STANDARD MIRROR

Prof. Ngange Recognized, Knighted “Traditional Notable” of Buea Chiefdom

Erudite trainer and researcher in Journalism and Mass communication, Deputy Chancellor InCharge Research, cooperation and relation with the Business World at the University of Buea, Prof. Kingsley LYONGA NGANGE is now a Notable of the Buea tradition Chiefdom

Prof. Ngange takes authority as a notable

Saturday July 26^th 2024 at the Buea Town Palace, family members, friends, colleagues, community members and sacred traditional dance groups had come to witness the initiation of their son and ambassador to one of the most prestigious positions in the Chiefdom. The paramount Sovereign, HRM Robert Esuka Endeley, after performing sacred rites and consultations with the ancestors of the land came out with a positive result for the initiation process.

Clothe in the Sanjah Attire of the Bakweri People and led by some elderly notables, “Mola” Ngange was then guided to a sacred stool where the ritual was performed. HRM Reminded the Professor that no achievements and recognition anywhere else can supersede the blessings of his own people and homeland. He then raised a Quail of a Porcupine, spoke words of blessings, chanted some incantations and affixed the quail to a Woven cap on the head of the New Notable. The chief explained that the choice of a porcupine’s quail is because it is believed in the Bakweri culture that no matter a porcupine’s size, it can always protect itself.

“I am putting this Marumgumba on your cap for you to know that you can protect yourself at any time. You do not need me or these people here to protect yourself. You are like the little porcupine whose parents died at the age of 3 months old, but its quail gave him the power to defend himself even before the strongest tiger”, HRM Endeley remarked as he blessed Prof. Ngange

HRM Chief Robert Esuka Endeley

It then took over 5 minutes for another senior Notable, Mola Samuel Njie Kale, to read out a 2 page document on the roles of the Notables in the royal dynasty of Buea. Notably, amongst other responsibilities, they serve the Souvereign ruler as advisers and the community at large as traditional ambassadors.

Prof. Ngange’s Role in putting the village on the spotlight is so conspicuous from community level to the University where he serves. Ngange is described by his Kinsmen as an achiever and an astute lover of culture and customs. A fine speaker of the Mokpe dialect and a committed member of the Malee and Nganya traditional sacred dance groups. To the Professor, it is an opportunity to serve more.

“Today I am very happy and pleased with the paramount ruler, Dr Robert Esuka for this recognition and like they say, to whom much is given, more is expected. I will continue working and pray for collaboration with everyone” says Prof. Ngange

Prof. Ngange introduces his family at the event

Cross Section of Colleagues from the University of Buea

The knighting ceremony only came through in July due to the unavoidable absence of Prof. Kingsley who had been in Florida, USA as a Fulbright visiting African scholar for over 9 months. The academia has published extensively and supervised over a hundred master’s degree Students and 10 PhDs. He is known for his master linguistic and oratory skills. Prof. Ngange is married and has 4 children.

Buea Urban MP, Hon. Malomba conferred “Mahvango” Title by Fako Chiefs, Receives G2G Humanitarian Achievement Award.

Chiefs of Fako Division led by the Divisional representative of the South West House of Chiefs, have conferred upon their Member of Parliament, Hon. Donald Malomba Esembe the title, Mahvango of Fako. The traditional title follows some rituals performed by the chiefs who gathered at the esplanade of the chief of Great Soppo, HRM Etina Monono, to acknowledge the works of this M.P

By Mahvango, ( Knight of Order of valour) of Fako land, the chiefs simply referred to the Honorable Member of parliament as a Strategist, Tactician and Diplomat, and to a greater extend, their Spokesperson.

On this January 6th 2024, Hon. Malomba had come to celebrate the New Year with “His Fathers, the chiefs. He brought a cow, bags of rice, salt and other items when he was surprised with the title conferement. The more than 15 chiefs say the intention of designating their son is to get the young dynamic M.P continue with his good work his constituency .

We are constantly impressed by his innovative performance, humility and humanitarian services. Keep working like this and nothing will be able to stop you. Says Chief Monono of Great Soppo Village while conferring the title.

During same ceremony, a Douala based Humanitarian Organization, Grass to Grace, ( G2G CAM), an affiliate of UN CISRI. The delegation was led by it’s Founder, HRM Thomas Fotang. The 2023 Man of Courage award to Hon. Malomba recognizes his humanitarian works since he became M.P for Buea Urban in 2020.

This dual award ceremony came just about 4 hours after the parliamentarian had engaged a Hate-free Campaign same Saturday morning dubbed #StopBadMop. This brought over 1000 young people and Taxi drivers trade Unions and the population of Buea to sensitive most especially Transporters on the ills of Hatespeech. They matched in a convoy from the Famous Checkpoint, Molyko to the D.O’s Office where they unanimously read a memo resolving to fight against Hatespeech in Buea. The MP also distributed Gifts from the Presidential Couple to some taxi victims of the crisis. This activity done with the collaboration of Civic Watch Association and DefyHateNow Cameroon.

Reacting to Standard Mirror after the hectic , yet achievious day, the Representative of the People of Buea stated;

“All I can say is THANK YOU, to my fathers for this outstanding mark of trust. God being my helper I will continue serving them, the population of Buea and the nation of Cameroon with love and respect. I dedicate the award of courage received from G2G-CAM to all young Cameroonians who believe in the unity and indivisibility of our great nation and are aspiring to become servants of the nation”.

Hon. Donald Malomba Esembe is one of Cameroon’s Youngest Parliamentarians in the current legislature. He has served since 2020 and with enormous and visible achievements to his credit. Parliamentary Election in Cameroon is due for 2025. Hon. Malomba so far has no challenger, standing a chance to pick another mandate

Claretian Missionaries Donate Relay Antenna to DMRTV, Connecting Limbe and West Coast

A 500 watt relay station with a 24 metre antenna pylon has been donated to Divine Mercy Radio Television, DMRTV of the Diocese of Buea by the Claretian Missionaries in Cameroon. Friday, October 27, the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi inaugurated a relay transmitter station located at Regina Angelorum Parish, Bonjongo. At the unveiling ceremony of the project that has been fully realized, the Bishop of Buea thanked the Superior of the Claretian Missionaries of Cameroon, Rev. Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh and his council who graciously came on board to sponsor the project.

Beneficiaries and Benefactors pose after the donation rites

Reverend Father Jude Thaddeus Langeh appreciated Bishop Bibi’s vision to evangelize using the means of social communication which is in line with the charism of the Claretians who seek “to spread the Good News by all means possible”. In the course of the ceremony, the Bishop of Buea blessed the new equipment praying that those who use it may communicate truth, foster love, uphold justice and right and provide entertainment, while promoting and supporting that peace between peoples which Christ the Lord brought from heaven.

Bishop Bibi and Fr. Jude Inaugurate ANtenna

The relay transmitter, according to the former Station Manager of DMRTV, Rev. Dr. Sinfred Senior Msene who supervised the project during its execution, the relay transmitter functions with an automatic switch that comes on at a given time and goes off at a given time. While DMRTV operates on 97.1 Frequency Modulation, FM, in Buea and other parts of the country, it is being relayed on 91.5 FM.

Buea Urban MP, Hon. Malomba Delivers Multi-million Francs Electricity Transformer to Constituents

ENEO staff commenced work to provide a 3 phase power transformer of 250KVA to some strategic quarters in Buea on 13th October 2023 . The project worth over 130 million FCFA benefits quarters such as Administrative quarters, Governor’s street, Warder’s Barracks, Clerk’s Quarters, Court area, Synod office towards Buea Town, BICEC and P&T credit union area.

This project initiated by the Member of Parliament for Buea Urban, Hon. Donald Malomba Esembe is funded by Cameroon Government through the Minister of Water and Energy Resources, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, and will go a length to end the long time routine power shortage in these Communities which started in 2021.

**The Newly delivered 25KVA Power Transformer**

Receiving the complete project on November 29th, inhabitants of these quarters gathered to sing praises to their son, the MP for the one-of-a-kind gift. They say for over 2 years, they haven’t been able to conserve foodstuffs in their fridges due to low voltage experienced in those neighborhoods. A resident, Mbong Emilia testifies that the voltage issue is now a thing of the past. “I just want to say that what our son, Hon. Malomba Esembe has done for us, we are 100% indebted to Government “. Abunja Stephen is another inhabitant from the Court Area who spoke to Standard Mirror. “I want to thank the Almighty for our Honorable for all he has done to see we have lights. Children could not read nor could we store stuff in the fridge. For now, we are very happy and will continue to be happy”.

**Leaders from the difference quarters gather to receive project from ENEO**

While accepting the gifts with his kinsmen, the traditional Authority for Buea Town, Chief Hansel Itue, poured libations around the built transformer, invoking the gods of their land to adequately bless their Son and their benefactors for the Multimillion CFA gift. He adds that, “This area host the main administrators in the city and so many inhabitants. With this effort lobbied by the Honorable Molamba, I think we are very happy and indebted to Government“

The forebearer of the project, Hon. Malomba Says the head of state, President Paul Biya has always made it clear that he Carters for the Health and Development of the people and further requests his constituents to continue trusting in state institutions.

**Hon. Molomba on the field supervising the project.**

The MP was elected into office on February 9th 2020 during the Municipal and Parliamentary Election. He has been fervent on issues concerning Development, Peace and Social Cohesion in his constituency. Hon. Molomba from the ruling CPDM Party hasn’t any challenger yet for the upcoming 2025 polls but has promised more developmental projects for his people.

Jude Mbaku

UNICEF enhances wellbeing of children in Small Ekange-Tiko, accelerates Safe Space Project.

The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF over the past few years has been very particular with the situation of children in the ongoing crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. The Country Office of UNICEF in Cameroon has been scouting the regions seeking areas of appropriate intervention. One of such field visits took place on November 16th 2023 with the arrival of the Country Director, Nadine Perrault, to the South West Regional Headquarter, Buea. Within the context of her stay, she paid several visits to administrative authorities of the region and projects initiated by her structure..

Nadine Perrault addresses population of Small Ekange

In one of the plantation camps in the farming dominant community of small Ekange, Tiko Subdivision in Fako Division, a small locality of approximately 600 persons, Madam Nadine and her team made a stop to supervise and lay the foundation stone for the commencement of a new building. The house is going to be a Safe Learning Space for children in the community to play out the stress of the crisis. Mounting the first foundation block and addressing the local populace, the UNICEF Envoy noted that the mental health of the kids in the troubled area was paramount. While speaking to the parents of these children, she insisted,“Let the children play here. It is for them. Do not be harsh on the kids”.

The various speakers, mostly community leaders who spoke affirmed and promise to adhere to the words of the visiting officials and commit to be good custodians of the project they have benefited from.

The Safe Spaces Infra Structural Support Project which is in its pilot phase is part of UNICEF’s Radio Education Program. It is implemented in small Ekange by a local Non Governmental Organization, MBONWEH Women Development Association Cameroon.

Tiko is one of the areas most hit by the ongoing Crisis in Cameroon since 2016. Many farmers in plantations around this area have lost their lives leaving the village in devastation. The UNICEF envoy says she believes this project will bring joy and happiness to the children whose mental health has been touched.

By Jude MBAKU

STATE FORCES DECLARE MANHUNT FOR PERPETRATORS OF GUZANG GRUESOME KILLING

The Senior Divisional Officer for Momo, North West Cameroon has declared war on armed men who publicly executed 2 men in Guzang, Batibo Subdivision.
According to a statement from the administrative authority of Momo, Fouda Etaba Benoit Nicaise, the act of violence was barbaric and unacceptable, depicting gross violation of human rights against unarmed innocent civilians by the ambazonian separatist fighters.
“I hereby reassure the population and public opinion that, judicial investigations have been opened and the defense and security forces are currently on a deligent search to track-down and present the authors of the heinous act to the competent courts to face the full wrath of the law”, a part of the statement reads.

He however reiterates that, the President of the Republic Paul Biya is still open to receive “misguided” youths still in the bushes who have taken up arms against the state, calling on them to surrender and integrate into the Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration Centers created for their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.

THE ACT
In the evening hours of Wednesday October 04th 2023, an amateur video of 1 minute 10 seconds surfaced online where 2 elderly men sitting on a main tarred road are being questioned by Gunmen with a huge crowd watching. The 2 men are said to have been pulled out of their houses and summarily executed through random gun-firing at the Guzang Market Square. The 2 victims are Mbanyasig Hansel Ndi, the younger brother to the traditional ruler of Guzang, and Aburo Cletus Njohgo, a petit trader at the Guzang Market. According to the Public Statement from Momo SDO, the corpse of Mbanyamsig has been deposited at the Mortuary in the neighboring Bali Nyonga village, while Aburo had been buried after the incident.

Guzang, where this incident took place , is one of the 22 Villages in Batibo Subdivision. Batibo since the start of the crisis has remained a hotspot for Separatists activities with serious human rights violations and different forms of killings. The area still harbors the dreaded pseudo-General Efang also called Big Numba, who has been the lead Ambazonian armed leader in Batibo.

According to a recent publication of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA, spanning January to June 2023, the Non State Armed Groups of Ambazonia had executed 22 persons within this time frame in the most inhumane nature across the North West Region.
The crisis that started in 2016 continues recording more atrocities, abuses and violations without any hope of stopping soon.

Jude MBAKU

US Based Ambazonian Kingpin, Eric Tataw under surveillance, fires “Detractors”

Eric Tataw Tano, a Cameroonian born US based Ambazonian activist has challenged his detractors to a legal battle over allegations that, he has been acquiring money and wealth from sources linked to the ongoing crisis in the Anglophone regions in Cameroon. In a recent statement circulated on social media, the CEO of DIMPPLES who recently regained freedom from a US Court few weeks ago says, he has rather been contributing financially to assist the humanitarian efforts of victims in the crisis.

Mr Tataw says, those against him are making empty allegations and gossiping in bars and quarters and challenges them to forward receipts of contributions to the FBI now that he’s officially under investigation. He discards all allegations on him as as fake. “Others claim he was bribed by the Cameroon government. This is also money laundering. This is also the time because any money given in cash can still be traced by the FBI through accessing sources of investments. Regarding our CEO’s witness tampering charge and PPP, our team will only allow Eric Tataw’s legal team to comment”. a part of the October 1st 2023 message from DIMMPLES Group reads.

Eric Tataw has been under strict surveillance from a court in Maryland against charges of laundering up to about 90 Million Frs CFA from the US Government during the Covid 19 era under the Paycheck Protection Program. He was however released in September 2023 while investigations continue. Eric has continued business from where he stopped in his multimillion car rental Company DIMMPLES.
When news of his arrest and detention first reached his homeland Cameroon, many especially Government officials had offered thanks to the American Government with hopes he will be indicted for his contributions in the ongoing imbroglio in the troubled regions. The embattled activist had earned himself a name “Garri Master” which represents his modus operandi, calling for armed fighters to cut off the hands of teachers and children who attempt to pursue education in “Ambazonia”

Till date, all efforts by the Cameroonian Government to implicate Tataw and others, and to extradict them to Cameroon have remained futile. So far, no one has challenged Tataw for haven received a dime relating to the ongoing Ambazonian war that has killed thousands of innocent persons. He still says, he remains an activist for ambazonia.

HON. MALOMBA LEADS TRADITIONAL CLEANSING RITES FOR PEACE IN BUEA

The member of parliament for Buea Urban Constituency, Hon. Malomba Esembe, Saturday September 30th 2023 led about 20 chiefs from Villages of his constituency in the restive South West Region in what they refer to as a “traditional cleansing ritual” of the city for Peace to reign amongst denizens.

The ritual march is coming few hours after a communique from the regional Governor as a result of a recent security meeting that held at the office of the Governor which designated the MP to represent the state at the event

Hon. Malomba leads “Nganya” secret dance

During the cleansing exercise that lasted over 5 hours, the Chiefs moved along with their tradition dance groups, animating the streets with cultural relics to the admiration of bystanders. They stopped at key areas that are facing attacks in Buea like Bunduma, Checkpoint, UB Junction, Mile 17, Bomaka, Muea, Bwitingui and back to Bunduma. According to Hon. Malomba Esembe, the intention of of this cleansing exercise is to purify the region alarge for peace to reign on all. “The demonstration is just one to call for peace in this city. The inhabitants, irrespective of their sociological backgrounds, all we want is peace. The message is simple, we have passed the epoch of terror and moving into the time of peace. We are calling on each and every denizen to beat fear on their part” Hon. Malomba said.

Insecurity, Sufferings, Attack on education are some of the pains denizens here are going through. To Chief Etina Monono of Great Soppo village, alot has been done in the spiritual that can’t be explained physically. “After this exercise, anyone who attempts evil will face serious consequences”. He added.

This traditional rite done few hours to the 1st of October, a day Separatist fighters consider to have had their independence from the rest of the country thereby, putting the town into panic. By the cleansing, denizens were reassured to go about their activities as was the case unperturbed. As the current crisis goes on in the English speaking parts of Cameroon, Human Rights Organization, CHRDA, says, 2023 has recorded more atrocities in its first quarter with more than 700 abuses and violations comparatively to the previous years.

Hon. Malomba Esembe, Member of Parliament for Buea Urban was elected in 2020 and will serve till 2025. He has been actively involved in Peace Rallies across villages in his Constituency devastated by the ongoing socio political crisis like Tole, Buea Town , Muea and others.

Jude MBAKU

SISTERSPEAK237 Upskills Journalists in Gender and Disability Inclusive Reporting

Journalists practicing in the troubled anglophone regions of the North West and South West Cameroon, might have had quite a wide experience in covering security issues but the area of “Gender and Disability” remains widely unattended to. It is established that, within these 6 years, many people have been disabled by means of hostilities from fighting parties. Gender issues have also been brought to the lamplight. It is from this backdrop that SISTERSPEAKS237 thought it worthwhile bringing together these some media persons to change the narrative in reporting these humanitarian issues, to bring hope and peace again to these regions. The Association SISTERSPEAK237 in collaboration with the SWISS Embassy in Cameroon through it’s Ambasador, Martin STRUB, made this workshop in Buea possible for 30 Journalists from both Regions.

Opening the session on August 11th 2022 at the IYA Foundation Complex in Buea, the Ambasador through a video address to participants, was upbeat that the 2 day intensive workshop will yield fruits to the benefit of the affected anglophone regions.

“The Swiss Embassy is very delighted to have funded this project. We believe it will go a long way to shine the light on the disturbing under reported issues in the North West and South West Cameroon” says HE Strub.

“We often get statistics of hospitals destroyed, people killed, shops burnt down, but the human face of the crisis is it is something still lacking” added Comfort Mussa, Founder of SISTERSPEAK237.

The reporters, editors and media managers were schooled on modules like Language style or diction, angling of stories relating to disabilities, Underrated Gender issues just to name but these, by experts from varied fields. Elvis Ndi Tsembom is Publisher of online blog, Oberver237. He says the new reporting skills acquired at the workshop will be momentous in his professional life henceforth.

“I was very shock with the survey about our coverage of the crisis without factoring in people with disabilities given that, 15 percent of them are affected in the crisis. i really think that after this, there are indept stories we are going to do. More people are shot and amputated. We also need to tell their stories”. says Elvis Ndi.

Journalists were divided into various working sessions to reflect and pitch stories in different angles.

SISTERSPEAK237’s Founder, Comfort Mussa says, the association is going to accompany reporters by assigning mentors and some budget to enable them to start with atleast 20 stories in this domain for their media organs. SISTERSPEAKS237 created about a decade ago, is reputed for mainstreaming issues that are perculiar with Gender and Disability.

Jude Mbaku

Manipal Hospitals brings awareness about medical tourism in Cameroon Through CAMASEJ-D and CAMP

The healthcare sector has experienced significant challenges resulting from the COVID pandemic. The virus hampered the treatment for patients who needed to fly to India for better treatments and procedures. The situation is gradually beginning to normalize, and foreign travel restrictions have been eased in India.
Earlier, due to the pandemic, medical tourism had suffered major setbacks and patients had to postpone their surgeries and other treatments due to travel restrictions. This impacted many lives and made the patient’s conditions even worse, increasing the morbidity and mortality risk associated with treatable and preventable health conditions. The delay also contributed to the reported excess deaths indirectly related to COVID-19. Many hospitals after the ease on travelling, have started extending their services to the international patients who wish to seek treatment in India for their medical conditions.

Manipal Hospitals is urging patients not to delay any further in their treatments and surgeries. With outstanding equipment, world-class technology, and a team of experienced doctors, the hospital is delivering healthcare services to international patients while adhering to strict safety standards. At the same time, the Manipal Overseas Patient Care Centre provides great services for its international patients, such as visas, transportation, insurance, and many others. Despite the pandemic, the hospital has successfully handled cases of critical patients who required kidney, liver, and heart transplants. With international borders opening up, the hospital is now able to use its air ambulance services for patients in different countries.

Mr. Karthik Rajagopal, COO, Manipal Hospitals Enterprise, said, “Manipal Hospitals has always believed in making healthcare accessible to everyone. Many patients had to postpone their treatments due to the pandemic, but now that the COVID cases in India have been brought under control and international crossings are opening, we are glad to offer our services to our overseas patients. It is now critical to recognize that delaying both emergency and routine medical care will increase the danger of the underlying diseases worsening and may result in mortality. With the opening of international borders, we can now continue to assist overseas patients who have had their procedures postponed due to the pandemic and travel restrictions. Nothing brings us more joy at Manipal Hospital than giving our patients a new lease on life, and we encourage our patients not to delay their treatment or surgeries. We are now prepared to maintain the same level of confidence and clinical excellence among international patients, thanks to our amazing team of doctors“.

In a recent meeting also chaired by Dr. Vidhyadhara S., HOD & Consultant, Spine Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals, Madhur Gopal, AVP, Marketing, Manipal Hospitals, India & Vikas Tayer, AVP & Head International Healthcare Services, Manipal Hospitals,
Solomon Agborem, National President, the Cameroon Association of Media Professionals & Moki Charles , Advisor , CAMP & CAMASEJ Douala – Cameroon they were all delighted to be a part of the Manipal Hospitals group, which comes with a decade old experience of relentless effort in building healthcare industry.

As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 4.5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multi specialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. The integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 27 hospitals across 15 cities with 7,600+ beds, and a talented pool of 4,000 doctors and an employee strength of over 20,000.
Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognized as the most respected and patient-recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.
The medical tourism industry seems to be getting better as the pandemic subsides and the situation improves, patients are coming for treatments that they had to postpone due to the pandemic. Patients with chronic illnesses and those in need of organ transplants are increasingly traveling to other countries for treatment.

Jude Mbaku

Standard Mirror