At bilingualism, multiculturalism, peaceful co-existence day: ENEO employees showcase diversity in culture.

The atmosphere at the Douala regional head office gave the notion that at ENEO, diversity in employee backgrounds is the strength of the company’s long-standing success.

Speaking at the event, the Regional Director for the Littoral, Genie Ngongang, said the diverse background of workers at ENEO is a picture of the many cultures Cameroon prides itself of. 

With over 200 native languages, customs, dishes, traditional dances, two official languages, the country’s diversity is worth emulating as a pillar for progress in companies. 

“With 36,000 employees and about 300 subcontractors. We believe in the power of diversity as a lever for performance. We respect the values of diversity in harmonisation of energy to lead team spirit. Diversity at ENEO is a source of progress every operation adheres to that. This is why the commission in charge sent a congratulations message,” Ngongang said. 

It should be recalled that on 23 January 2017, the President of the Republic signed a decree on the creation, organisation and functioning of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism in Cameroon. 

This body headed by Peter Mafany Musonge, has as objective to improve on peaceful co-existence, monitor implementation of constitutional provisions that enshrine English and French as the country’s official languages of equal value and notably, their use in public services, parastatals and even private institutions. 

It is in this light that the top management of ENEO Cameroon SA, signed a diversity and inclusion policy that the company works to respect.

Speaking to reporters, the General Manager of the electricity supply company, Amine Homman Ludiye detailed that: “diversity at ENEO is as such deeply entrenched as a resource for progress. It is meant to encompass culture, gender, and talent from various backgrounds. ENEO Cameroon SA brings together men and women from all the country’s cultural zones,”.

The bilingualism, multiculturalism…day 

Keen on safeguarding its achievements and committed to doing even better, the company therefore set aside this day for bilingualism, multiculturalism. 

The workers all adorned in traditional costumes from the four eras that portrays the cultural heritage of Cameroon, that is the Grand North, Center - South, Grassfields, and the Sawas of the Coastal regions consisting of South West and the Littoral. 

Each region presented dishes and or cultural symbols specific to them. ENEO Cameroon General Manager, Homman Ludiye who made a round of the stands was marveled to see how much difference there is in the unique aspects of each culture but all from the richness of motherland.

He went on to add that bilingualism, multiculturalism and peaceful co-existence at ENEO are not just limited to this major day of celebration. It is a programme that stretches over the long-term activities.

Innovations

Among other things, ENEO Cameroon is said to be working on instituting two compulsory bilingual days, organising competitions with prizes awarded to encourage employees, translate all existing documents in customer areas, and mandatorily train all cashiers and receptionists in French and/or English.

The company also intends organising a bilingual café session, organise quarterly, together with the Federation for Sports and Leisure, a sports and leisure session called “Back to Our Roots Day”, increase the number of discussion fora and social encounters through inter-region, organise monthly debates on specific topics.

About ENEO

Being a historical operator in the electricity sector in Cameroon, ENEO has as ambition to safely supply clean and sustainable energy at an affordable price. 

It works to provide reliable service quality, while being a governance model in Africa. Integrity, cohesion, respect and commitment are the fundamental values around which the company builds its identity. 

With 3,664 employees spread out across its main business activities of power generation, distribution and commercialisation, ENEO invests daily to improve on the quality of electricity supplied. 

ENEO is a semi-public company with 51% of its capital held by the Actis group, 44% by the State of Cameroon and 5% by its employees.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3239 of Tuesday September 24, 2024