At maiden visit to Yaounde: Mankon Fon urges subjects to preserve culture, develop homeland.

Fo Angwafo IV also re-echoed the call for them to invest and develop their homeland, just as they develop their new towns of residence. 

He made the call during a cultural ceremony in Yaounde Sunday April 28. It was organised to welcome the traditional ruler during his maiden visit to Yaounde since his enthronement.

The ceremony on April 28, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Yaounde, government officials, and some friendly communities from the North West Region. It was also graced by the presence of the traditional rulers of Bali Nyonga and Mbeh. 

Addressing his subjects during the ceremony, His Majesty Fo Angwafo IV highlighted the importance of preserving the Mankon culture for the present and future generations. 

The Fon insisted that if the Mankon culture must be preserve and promoted in all its facets, Mankon indigenes must pass on the values, tradition and customs to their children even when far from homeland. 

“Let us proudly wear our cultural identity like a batch of honour… dance to the rhythm of our drums and savour the flavours of our cuisines. Above all, let us cherish our language,” the traditional ruler said.   

Call for unity, peace, development

The Fon also enjoined Mankon sons and daughters to enforce unity, enhance peace and development amongst themselves as well as develop the homeland. 

According to the traditional ruler, the strength of the Mankon people lies in their unity. 

“As Mankon people, we are bonded by a shared history, culture and destiny. Let us embrace one another as brothers and sisters transcending energy frenzies… unity is the cornerstone on which great civilisations are built,” Fo Angwafo IV said.

“Our ancestors, guided by unity and resilience, forged togetherness that have withstood the test of time. Let us reaffirm our commitment to unity for it is in unity that we find strength, resilience and the power to overcome any challenges,” he added. 

Highlighting that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of understanding, compassion and goodwill, the custodian of Mankon culture exhorted his people to resolve to building bridges not wars and to foster an environment where every member of the community feels valued and is heard. 

“Our greatest resource is our people, especially our youth. They are the architect of our future. To empower them, we must invest in education and vocational training. Education is the cornerstone of progress and every civilization,” he attested. 

Subjects salute Fon as unifying leader 

According to many of the Mankon indigenes present during the event, the visit of their traditional ruler demonstrates him being a unifying leader as emphasised in his address. 

Ndefru Linus, member of the organising committee, described their Fon as a unifying leader, loved by his people.

“Our Fon represents a lot to us the Mankon people. He is not just the custodian of our tradition, he is a unifying leader and development enabler,” he stated. 

On his part, the President of the Mankon Cultural and Development Association, MACUDA, Yaounde Branch, Albert Ngang Ndeh, said the visit of their ruler was a success. 

“We are very proud and happy receiving him,” the MACUDA Yaounde branch president said. 

He added that: “The Fon asked us to build unity and love within our communities, not just within Mankon, but other neighbouring villages and here in Yaounde. We are to build love and preach peace to everyone to come on board for the development of our community”. 

Guests appraise Mankon culture on display

The grandiose event was rich in colour as the Mankon people showcased their rich cultural dances, songs, cuisine, and language, much to the delight of the several guests present. Amongst the guests was the US Ambassador, John Lamora.

“I love everything about Cameroonian culture, the music, the dance and the history of the various cultures. I heard about the preservation and promotion of the Mankon language,” Ambassador Lamora told The Guardian Post.  

Meanwhile, Senator in the North West Region, Senator Prof Nebah Ndosiri Bridget, also appreciated the display of Mankon culture.  

“It is his first time here in Yaounde as the Fon of Mankon and I am privileged to witness this cultural festivity,” she stated. 

Tapping inspiration from Fo Angwafo IV’s message during the cultural event, Prof Nebah Ndosiri highlighted the need for peace, conviviality and unity in diversity to create a thriving environment for the Mankon Fon. 

“I call on all my brothers and sisters of Mezam division, as Senator of Mezam, to rise up as one body to solicit and advocate peace to reign in all our communities and Mezam Division as whole, so that together with the Fon of Mankon and all Fons of Mezam, we can build Mankon, Bamendankwe, Nkwen, Chomba, Nsongwa and all the villagers in Mezam…,” she detailed to The Guardian Post.