East Region: Minister Nalova Lyonga uses FENASSCO games to promote nature conservation.

It brought together hundreds of young athletes from across the country.

As has been a tradition, organisers of the annual event used the games to promote environmental protection and nature conservation.

In the course of the weeklong event which ended Saturday, May 31, Minister Nalova Lyonga, on May 29 on the campuses of GTC Bagofit and GBHS Abong-Mbang, supervised the first phase of the tree-planting activity within the framework of the “One Athlete, One Tree" initiative.

Hundreds of athletes from the ten regions enjoyed the activity which equally served as an awareness-raising platform for forest conservation and environmental protection during the national finals of the FENASSCO League ‘A’ Games.

Since the Secondary School Games in Garoua-Gashiga in 2023, the minister has made forest conservation and nature protection a point of honour in the agenda of FENASSCO League ‘A’ Games.

The games have does not only been showcasing athletic talent but it also emphasise the importance of environmental preservation.

It was gathered that the tree planting exercise aims to foster a sense of responsibility among young athletes regarding environmental stewardship.

Athletes coming from various schools took part in tree planting activities on the campuses of GTHS Dimako and GBHS Dimako.

This was under the watchful eyes of Minister Nalova Lyonga, who has been a strong advocate of the integration of environmental education in FENASSCO League ‘A’ national finals.

The tree planting exercise, it was said not only contributes to reforestation efforts but also serves as a practical lesson in the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. 

Officials said each athlete's commitment to planting a tree symbolises a pledge to protect the environment, reinforcing the idea that individual actions can lead to significant positive change.

Minister hails conduct of games

Meanwhile, speaking at the close of the games Saturday, Minister Nalova Lyonga described the 2025 edition held in Abong-Mbang and Dimako as being the best and the safest with no major incidents recorded. 

Minister Nalova Lyonga was speaking as the curtains were officially drawn on the 25th edition of FENASSCO League A Games.

The closing ceremony was held at the Blue Grandstand in the sports arena of GBHS Abong-Mbang. The event was chaired by Minister Nalova Lyonga who also doubles as the President of the National Council of FENASSCO League A.

The close ceremony was graced by the presence of several dignitaries, including the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Secondary Education in Charge of Teachers' Training, Bayaola, Boniface, the representatives of the Minister of Sports and Physical Education and that of Youth Affairs and Civic Education.

They were also representatives of some international organisations including UNESCO, the Governor of the East Region, the Senior Divisional Officer of the Upper Nyong Division, the Mayor of Abong-Mbang, traditional rulers amongst others.

During the closing ceremony, the Minister of Secondary Education was crowned Queen mother by the traditional rulers of the East Region. 

Meanwhile, Cameroon's renowned football player, Boyomo Enzo Flavien, was designated FENASSCO League A games Ambassador.

The celebration which featured the finals of the female football match, saw the North region emerging champions in its encounter with the East Region. The match ended on a 2-0 score. The encounter was followed by the award of medals and trophies to winners.

The Far North region emerged overall winners of the 25th edition of the national finals of FENASSCO League A Games.

The region grabbed a total of 59 medals. Additionally, cash prizes were offered by the Ministry of Secondary Education and partners.

In her closing address, Professor Nalova Lyonga, emphasised that the 25th edition of FENASSCO League "A" games has been the safest and best so far with no major incidents recorded. 

She further entreated students to make use of artificial intelligence while thanking the National Forestry Development Agency, ANAFOR for offering 5,000 plants to support the “One Athlete, One Tree” initiative.

In concluding, the Minister declared the West Region as host of the 26th edition of FENASSCO League "A" Games.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3464 of Wednesday June 04, 2025