Kini Nsom
30 March 2008
The spokesman of the Northwest Fons, Ntumfor Nico Halle, last weekend brought together Northwest elite, diplomats and other movers and shakers of the society in a ceremony he organised to pay homage to the President of the Northwest Fons Union, NOWEFU, Fon Isaac Chafah XI of Bangolan.
The occasion that took place at the residence of Fon Chafah in Yaounde on March 22, rallied Northwest elites in Yaounde, irrespective of their political affiliations. Many Fons were part of the occasion.
Among the guests were the Minister of Culture, Ama Tutu Muna, the British High Commissioner, Syd Maddicott, the South Africa High Commissioner, HE. S.S Rapinga and the SDF Secretary General, Dr. Elizabeth Tamajong, Centre Governor Koumpa Issa and MPs who attended the occasion.
The occasion that was graced by traditional dances, was the ritualistic visit to each NOWEFU President, which Barrister Nico Halle initiated when he was made the Fons' spokesman nine years ago.
Keynote Address
In a keynote address, Ntumfor said his visit to the Bangolan palace in Yaounde, was his resolve to continue to foster peace, harmony and love among the Fons with the purpose of serving the Northwest Province.
He lauded the achievements of the Union, noting that it has contributed remarkably for the socio-cultural, economic and political growth of the province in particular and the nation in general.
The Fons' spokesman lauded Fon Chafah for what he said was his fulfilled promises at the helm of NOWEFU. He said the beginning of the construction of the FCFA-300 million multipurpose hall was a reality. He thanked the NOWEFU Scribe, Fon Fobuzie of Chomba,
represented by Fon Gwan Mbanyamsig III of Guzang, for painstakingly supervising the project. He said by dint of such achievements, Fon Chafah has proven that he is dynamic, hardworking and responsible. He noted that when Chafah's mandate ends in July, he would be quitting the stage with a standing ovation.
Ntumfor described his mission as challenging, costly, sacrificial and risky and thanked God for making him forge ahead in the face of daunting odds. He thanked Ama Tutu Muna, the CDC General Manager, Henry Njalla Quan, and the Fons for helping him succeed in his mission.
Condemning Nation-killing Vices
Ntumfor called on the Northwest Fons and elite to eschew manipulation, intrigues, betrayal, mudslinging and witch-hunting. He equally condemned backstabbing, violence, greed, hatred and petition writing, which he qualified as nation-killing prevailing vices. He recommended peace, dialogue, reconciliation, unity and patriotism.
He prayed the Fons to conduct elections in all transparency when the mandate of the present NOWEFU executive expires.For his part, Fon Chafah heaped praises on Ntumfor for performing his duty of bringing peace whenever conflict threatened to rear its ugly head into the union. He said Ntumfor is the one who made him believe that his stewardship as NOWEFU President was anything to write home about.
He saluted the presence of Ama Tutu, noting that the Fons bestowed the traditional title of Mafor on her long before President Paul Biya appointed her Minister. He said a lot of pleasant surprises would come to the Fons from the Ministry of Culture. He appealed to his colleagues to avoid tribal wars among their villages. On the other hand, he urged elite not to always present gifts to the Fons with strings. He cautioned them to use their wealth to protect and honour the Fons and not use them for selfish ends.
Speaking at the occasion, Ama Tutu thanked Fon Chafah and Ntumfor for organising the event. She said as Minister of Culture, she has the responsibility to work with traditional rulers all over the country.
Speaking to The Post, the Vice President of the National Assembly and SDF MP, Hon. Joseph Mbah Ndam, said the event was a rich cultural display. For his part, the CPDM MP, Hon. Njingum Musa said he was taking home a message of peace from the occasion.
Meanwhile, the organiser of Mr. Bamenda show, Colbert Gwain, said the event was a rear showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Northwest Province. Two journalists, Anne Nsang Nkwain and Eugene Nforngwa emceed the occasion.
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