameroon Link Strategic Partnership Takes off

By FRI Cameroon
Farm Radio International (FRI) Canada and Cameroon Link have signed a strategic partnership that took effect from the 1st April 2010. Executive Director Kevin Perkins endorsed the partnership document on behalf of FRI and the Director of Publications, James Achanyi-Fontem signed on behalf of Cameroon Link.
Within the frame work of its Partnership Policy, Farm Radio International Canada enters into Strategic Partnership Agreements with organizations that share a commitment to serving the communication needs of smallholder farmers through effective radio services, and that have values and goals that are consistent with or complementary to those of Farm Radio International.
The agreement endorsed outlines the shared goals of both organizations and describes how they will work together to achieve the goals notably, the objectives to be achieved through collaboration; the expectations, roles and responsibilities of the organizations in achieving the goals; the mechanisms that will be used for ensuring regular, open and transparent communication amongst others.

Farm Radio International
Farm Radio International is a Canadian-based, not-for-profit organization working in direct partnership with over 325 radio broadcasters in 39 African countries to fight poverty and food insecurity. Its mission is to support broadcasters in developing countries to strengthen small-scale farming and rural communities. It was established 30 years ago in response to the fact that farm radio broadcasts in the global south did not, for the most part, serve small-scale farmers. Rather, they were geared toward large-scale commercial farmers – an audience with very different needs from the largely subsistence farmers that make up the large majority of the populations of these regions. By producing and sharing radio scripts, a weekly news and information service, and other valuable resources with radio broadcasters, Farm Radio International improves the relevance and quality and increases the quantity of farm radio programming of partner stations that, collectively, serve some 220 million small-scale farmers in Africa.
Cameroon Link
Cameroon Link is a registered charity, not-for-profit organisation created on the 9th September 1991 with head office in Douala, Cameroon. Its objectives include the promotion of food security through interaction with small scale peasant farmers and breeders with media practitioners, especially those involved in community radio action. Media action focuses on poverty alleviation through the promotion of food and nutrition, community health development, women’s empowerment, human assistance, advocacy, education and communication on the rights to adequate food for all.
Cameroon Link was certified on the 23rd November, 1992 as a national umbrella NGO of professional dialogue groups of communication specialists, journalists, agriculture, health and social welfare workers, following a crucial lack of good circulation of information on self-help development policies, social welfare, infant and young child nutrition and food-self sufficiency in Cameroon. Cameroon Link coordinates activities of some 23 Community Based Organisations (CBO) interacting with farmers and breeders in six (6) of Cameroon’s ten (10) regions with community radio linkages.
Cameroon’s estimated target audience through community radio is 20.000.000 listeners, 65% of who are peasant farmers and breeders with very low income sources. Cameroon Link was broadcasting partner with Developing Countries Farm Radio Network Canada for over 20 years.
To achieve its goals, Cameroon Link organises media advocacy and social mobilisation activities, networking exchanges, capacity building trainings, conferences, symposia, seminars, and information and communication campaigns in collaboration with community radio stations. In 1996, Cameroon Link won the George Atkins Rural Communication Award and on the 30th March 2004, Cameroon Link Youth for Development Association (Camlink Y4DA) was created to address gender and youth empowerment issues due to the vulnerability of the girl child at puberty age.
The Shared or complementary goals, values, and strategies with the frame work of the current agreement include:
* Serve rural communities.
* Encourage journalistic activity that is characterized by accuracy, fairness and balance.
* Support the use of radio to ensure that knowledge is shared with the widest appropriate audience and that farmers have an opportunity for effective involvement in decision-making processes which affect them.
* Support practices, policies and technologies that promote sustainable and equitable development.
* Encourage community self-reliance and control of local development.
* Respect local cultures and the voices and decisions of farmers and their communities.
* Encourage social and economic change that is beneficial to small-scale farmers and farming families and that is gender inclusive and respectful of cultural diversity.
* Support building broadcaster capacity in production, technical, journalistic, and other skills.
The ultimate objective of the partnership is to increase the extent to which farmers in Cameroon are able to benefit from the information and communication services that are made available to them by radio. This ultimate objective is pursued by enabling Cameroon radio broadcasters to provide listeners with more and better programming for farmers and rural communities. To this end, the partnership will:
* Increase the number of radio broadcasters that receive Farm Radio International’s information services, including script packages and Farm Radio Weekly
* Increase the extent to which broadcasters use the resources of Farm Radio International
* Strengthen the input and feedback that comes to Farm Radio International from broadcasters related to its services, enabling FRI to improve the quality and relevance of its services
* Gather more information about how broadcasters use FRI resources and how listeners respond to the radio programs that are based on them.

LEBIALEM COMMUNITY RADIO OUTREACH EXPANDED

By James Achanyi-Fontem
FRI Cameroon
The Mayor of Menji, Lebialem Council, Chief Colonel Fobellah Daniel, lauded the excellent relations between Japan and Cameroon during the official reception of works on the pylon, antenna and studio equipment of Lebialem Community Radio on the 25th March 2010.
Chief Colonel Fobellah Daniel was thanking His Excellency, The Japanese Ambassador to Cameroon, Keiji Yamamoto during his first visit to Menji, Lebialem. The Japanese Embassy accorded financial support to the Lebialem Association for Rural Communication for the realisation of works at the community radio for greater outreach of the populations.
In 1995, the Government of Japan through its Embassy supported Mary Health of Africa Hospital in Menji with the sum of CFA 20.000.000 for the purchase of some medical equipment that continues to be of service to thousands of patients in Lebialem. The last assistance showed the importance the government of Japan through its Embassy accords to the enclave Lebialem population in the south west region of Cameroon.
Lebialem Community Radio permits the local authorities to reach out to the population at any time and in the official and local languages. Lebialem has basically a rural population spread across the 1.000 hills and valleys, Mayor Fobellah echoed, while describing the people as very hardworking and hospitable. Through the radio, long distances are overcome and broadcasters can report on the well being of populations in all villages of Lebialem, he added.
The radio signs through the works now extend to all the nooks and corners of Lebialem Division, thereby assisting the audience to discuss on the use of improved agriculture in puts, environmental conservation, and market prices of commodities, health and economic empowerment. Through the radio, the achievements, difficulties and wishes of Lebialem people can be made known to the entire world and fast solutions would be found through rapid interventions.
On behalf of the population, the Mayor said, Lebialem found in Japan a friend in need who is a friend indeed. Through the readiness to fund organised groups to help them carryout projects in favour of the low income class and underprivileged, while contributing to development and improvement of their living standards, they feel that development is on the right track. The councillors guaranteed the sustainability of the radio through maintaining the equipment and assistance to the volunteer staff within the limits of the council budgets. The Mayor announced the donation of a piece of land for the construction of a befitting Radio House to secure the durable equipment offered by the Japanese. This will make future generations to benefit from the assistance you have given today.
The Menji Council Mayor used the opportunity to inform the Japanese Ambassador that his council lacks equipment to build and maintain the roads in the region, especially as the farm to market roads are constructed and maintained only by hands with rudimentary equipments.
The president of Lebialem Association for Rural Communication, LARC, Atabong George Atemnkeng told the audience present that the inaugurated project including the relay pylon antenna constructed at Letia village and the renovated Studio of Lebialem Community radio in Menji is estimated at CFA 28.500.000frs. The Japanese Government on the 8th January 2009 gave a non-refundable financial assistance for the project amounting to the sum of CFA 20.278.000 as an initiate contribution.
The board members of LARC, the Councils of Alou, Menji and Wabane, LCR itself and the community contributed CFA 8.000.000 to complete the project budget.
Modifications made in the course of the execution of the pylon antenna and equipping of the Lebialem Community Radio Studio included a change of the site of the antenna to a higher altitude for signals to extend to Wabane sub division; the change in the pylon material from galvanized pipe to angle bar; electricity extension to the site covering a distance of about a kilometre from the studio; a compressor and the acquisition of a new transmitter.
Close to 90% of Lebialem division’s population receives signals of Lebialem Community Radio. The radio signals are received in parts of Manyu Division, Kupe Manegueba in Nguti sub division, parts of North West Region, West Region, Meme division, Fako division and even the Littoral region of Cameroon.
Since LCR is now equipped, its next quest from donor agencies is funding for capacity building training of the local volunteer broadcasters. The station now strives to increase the information package on agriculture issues, gender, education on health and programmes for fighting poverty as top priority.

Plotinus Celebrates AMORC New Year 3363 In Bonaberi

By Fr. James Achanyi-Fontem

Members of the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, of Plotinus Chapter in Bonaberi-Douala assembled like bees to celebrate the beginning of their New Year 3363 and welcomed their new Worthy Master Fr. Abongwa Jerome during a solemn installation on March 21, 2010 at the Ngwele premises.
The very significant event was officiated in the presence of the Regional monitor, Fr Agbor Tarh, who witnessed Fr. Achere Oben Mathias hand over to a new team led by Fr. Abongwa Jerome.
In the inaugural message to the members during the solemn ceremonies, Fr. Abongwa told his brothers and sisters that collective thoughts can become words, words deeds, deeds habit, habit character and character can be crowned by destiny.
He told the Plotinus affiliates, that the work for greater achievements can be attained only through collective contributions of all officers and the members. With this, he invited all members to set in motion causes whose effect are beneficial not only for them, but also for the affiliated body as well. Describing members present as architect of destiny, Fr. Abongwa reminded them that there is no future, because future is the present in the past and what is done now is what is reaped now or tomorrow.
Fr. Achere Oben Mathias had in his introduction of the event thanked members for their immense collaboration during his tenure of office and wished the same should be attributed to Fr. Abongwa.
After the solemn event at Plotinus Chapter domain in Ngwele, was the Agapes organized to celebrate the beginning of the New Year 3363 proper at Bonamikano Small Baobab, where again was introduced the very humble 1961 AMORC affiliated member who donated the piece of land that now houses the activities of the organisation.
Fr. Uche from Onitsa, Nigeria who had served Plotinus Chapter of Bonaberi before relocating in his home country Nigeria acted as the master of ceremony of the Agapes, bringing a lot of humour as he introduced the different phases of fraternal sharing in foods and drinks accompanied by dancing. The special guests observed that “This had never happened and they found everybody during the Agapes sharing very lovely’’ The candle has been ignited and the challenge now is to keep the flame burning forever as AMORC has no frontiers.

Traditonal Rosicrucian New Year
The Imperator, Fr. Christian Bernard, proclaimed Saturday, March 20 / Sunday, March 21, 2010 as the beginning of the Traditional Rosicrucian New Year 3363.
Rosicrucians commonly measure time by some recurring event. If something impresses itself upon the consciousness as the beginning of a series of impressions, it is then a time factor. For example, a person may say, “It was just the year before the great fire” or “It followed some years after the hailstorm.”
In nearly all cultures, the New Year has begun with some impressive annual event, most often some easily observed astronomical occurrence. Archaeological evidence discloses that such phenomena were used in prehistoric times by the early Homo sapiens, to indicate a period, or transition of time. This is explained by the differences in the calendars of different cultures. The Bangwa, Cameroon calendar counts eight (8) days a week instead of the seven (7) days used universally.
The ancients also used certain natural phenomena to indicate the beginning of a period of time. To the ancient Egyptians, the star Sirius, or Sothes as they called it, was the foremost of all stars, because this heliacal star arose at dawn at the time of the summer solstice. This also corresponds to the annual inundation of the Nile upon which the Egyptians depended for the irrigation of their otherwise arid land.
However, in the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox, which occurred on or about March 21 when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries, was generally accepted as the beginning of a New Year. It is when dormant plant life seems to awaken and be rejuvenated. There was an apparent parallel in this awakening with the idea or concept of rebirth from death; at least, spring time came to symbolize rebirth. Nature appeared to be teaching a lesson. It gave rise to a symbolic mystical concept, that is, that mortal death is not final annihilation - man may live again.
Down through the ages, the ancient mystery schools perpetuated this concept of death and rebirth in dramatic allegories. These early rituals subsequently had an effect in their rites and doctrines, on contemporary religions and those that followed. For centuries the Rosicrucians have perpetuated the fundamental symbolism of this beautiful New Year ceremony throughout the world. There are no specific religious doctrines associated with the ritual, only the beautiful presentation of the concept of rebirth itself, dramatically and symbolically portrayed.
All Rosicrucian Lodges, Chapters, and Pronaoi of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis conducted this ancient traditional New Year Ceremony on or about March 20 & 21. The ceremony and mystical symbolic feast are most impressive, inspiring events.

Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC),
The Ancient and Mystical Order Rosæ Crucis (AMORC), also called Rosicrucian Order, is a philosophical and humanist worldwide fraternal organization. Members are known as students. The organization is devoted to "the study of the elusive mysteries of life and the universe". The organization is non-sectarian and it is open to both men and women of legal adult age (18 years old in most countries) regardless of their various religious persuasions.
The AMORC association was founded in 1915 in New York to support and organize the activities of a legendary Rose-Croix Order, which according to their tradition traces its origin to Ancient Egyptian mystery schools that they studied a wide variety of mystical subjects. The oral accounts they provide hold that these schools were founded during the joint reign of the Egyptian Pharaohs Tuthmosis III and Hatshepsut and included among their most esteemed pupils Pharaoh Akhenaten.
As the phrases "Rose-Croix" and "Rosicrucian" are in the public domain, there are a number of organizations that describe themselves as such. According to AMORC members and related publications, these organizations may or may not be related to a real Rosicrucian Order and most of them are not. AMORC is an authentic modern manifestation of the ancient Order, keeping the teachings of the ancient Rose-Croix Order undiluted and the primordial tradition intact. Contemporary readers have been introduced once again to the Ancient and Mystical Order Rosae Crucis and its principles in Dan Brown's latest novel The Lost Symbol.
For more information, click on the following link – www.amorc.org.uk

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/

Azideriva Ltd Appoints Cameroon Agent

By Dr. William Ajua Tasong
CEO, Azideriva UK
Azideriva Ltd is please to anounce the appointment of Mr James Achanyi-Fontem as Azidriva agent and consultant. Under the direction and general supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, James Achanyi-Fontem is charged with supporting the CEO with supervision of staff, providing support to Azideriva Ltd Groups to integrate Azideriva issues into planning, develop implementation plans and report progress in enterprises in the Central Africa Region as a whole and Cameroon in particular. James Achanyi-Fontem will also support the CEO to coordinate activities, budget, activity implementation plans and assist in mobilizing resources for expansion through contacts and promotion strategies in Cameroon and the Central Africa region.
Azideriva is also in the process of hiring technical staff members who will be responsible for assisting clients with their application and implementation of Azideriva Software Solutions, and also to man the organisation’s support desk in Cameroon while attending to customers’ technical support issues.
Azideriva Ltd Cameroon contact telephone number is: +237 76 89 34 89