Promoting Biya’s living together vision: Jean II Makoun to support over 3,000 IDPs in Upper Plateau Division.

The IDPs include those who have taken up settlement in the four Subdivisions that make up Upper Plateau Division; Baham, Batie, Bangou and Bamendjou.

Jean II Makoun’s decision to come to the rescue of IDPs stems from his Jean II Makoun Solidarity Fund project, aimed at giving a better life to the underprivileged in supporting the Head of State’s vision of living together.

It should be noted that the IDPs in Upper Plateau Division have been living under very dire conditions in relation to accommodation, feeding, inability for children to go to school, amongst other challenges. 

It should be recalled that Jean II Makoun, retired from football, but not tired, was recently treated to a hero’s welcome in Upper Plateau Division by an impressive population, including traditional and administrative authorities. 

This was alongside coordinators of the Anglophone Cultural and Development Association, ACUDAB, with over 3,800 IDPs in the Division.

Designated Goodwill Ambassador for Peace & IDPs

The first stopover was at the office of the Divisional Officer, DO, of Baham Subdivision, Ihrahima Moussa Ballo. 

After listening to Jean II Makoun and his entourage, the DO designated Makoun with a symbol of recognition and authority as Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and IDPs in Cameroon. 

The DO, who has been at the centre of coordinating and fostering the activities of IDPs in his Subdivision, reiterated his willingness to continue in the same vein. 

From the DO, Jean II Makoun was received in audience by the first Deputy Mayor of Baham, who equally saluted the initiative of the veteran footballer and promised him the full support of Baham council.

On hand equally to grant Goodwill Ambassador Jean II Makoun audience was Upper Plateau Divisional Delegate of Social Affairs, who has been leaving no stone unturned in a bid to give IDPs the support her delegation can offer. 

Solidarity football match

Day one of Makoun’s visit ended with a solidarity match pitting IDPs and football veterans of Baham. The encounter was used by the Goodwill Ambassador to reassure the IDPs of his unflinching commitment to stand by them and give them every push of support they deserve. 

In gratitude, the Coordinator of the IDPs in Baham, Christopher Che, saluted the timely arrival of Jean II Makoun, saying it was the hope of every IDP living in Baham to see their dream of a better life come true.  

Bangou Subdivision follows suit

The next stop was in Bangou Subdivision, where a similar hero’s welcome was accorded Makoun. 

Receiving Makoun and his delegation, the DO of Bangou, Fumumbod Duala Charles, tabled a catalog of challenges IDPs in his jurisdiction where facing. 

After listening to DO’s worries, Makoun reiterated his wish to do all in his powers to give this group of persons an improved and better lifestyle wherein they could be useful to themselves and society.  

The same exchange and expectations were what filtered from audiences with Zakarie Kpoumie, DO of Bamendjou Subdivision, as well as Ndeungoue Darling Joseph, DO of Batie Subdivision. They both urged Makoun to do all within his means to improve on the living conditions of IDPs within their areas of command.

In another hectic working session, the mayor and deputy mayor of Batie appreciated the hospitality and cordial relationship of the IDPs who now see Batie as their second home. 

IDPs laud living together in Upper Plateau Division

Meanwhile, the coordinator of IDPs in Batie under ACUDAB, Nde Edwin Tamnji, saluted the good relations and living together accorded them by the administrative and local authorities.

Makoun crowned Senior Notable in Batie

Jean II Makoun, his delegation and the deputy mayor of Batie, then paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty Tchouainkam Dada Théodore, the paramount ruler of Batie. The traditional ruler used the visit to preach peace and living together as factors of utmost importance. 

He cautioned the numerous IDPs in Batie to be law-abiding as they have always been, describing Batie as a land of hospitality and opportunities if only they stayed within the armpits of the law.

To crown his visit, the paramount ruler decorated Jean II Makoun in traditional outfit and crowned him with a title of Senior Notable in Batie Kingdom. 

In thanking the paramount ruler, Makoun said he had come to take stock, listen to the IDPs and their worries, before going to solicit for and returning with the necessary assistance that will address their needs. 

Jean II Makoun and his entourage left Upper Plateau after two days of intensive exchange, to embark on soliciting campaign for assistance, to give hope and an improved life to the over 3,800 IDPs in Upper Plateau. 

In the meantime, a General Assembly of IDPs under the banner of a platform dubbed  

Upper-Plateau Anglophone General Assembly, UPAGA, has been slated for June 2024 in Baham. 

It is expected to be crowned with a cultural festival and exhibitions by IDPs and host communities. This will also feature finals of football and handball categories of a solidarity and living together tournament for the IDPs in the entire Upper Plateau Division.