At audience in Yaounde: Culture minister pledges to support female traditional rulers.

He took commitment during an audience he granted the National President of the Association of Traditional Female Chiefs of Cameroon, known by its French acronym FECTRAC, Her Majesty Marie Catherine Ngo Djob. She was accompanied to the audience by some female traditional rulers. 

Speaking during the audience, Ngo Djob who also doubles as the Honourary Consul of the Republic of Hungary in Cameroon, assured the minister that FECTRAC is working to develop and enhance languages and cultures.

Together with some officials of the ministry, she discussed the contribution of women in general, and traditional rulers in particular, in passing on the arts of living, traditional values and knowledge.

Ngo Djob pointed out that she will leverage international cultural cooperation especially with Hungary. This, she said, will be done through beneficial exchanges between both countries, with the aim to showcase the full richness of Cameroonian culture.

The National President of FECTRAC further revealed that the association is planning to organise the second edition of the FECTRAC Fair.

According to her, the event will be held from October 31 to November 2, 2024, in Bertoua, in the East Region. It will be on the theme: “Investing in women traditional leaders and encouraging cultural diversity for dialogue and development”.

The fair will feature events including exhibitions, the election of Miss FECTRAC, presentation and selection of the model of the loincloth that will unite all the guarantors of traditional values, and discussions on a charter for women traditional chiefs in Cameroon. 

Ngo Djob then requested institutional support from the ministry of Arts and Culture as they prepare for the cultural jamboree. The request was approved by Minister Bidoung Mkpatt, who emphasised the vital role of traditional rulers as a source of memory and consolidation of cultural identity.

The member of government also urged the Directors of the Ministry, technical departments to contribute their expertise to the smooth organisation of the second FECTRAC Fair.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3249 of Friday October 04, 2024