Douala Port Authority launches 150th anniversary celebration with sports walk.

The sports walk, according to port officials, is as in prelude to the official festivities set for September 26 to October 3, 2025. 

It was led by Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, alongside senior officials of the Douala Port Authority, including the Deputy Director General, Charles Moukoko Njoh.

Hundreds of employees, civil servants, athletes and members of the public joined the governor, and representatives of the 'National League of Sports for All in a colourful, high-spirited procession that wound through parts of the city before finishing at the port precinct.

Covering over 10 kilometres, the procession left from Besseke, the Douala Port Security entrance, through Rond Point Akwa, Bessengue, Bali and Koumassi.

Speaking to the assembly, Charles Moukoko Njoh said the event was an epic moment as thoudands answered history’s call.

“The Port of Douala is not just the engine of our region’s economy; it is part of our identity. Today we celebrate its past and rededicate ourselves to its future,” he said. 

Moukoko Njoh praised participants and stressed on the symbolic weight of 150 years. 

“One hundred and fifty years is more than a human lifetime, even the Bible predicts 75 years. Therefore at 150, it is a double birth and we are proud of how much this means to the nation,” he said. He noted that the Port of Douala is an icon. 

"We are committed to being a reference point on the Gulf of Guinea. Our approach is built on three pillars: competence, competitiveness and attractiveness,” he added

Moukoko Njoh went on to set fitness goals for upcoming events and promised the port’s team would be on the field during the forthcoming commemorative activities.

PAD's human resources officer, Nchechuma Banla, thanked the governor and all staff for their commitment, saying the celebration was the start of a week that would place the port “at the heart of our city’s memory”. 

He used the opportunity to appeal for good conduct during festivities, emphasising that discipline is part of the port’s culture and asking everyone to respect the arrangements put in place.

Organisers honoured both the institution’s history and the everyday people who animate it. Among the walkers was an 83-year-old participant — the event’s oldest marcher, who received warm applause and later spoke to reporters about the role of exercise, faith and moderation in his longevity.

“I never neglect my health. I laugh a lot, I see the doctor when something seems wrong, and I keep my life simple. If you live like that and trust in God, He will help you. That’s how I’ve made it this far,” he said. 

The march also highlighted youth participation and grassroots sports. Organisers singled out a young Douala cyclist and other volunteers for their energy during the event.

“This anniversary is about posterity,” an organiser said. “We celebrate our history today, but we must also think of the future,” he added. 

A busy week ahead

Aside the sports walk, the programme of events is set to begin with the grand inauguration on Friday September 26 at the port quays with the official opening ceremony on the quays of Bonabéri. 

Moving forward, a commemorative plaque will be presented to mark port heritage. People were invited to attend a “150-year village” where the public can meet representatives from the port and its partners for B2B exchanges 

Aside that, a commemorative tournament will feature teams from the port, maritime authorities, RTC and customs.

It was said a scientific Colloquium shall take place from Thursday October 2 to Friday,October 3, 2025, at the Best Western Hotel in Douala. 

The colloquium will be held under the theme: “Celebrating 150 years of the Port of Douala-Bonabéri: A river, a territory, a port, a history, a future”. Officials said it will be a moment of exchange and reflection which shall highlight the history of the Port and to foster a shared vision of its future.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3572 of Monday September 22, 2025