At BAMEDCA USA Convention in Minnesota: Fon Forchesiri III re-echoes message of peace, love, unity to subjects.

He made this call in Minnesota, USA, during the Convention of the USA branch of Bamendankwe Cultural and Development Association, BAMEDCA. The convention ran from July 25 to 28.

The convention brought together sons and daughters of Bamendankwe resident in the USA. Focus was to chart a way forward and also raise funds for development projects back home in Bamendankwe.

Speaking to the press during the BAMEDCA-USA Convention, Fon Forchesiri III, said: “The message I have brought to them today is the message of peace, love and unity”.

“If we have to achieve total transformation of Bamendankwe, we must be united. I am so glad because the mobilisation I have seen here today portrays the level of commitment and dedication of our people towards development back home,” he said.

The traditional ruler added that: “We are so proud of the fact that after travelling thousands of kilometres away from home, they are here and continuously uphold the customs and traditions of the Bamendankwe people which is their identity”.

Talking about his unique style in leading his people, Fon Forchesiri III, said: “Leadership is about working with people, putting the interests of those whom you work with first before your interest. Leadership is about service to community and if you are not willing to sacrifice for your people then you cannot lead. That’s the example and message that we are preaching”.

“We have a huge diaspora community in the U.S, and our communities back home are in need of interventions from the diaspora. The diaspora has so much to offer and what we are preaching is more collaboration, cooperation, so that we can work together for the best interest of our communities…the bedrock of our development is in our culture,” he noted, adding that: “We must unfold the positive values of our cultures and traditions, and not just upholding them, but also transferring these values to our young ones, because they represent the next generation of leaders”. 

Unity & team work hailed

Meanwhile, the outgoing president of BAMEDCA-USA, Donatus Bachie Tamajong, hailed the unity and team work among Bamendankwe indigenes in the US.

“Together, we have proven that unity and teamwork make us unstoppable. First and foremost, I want to thank Bamendankwe people in Minnesota immensely for their cohesion and hard work. Without their relentless dedication, we wouldn't have achieved this level of success,” he said.

“The world has recognised Bamendankwe, and we shine as a beacon on the mountain. We should all be immensely proud,” Bachie added.

He also thanked all those who attended the Convention for their “unwavering dedication and support”. 

“Your presence was invaluable, and we need your continued participation. I pray for your good health as we interacted with many people during the event,” he said.

“We had a highly successful Convention and sincerely appreciate our donors. I am grateful to everyone who ensured the ‘Water For Life’ project progressed. Our financial team is diligently working to finalise the figures, which we will announce soon,” he disclosed. 

Bachie continued that: “As your outgoing president, I am beyond happy and confident that the Bamendankwe community in North America will support the newly elected president, Chi Tasinda. He needs your unwavering support to lead us to greater heights”.

Other activities at Convention 

It should be noted that Fon Forchesiri III was also treated to a boat ride in Minnesota, which was part of the activities of the Convention. On Thursday July 25 there was a welcome event. It was followed on Friday July 26 by a boat ride in the morning and cultural night. 

The General Assembly took place on Saturday July 27, coordinated by the Secretary General of BAMEDCA-USA, Dr Bestos Fongoh. 

It featured elections of new executive members, and new bylaws were adopted from an outdated 20-year-old bylaws. Later in the night, there was a fundraising Gala for the association’s main water project under the theme "Water for Life." 

Finally, on Sunday July 28, there was barbecue and a football match to close the Convention. 

Meanwhile, Fon Forchesiri III visited Washington, D.C., and Maryland from where he travelled to Dallas, Texas, to visit the sons, daughters, and friends of Bamendankwe. 

On Sunday August 4, Fon Forchesiri III attended church at Global Light International Church Dallas, which was a meaningful moment as he worshipped in the church whose senior pastor, Apostle Captain Dr Mark Fundoh, is a prince of the Bamendankwe Palace. The Fon was prayed for, and he graciously addressed the congregation. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3191 of Tuesday August 06, 2024