Sangtum L. Waingeh is new president of Afo-a-Kom USA.

Sangtum Lenny Waingeh was voted president of the association on June 20, during the 2025 Afo-a-Kom USA convention, organised in Dallas. He got 109 of the 196 valid votes cast, defeating Dr Bi Brenda Toh, who was also ran for the post of president of the organisation. 

Sangtum Lenny was voted into office alongside five other executive members and an Ombudsman. The new executive was installed into office by the Kom Family Head in the United States, Bobe Dr Evaristus Chu, who called for team work and unity in purpose for the success of the association.

New president promises inclusiveness, transparency

In his acceptance speech, the new Afo-a-Kom USA president promised a more inclusive and transparent management of the affairs of the association.

While stating that he will build on the successes of the immediate past executive, which he recognised for doing a commendable job, Sangtum L. Waingeh said the voice of every member of the association will count as far as it is to help accomplish the vision, goals and objectives of the association.

“I commend your commitment to Afo-a-Kom USA. Your willingness to serve demonstrates your dedication to our community. I look forward to working with each and every one of you and pledge to incorporate your talents and perspective into my administration…,” the new president declared.

The Afo-a-Kom USA president spoke of his intention to make his executive the blueprint of running cultural & development associations in USA.

He said he and members of his executive were going to work almost immediately and will report back to the general assembly within the next month on their plans for their association. 

Leveraging on power of United States

Sangtum said Afo-a-Kom USA, registered as a professional Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, in the United States of America, should be able to take advantage of several funding opportunities that exist in the host country to be able to fund a number of projects earmarked to be realised back home.

“…Our association has really done a lot in terms of fostering development in Kom and I’m committing to do more. If we did 10 projects this year for example, we should do 20 next year. That is building a platform and mechanism that can allow us to do it and scale,” the Dallas-bases business executive said.

Reconciling disgruntled voices

The new president is taking office at a time there have been some dissenting voices within the association, forcing some members to jump ship.

Sangtum took the commitment to talk to everyone and bring back those who have left, “so that in our next convention, we have bigger numbers, because it’s about Afo-a-Kom USA and not about ourselves”.

Fon of Kom’s message of peace, forgiveness

On the occasion of Dallas convention, the message of peace, forgiveness and love for one another from Paramount Fon of Kom was presented to his subjects, living in the USA.

Fon Clement Ndzi II, in his message, which was delivered by Ntumfoyn Kom, Professor Dr Victor Waingeh, emphasised on unity and love for one another among his children. 

“You have shown in several ways that you know and love where you come from. Let the love you have for Kom be reflected in the way you love yourselves. Unite as one, live as one big family, respect your elders and stop fighting among yourselves,” Foyn Ndzi II said, tasking the new Kom Family Head in the US, Bobe Chu Evaristus to play the role of the unifier.

While thanking the Kom community in America for enormous sacrifices towards development in back home, he traditional ruler also urged them to be promoters of the Kom culture.

The convention featured a series of socio-cultural activities and the display of the rich culture and traditions of the Kom people. There were also awards to individuals who have playing key roles in the growth of Afo-a-Kom USA.

The Dallas convention held on the theme: “Celebrating the role of a woman and girl child in Kom culture and traditions”. Rendezvous has been taken for Minnesota in June 2026.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3489 of Monday June 30, 2025