The traditional chiefs of the 164 villages in Kupe-Muanenguba Division of the South West Region on 14 March 2009, resolved to mobilise their population to acquire community forests, harness the abundant natural forest resources, sanctuary, forest reserves and tourist attractions for the general development of the area. The Minister of Forest and Wildlife and son of the Division, Professor Elvis Ngolle Ngolle was the guest of honour at the 2009 annual general assembly meeting of the Kupe-Muanenguba Chiefs Conference that took place in Bangem.

Professor Ngolle Ngolle, while reminding the traditional rulers of their role as auxiliaries of the State administration said, "you are the support, manure and fuel of the State authority and the very foundation of authority and power in society by dint of the powers conferred on you". It was therefore incumbent on them to uphold their natural responsibility of ensuring peace, unity and development of the Kupe-Muanenguba. "Chiefs should stand up, stand out, speak up and speak out on matters of peace, unity and development", he said.

The Forest and Wildlife Minister announced the imminent creation of forest management units that will accelerate the development of the area. Professor Ngolle Ngolle's keynote address came on the heels of the lecture on community forest and natural forest potentials of the Division, presented by the South West Regional Delegate of Forest and Wildlife Mbah Grace. She said the potentials have been lying dormant and lectured the chiefs on diverse ways of making use of the forest for development. The Minister, in his address called on the Kupe-Muanenguba population, "open your eyes and make use of the natural forest potentials God had given the Division".

A new executive bureau of the Kupe-Muanenguba Chiefs Conference, with Chief Kome Mesuue Anthony of Bekume Village in Tombel Subdivision, will pilot the development aspirations of the chiefs for the next two years. Professor Ngolle Ngolle commissioned the new executive bureau into their functions and promised to always stand by the Chiefs as they contribute to nation-building. He used the occasion to contribute financially for the prosperity of the association.

The incoming President of the Chiefs Conference called for solidarity, unity and collaboration among the chiefs. The Vice President of the outgoing executive bureau, Chief Eben Nkongho Jacob of Mayemen in Nguti Subdivision, as well as the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekuh Ojeh Simon urged the chiefs not to allow politics to divide them, but to embrace unity and development they would have to leave behind as legacies. The Kupe-Muanenguba chiefs also addressed a motion of thanks and support to the Head of State, Paul Biya.