To assist IDPs, boost dev’t: Prof Fuh Calistus rallies Misaje indigenes, friends to raise over 30M FCFA.

The huge sum, officials said, is meant to assist Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, from Misaje and those from other parts of the North West and South West Regions as well as boost development in Misaje.

The money was raised during a ceremony that held at the Chamber of Agriculture in Yaounde, over the weekend. 

The event was attended by Minister Felix Mbayu, Board Chairperson of Elections Cameroon, ELECAM, Dr Enow Abrams Egbe; Senator Fon Chafah among others. The Secretary General at the North West Governor’s Office and other regime bigwigs also lived the event. 

The lofty initiative, fronted by Minister Fuh Calistus got the blessing and support of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, the Director of Cabinet at the Prime Minister’s Office, Confiance Ebune; the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations, Felix Mbayu; Senator Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko, Senator Gregroire Mba Mba, among others from across the national territory. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Fuh Calistus thanked his kith and kin for remaining keen to republican and patriotic values. He also thanked the people of Misaje for giving a blind eye to separatist activities.

While regretting the destruction caused by the ongoing crisis, Prof Fuh Calistus reiterated that Misaje stands for dialogue and one and indivisible Cameroon. 

“Misaje took an early decision that every problem can be solved in the house,” Prof Fuh Calistus stated.  He told his hearers that every country in the world has problems, but sounded upbeat that the North West and South West Regions “will come out from the current crisis stronger.” 

Prof Fuh Calistus was categorical that from the beginning, Misaje Subdivision has firmly been against the ongoing violence and has till date “remained an oasis of peace in Donga Mantung in particular and the North West Region in general”. 

Marriage between Biya, Misaje in tact 

Prof Fuh Calistus used the opportunity to reiterate that the longstanding marriage between the people of Misaje and the Head of State, Paul Biya, has not been shaken but has further grown stronger. 

“President Paul Biya is the father of Misaje because he created Misaje Subdivision in 1982…since then, the marriage has been total. There has never been any quarrel in the marriage home. Misaje has always remained loyal. Even when the whole of North West Region drifted to other political parties, Misaje and Balikumbat were the only two that remained loyal to the Biya regime,” he stated. 

To buttress his point, Prof Fuh Calistus went on to list the giant projects that have been carried out in Misaje, under the Biya regime; including the tarring of the Nkambe-Misaje road at 18 billion FCFA, concrete electric poles, markets, the grandstand among others. 

Minister Fuh Calistus said one of President Biya’s greatest legacies is the living together vision, which he has instilled in all citizens and which the people of Misaje hold close to their heart and practice it in the administrative unit. 

Expansion vision of MINCCUL unveiled 

The event was also used to unveil plans to expand their already operational microfinance institution, Misaje Nchaney Cooperative Credit Union Ltd, MINCCUL.

The credit union, which went operational in 2023, it should be noted, is an economic organ with the mandate to ensure the economic development of the people of Misaje Subdivision and other people who seek development nationwide. 

It has its Head Office in Yaounde, with an operational branch in Misaje Town.  Officials disclosed that plans are underway to expand and create new branches in Bamenda, Bafoussam, Douala, Bafang, Souza, Tiko and Makenene.  

Prof Fuh Calistus said the credit union will extend to these places to enable Misaje people in those places to have access to financing their projects. 

He explained that proceeds from the microfinance will also be used to offer scholarships and didactics to encourage academic excellence. 

Cultural institutions revived 

The event was also used to revive the activities of Nchaney Area Cultural and Development Association, NACUDA. It is association of five of the 12 villages that make up Misaje Subdivision namely; Nkanchi, Chunghe, Nfume Kibbo and Bem. 

It was explained that NACUDA has institutions, including the Central Reflection Council, which us the highest organ of decision-making made up of Fons, the NACUDA national president and former NACUDA presidents.

There is also the Samba for the men and the Choma for women Groups which are cultural institutions with the goal to promote and perpetrate the Nchaney cultural heritage.

The NACUDA fundraising ceremony at the weekend in Yaounde, was marked by heavy feasting, display of traditional dance groups from Misaje Subdivision and merrymaking. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3197 of Monday August 12, 2024