Douala: Goodwill Group of Companies celebrates 10 years excellence, accreditations with pomp.

This was during a prestigious dual ceremony which took place on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the company's headquarters in Bonamoussadi, Douala V Subdivision. 

It was attended by a cream of dignitaries, amongst whom was the Divisional Officer, DO, of the Douala V Subdivision, Dr Asongwe Cletus; the president of the North West House of Chiefs, Fon Kevin Yakum of Bambalang, Chiefs of the Bassa clan, clergymen, amongst other personalities.

The anniversary event also saw the Founder, Ndikombui Nigel Mingoh, and his staff, celebrate over four accreditations awarded to them. 

The accreditations included; a certified CEMAC-based financial consultant, which gives opportunities to provide business advisory to investors; accreditation by international finance regulatory body, COBAC, as a category two financial institution; accreditation of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training and another by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Speaking at the event, the Founder of Goodwill Group of Companies, Ndikombui Nigel Mingoh, said he was overwhelmed to see that the work he started in 2013 has grown big and is touching the lives of many young people. 

"We are changing the financial inclusion system with digital services, where people at the comforts of their home can carry out transactions without stress. We are helping young businesspeople to believe in themselves; that if you come to Goodwill, and you are someone who believes in working hard, you can actually find success. Young people have been trained and today there are over 2,000," he said. 

Growing up as an orphan, Mingoh said he always wanted to make the less privileged feel loved and cared for. Through his charity foundation, he is grooming over 60 orphans. His life journey and transition to success have been compiled in a book, titled “The Street Child Who Became A CEO”. 

At the time of its creation a decade ago, Mingoh said the vision revolved around building the strength of small and medium size businesses amidst the rising challenges faced by the sector in the domains of regulatory compliance and institutional framework, training of competent, qualified, dynamic and productive human resource personnel. 

He said it was also aimed at providing funding and financing of both startups and corporate organisations in a multi sectoral economic environment, ease access to loans granting through proper evaluation of landed property put in place as collateral and also in complementing government's action in providing decent accommodation to Cameroonians of different categories, through real estate development, financing, amongst others.

Ten years after, the vision, he noted, has not changed, but the dynamic staff and their Chief Executive Officer, CEO are looking forward to building a legacy for future generation. 

The financial house went operational in January 2021, with just three employees.  Today, it counts over 60 employees, with branches across the country.

The General Manager, Miranda Njisong, said the growth is also due to the trust of customers. She reassured of the best for the future.

"We are launching credit cards, mobile app, ATM machines. These innovations are a glimpse of the exiting changes we have in store; tailored financial solutions designed to ensure the customer unique needs,” she said. 

“Together we empower each other to grow, building a legacy that reflects goodwill, excellence and a community that each feels valued. As we look into the future, let's not relent in commitment, turning dreams to reality," Njisong added.  

“Creating legacy lies in five Cs”

On her part, the keynote speaker of the event, Dr Elmine Fotabe, who is Founder of Fotabe University, expressed excitement to be part of the celebration of the legacy of a youth and his contribution to the development of young people. 

Reminiscing the time of small beginnings, Dr Fotabe beckoned on other youth to be inspired to create what they can leave behind for future generations. 

However, she said creating a legacy will warrant the deployment of what she called the five Cs. She explained them to be: “Character, that is who you are when no one sees you; Consistency or Commitment to values and determination to keep pushing forward; Contributions to be what you give to others, lifting others creating opportunities and leaving the world better than you found it”.

Dr Fotabe also talked of: “Collaboration, which she said takes a community, partnership to create something that lasts even after we left” and “Courage,” which she detailed means “It's not easy but keep pushing, it takes courage to dream big”. 

"This is what the founder of Goodwill has demonstrated. This is proof of his vision, which is supported by the right values. As we look to the future, let's commit to build legacy that honours these values and create something that will stand the test of time. Let's support these five companies that will inspire future generations to work hard in honesty…the legacy will remain," she noted

“Youth are leaders of today, not tomorrow” 

Drifting from the adage that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, the President of the North West House of Chiefs, Fon Kevin Yakum, who doubles as traditional ruler of Bambalang, reframed it to the current happenings, while calling on young people not to kill their dreams. 

"That's the reality, youth should not kill their dreams. While growing up, I knew technical education was meant for those who were weak in general education, but we see the reverse. I knew having a civil service matricule was all I needed to survive, but today, entrepreneurship is gaining grounds,” he said. 

Fon Kevin Yakum added that: “We should forget about the old wisdom and embark on the new Cameroon. If one decides to start today, he or she won't take ten years to celebrate. 

"You can count on us. Let us count on the youth also," he noted. 

The traditional ruler went on to pronounce royal blessings of peace and success on the CEO and his conglomerate. The accreditations were also blessed by Sawa ancestors, through the Chiefs present. 

The event was graced by traditional dances and ended with general feasting and merry-making. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3259 of Monday October 14, 2024