From September 27 to October 1, 2019, government functionaries, businessmen and women from Cameroon and Nigeria were gathered in Douala, Cameroon where they interacted under friendly ambience and sought ways of improved business climate between the two countries. ISMAILA ADEGBOLA reports
Faces at 2019 NCTC
At the second edition of Nigeria-Cameroon Trade, Tourism and Culture Week held in Douala between September 27 and October 1, the Consul General of Douala, Safiu O. Olaniyan was brimming with confidence and occasionally smiling in assurance of a bright future of Nigeria- Cameroon relationship.
The opening ceremony held at Canal Olympia Douala on Friday 27th attracted appreciable number of dignitaries from Nigeria and Cameroon, all of whom expressed enthusiasm at the event and satisfaction to the efforts of the organising committee headed by the consul general.
As a career diplomat, who had seen it all in international relations, Olaniyan made some submissions, asserting that the contemporary world is too interwoven for individual countries to go it alone, insisting that the world is a global village which has shrunk to a unit.
He maintained that the step, which the Nigerian diplomatic and Consular missions had taken so far, would take Nigeria and Cameroon to their dream destinations, urging the two nations to consolidate the stride. Doubling as the chairman of the organising committee, he confirmed that the fair would be holding every two years where an improved organisation would be witnessed by participants.
Faces at 2019 NCTC
“I want to sincerely thank all the stakeholders, close collaborators, sponsors and other participants for the successful hosting of this edition. I want the youths of the two countries to take a positive step now and believe in what they can do, for the future is now. One can be taught skills but it is always good to be obedient to one’s passion. Youths should make profitable use of your cell phones,” he advised.
Olaniyan warned of the danger of disunity and regretted the long decade it had taken to organize the edition. He disclosed that the two Consulates General of Buea, Douala the High Commission in Yaoundé collaborated closely « to the boundaries of economic relationships » by coming together to seek ways to undertake formal business ventures, take the responsibility to understand what it takes to do good business etc. He also emphasised the significance of aviation technology.
Aside the consul general, a cross section of other Speakers also mounted the podium and delivered impactful speeches to improve, widen, reinforce, facilitate ties and to share knowledge on each other’s business climate, in order to promote opportunities for sustainable development which is also the theme of this edition.
In his speech, the leader of government delegate of Douala, Dr. Ntone Ntone, sold the city’s potential and attractions to the visiting participants just as he also presented projects like SMIT and others, thereafter, appealing for revenue generating projects for those who wished to invest in Douala, the nation’s economic capital.
The Nigerian High Commission in Yaounde, His Excellency, Ambassador Lawan Gashaga, described the event as a new dawn in the history of the NCTC which he regretted, was supposed to be an annual event. This, he stated, was in furtherance to reinforce all the ties already in place between the two countries despite the emergence of afrophobia which should be discouraged.
He called for the encouragement and an improvement of free movement of peoples, goods and the promotion of investments.
Representative of the Nigerian Ministry of Information and Culture, who was said to be the Head of the Nigerian delegation in the presence of another senior representative of the Benue State, also described the event as another watershed and advocated for a collective commitment to share experiences to increase global competence.
She called on the two countries to make culture a key sector to be transformed into a huge money spinner, also calling for more private sector investments to impact on culture, analyse and gain knowledge of the products and technologies.
Speeches were closely followed by cultural displays by the Benue State and Sawa dance groups who thrilled the gathering. The NCTC was declared open by the Cameroon Minister of Tourism and Leisure, after which came the exhibition and visit to stands led by the Minister of Tourism and Leisure and entourage of both Nigeria and Cameroon.
Others present included heads of diplomatic missions, senior government officials, traditional chiefs, heads of enterprises or their representatives, other local officials and cultural groups from Nigeria and Cameroon.
Significantly, the event boosted atmosphere of accomplishment among the organizers and the organizing committee members who sweated for months to revive the international fair which ended on the 59th Independence day of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senior government officials, the consular and diplomatic corps, economic operators and other invited guests featured prominently at the fair and explored good business practices across the two borders.
The Chamber of Commerce of Cameroon represented by the Vice President Ekoko Mukete, the assistant D.G. of A.P.M.E. that promotes the interests of small and medium businesses in Cameroon and a highly reputed international lawyer, Barrister Nico Halle.
Papers were also delivered by the representatives of SMEDAN that promotes small and medium sized enterprises in Nigeria, the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC, Dangote Cameroon who was also the biggest sponsor of the edition, and experts under UBA who presented the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to make tomorrow’s Africa great again, Madam Olaniyan, wife of the Consul General of Douala and Mrs Addingi who was the head of Delegation of Benue State.
Though brief, the presentations were another training session on what one needs to do to be successful in business and life. The Benue State head of delegation advised that the youth can start an enterprise with very little capital but cut down on luxury goods.
At the gala night on October 1st, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Lawan Gashagar once again highlighted Nigeria – Cameroon cooperation such as Bamenda – Enugu road.
Consul General Clark-Omeru hosts Nigeria Community
…urges them to be law abiding citizens in host country
The Consul-General of Nigeria to Douala, the Republic of Cameroon, Ambassador (HRM) Queen Efe A. Clark-Omeru has hosted the Nigerian community in the Littoral Region for the second time to show appreciation for relentless services rendering to Nigeria nationals residing in the region of the host country.
It could be recalled that the executive of the Nigerian community paid courtesy visit to the Consulate General in May 2022 to express their maximum appreciation to the Mission who has been helpful in resolving pressing issues with the host country.
According to her speech, the CG welcomed the Nigerian Community executives led by the President, Honourable B.I.C Okwujiaku and provided details of the Consulate progress with the host country over pending issues concerning Nigerian residents in the region.
« It is my pleasure to welcome you to this event of New Year visit/wishes to me and the Consulate, » the statement reads.
« Since my arrival in June 2021, and with the presentation of my Exequatur which I assured you that the Consulate would not rest its oars by ensuring that the issue of molestation will be a thing of past in the history country. The Consulate has met several times with the officials of the immigration of the host country with particular reference to resident permit, exit Visa and the matter was resolved amicably as the immigration rights accorded to members of Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)
region is also accorded to Nigeria due to the already subsisting bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. » The Nigeria CG also highlighted the issues of non-issuance of Resident permits which is a great challenge to Nigerian residents in the Littoral region as it is contrary to it immigration law.
« The issue of non-issuance of Resident Permit has attracted my attention, on that basis, I directed my officers on 10th February 2023, accompanied by the president and some executive members of the Nigerian community to meet with new Commissioner EMI-immigration Madame Gertrude Bikok and the matter was also resolved due to the subsisting bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Consul General was excited to proudly commend the Nigeria community over their successful business activities which were satisfied by the host authorities. But urges her compatriots to be more tolerance of each other and remain law abiding to the host country.
In responding to the CG’s speech, the President of the Nigeria Community, Honourable B.I.C Okwujiaku heaps praise on the first female Consul General in Douala for her breath of peace among Nigerians in the region.
« Last year, we came to say thank you for the ones you have done. We have come again to further demonstrate our joy for your constant support, caring and motherly advise and solidarity to us as your fellow compatriots in Cameroon, » he said.
« History will record it that as the first female Consul General in Douala. Nigerians have benefited from your good leadership and skills of work, » he added.
Also appreciating the CG is Eminent philanthropist, HRH Eze Thomas .J. Onyengubo, Eze Gburugburu 1 of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon, who also urged the Nigerian community members to remain united and be law abiding to the host country.
From the 18th to the 21st August 2022, the Pastoral Centre St Joseph of Kribi (Cameroon) hosted the 10th edition of what has become an annual ‘rendez-vous’ of capacity building of young Cameroonian Leaders and Entrepreneurs selected on the basis of their civic engagement, professional achievement and patriotic spirit.
Through this Academy, the Pan African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Foundation (PLF) by Go Ahead Africa Ltd has been contributing to the empowerment of hundreds of young people in the fields of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Management.
Held in partnership with some of the most influential stakeholders in the Cameroonian economic ecosystem (Go Ahead Africa Ltd, Groupe SABC, the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK), BGFIBank Cameroon, Balafon Media and Vox Africa); and despite unforeseen circumstances, this 10th edition succeeded to gather forty-six participants (23 boys and 23 girls) aged between 18 and 35 years old under the theme « Challenges and opportunities of youth in a VUCA environment (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) ».
For the Founder of the PLF, Roland KWEMAIN, these young Leaders are true ambassadors of the emergence and prosperity of Cameroon. « Our goal is to train a world class of Young Cameroonian Leaders/Entrepreneurs who are masters of their destiny and resolutely at the service of the emergence of our country and even of our continent, Africa » he said.
During four (4) intense days under the expert guidance of Leadership Coach/Trainer Emile SINGEH and Assistant Coach Perrin KWENKEU, the 2022 batch developed through a tailor-made program: · Leadership and Management Skills · Entrepreneurial spirit · Spirit of Individual Social Responsibility and Active Citizenship · Knowledge and Valorisation of the Great Historical Figures of Cameroon · Appropriation of the Vision of a prosperous Cameroon
During this unique and extraordinary life experience punctuated by short nights (4 hours/day) and intense days of emotions, knowledge acquisition and teambuilding, the participants had the opportunity to meet and learn from their 2 Patrons: · Mr Patrice MELOM (GM PAK) · Mr Cyrille BOJIKO (Founder and CEO Balafon Media Group)
They also had the great opportunity to interact with some of the Leaders and Managers who drive the economic scene. Among them we can name Mr Abakal MAHAMAT (General Manager, BGFIBank Cameroon), Dr Elizabeth FON (General Manager, TESHO), Mrs Arielle WAFFO (General Manager, DKT Cameroon), Mr Dagobert TAHA (Design Thinking Expert), Mrs Pulton ARUNA (Consultant, Corporate Trainer in Management Skills, Customer Care, Food Safety, Quality Management, Training Techniques).
As key part of the program, the participants worked on reinventing the CLA model during the traditional ‘24 heures Chrono’ where they spend 24 hours in a row without sleeping in a journey to better understand (themselves) and learn how to surpass their self-expectations.
As the Cameroon Leadership Academy heads to new starts for its 10 years’ Convention on December, 10th taking with it an annual event that brought together hundreds of young Leaders and Entrepreneurs; it’s worth reflecting on its legacy and on the impact it made during the past ten (10) years that the event grew to empower 850 youth with the mission of training better Leaders in order to build better communities. Emile Désiré SINGEH President, PLF
Du 18 au 21 août 2022, le Centre Pastoral St Joseph de Kribi (Cameroun) a accueilli la 10ème édition de ce qui est devenu un rendez-vous annuel de renforcement des capacités des jeunes leaders et entrepreneurs camerounais sélectionnés sur la base de leur engagement civique, de leur réussite professionnelle et de leur esprit patriotique. Grâce à cette académie, la Pan African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Foundation (PLF), une initiative du cabinet Go Ahead Africa Ltd a contribué à l’autonomisation de centaines de jeunes dans les domaines du Leadership, Entreprenariat et du Management. Organisée en partenariat avec certains des acteurs les plus influents de l’écosystème économique camerounais (Go Ahead Africa Ltd, Groupe SABC, le Port Autonome de Kribi (PAK), BGFIBank Cameroon, Balafon Media et Vox Africa) ; et malgré des cas de force majeure cette 10ème édition a réussi à rassembler quarante-six participants (23 garçons et 23 filles) âgés de 18 à 35 ans sous le thème « Défis et opportunités de la jeunesse dans un environnement VUCA (Volatile, Incertain, Complexe et Ambigu) ». Pour le Fondateur de la PLF, Roland KWEMAIN, ces jeunes Leaders sont de véritables ambassadeurs de l’émergence et de la prospérité du Cameroun. » Notre objectif est de former une classe mondiale de Jeunes Leaders/Entrepreneurs camerounais maîtres de leur destin et résolument au service de l’émergence de notre pays et même de notre continent, l’Afrique » a-t-il déclaré. Pendant quatre (4) jours intenses sous la direction experte du Coach/Formateur en Leadership Emile SINGEH et de l’Assistant-Coach Perrin KWENKEU, la promotion 2022 a développé grâce à un programme taillé sur mesure : -Des Compétences en leadership et Management -L’Esprit d’entreprise -La Responsabilité sociale individuelle et de citoyenneté active -La Connaissance et valorisation des grandes figures historiques du Cameroun -L’Appropriation de la Vision d’un Cameroun prospère
Au cours de cette expérience de vie unique et extraordinaire ponctuée de courtes nuits (4 heures/jour) et de journées intenses en émotions, en acquisition de connaissances et en Teambuilding, les participants ont eu l’occasion de rencontrer et d’apprendre de leurs 2 Parrains :
· Mr Patrice MELOM (DG PAK) · Mr Cyrille BOJIKO (Promoteur et PDG du Groupe Balafon Media)
Ils ont également eu l’occasion d’interagir avec certains des leaders et des managers qui animent la scène économique. Parmi lesquels, nous pouvons citer M. Abakal MAHAMAT (Directeur Général, BGFIBank Cameroun), Dr Elizabeth FON (Directeur Général, TESHO), Mme Arielle WAFFO (Directeur Général, DKT Cameroun), M. Dagobert TAHA (Expert en Design Thinking), Mme Pulton ARUNA (Consultante, formatrice en management, service client, sécurité alimentaire, gestion de la qualité, techniques de formation). Durant le traditionnel « 24 heures Chrono » qui est en réalité l’élément clé du programme, les participants ont passé 24 heures d’affilée sans dormir afin de mieux se connaître et apprendre ainsi à dépasser leurs propres attentes. Pour cette édition, le « 24 heures Chrono » était dédié à réinventer le modèle économique de la CLA. Alors que l’Académie Camerounaise de Leadership s’apprête à prendre un nouveau départ avec la Convention de ses 10 ans le 10 décembre 2022, emportant avec elle un événement annuel qui a rassemblé des centaines de jeunes leaders et entrepreneurs, il convient donc de réfléchir sur son héritage et à l’impact qu’ elle a eu au cours des dix (10) dernières années durant lesquelles l’événement s’est développé et a autonomisé 850 jeunes avec pour principale mission de former de meilleurs leaders afin de construire de meilleures communautés. Emile Désiré SINGEH Président, PLF
Pour plus d’informations sur la Fondation et ses activités, contactez :
The law society, is the student association of the department of English law of the University of Buea, Cameroon. It encompasses all duly registered students of this department. It has been existing since the creation of the university in 1993, and stands out as the largest departmental student association, with about three thousand (3000) students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. With the motto| “integritas veritas justicia” meaning integrity, truth and justice, the main objective of the student association is to maintain a link between the students and the administration. The association is made up of fourteen (14) executives elected through universal suffrage, representing the various levels. The association is headed by the president who together with his/her executive are elected for an unrenewable duration of one (1) academic year. During the course of the year, the association is charged with organizing activities such as moot courts, symposiums, debates, academic interactions etc.
As a student enrolled into the department of English law during the academic year 2019-2020 and consequently became a Bonafide member of the student association. I was then, immediately elected to serve as the class delegate of my class. As the class delegate, I was the representative of the over 700 students admitted as freshmen during that academic year. Due to my diligent service as class delegate, I got elected as vice president of the law society for the academic year 2020-2021. With my experience as class delegate and then vice president, I postulated for the post of president of the law society and eventually won the election in a historic election that saw the law society produce the first female president in its over 23years of existence.
During my tenure of office as president of the Law society, my executives and I, organized a series of activities to the benefit of the students. To promote harmony and enhance a sense of belonging amongst the students, we launched the T-shirt for the department of English law. To be worn by all the students in the department on Wednesdays. Also, to create awareness on sexual harassment which is a common phenomenon in the academic milieu, we organized a symposium that was well attended by officials in the university as well as the various heads of the judiciary in the south west region. To educate the students on how to avoid, overcame and tackle issues related to sexual harassment. We also continued the customary annual activities of the law society such as moot court, academic interactions and the Law society Gala. however, amongst the many activities and events we recorded, was the launching of the gigantic project to construct a Law society coffee stand. This project is aimed at building a spot that will enable law students of the university commune together out of the usual formal environment of the classroom. We equally championed advocacy campaigns at the level of the rectorate and the Nigerian consulate in Cameroon to inquire why Cameroonian students were not being admitted in the Nigerian Law school.