BAFAC chief Patron Minister Elung Paul Che hailed the cultural prowess of the Bakossi people.
By Ngalame Elias
The success of the maiden Bakossi cultural jamboree that ran for three days August 27-30, 2025 in Tombel was a true testament to the strength and creative talent of the people of this community that stretches from KupeMunenguba in the Southwest and Moungo in the Littoral.
Under the patronage of Minister, deputy secretary general at the Presidency, Elung Paul Che, the Bakossi community showcased their rich cultural heritage and touristic potential.
According to Minister Elung Paul the festival was of profound significance in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the much need bond of the Bakossi people.
“ This gathering in Tombel is not just a festival bu a family reunion to heal wounds, build bridges between generations and strengthen bonds between communities across KupeMuanenguba and the Moungo division,” the Minister said.
He expressed the hope the lessons learned during the maiden edition brings the uncommon wisdom and discernment to all to address the myriad challenges faced as a community.
The Minister saluted the myriad of cultural displays, calling on the need to valorize the existing talents for posterity.
“ Our community has shown is cultural prowess, from the rich traditional dances, the pharmacopeia of Nninong, to arts and craft like basket weaving of Western Bakossi, traditional music from Bangem, historians from Baseng, poetic chants of Muamenam, the Bakossi have shown they are not just keepers of culture, we are a creative people” he boasted.
From shared dances and traditional music to unique artistic expressions, cultural heritage bridges communities, fostering greater cooperation and solidarity among brothers, notes the chairman of the BAFAC 2025 organizing committee, Ekah Benjamin Ajebe.
“The maiden edition of the Bakossi Cultural Festival provided a vibrant platform to showcase this unity,” he said.
Cross section of Bakossi elite at the ceremony
The vision bearer of BAFAC, EVELYNE EPOLE METUGE for her part called for a united front of all Bakossi elite for a common development purpose. She expressed the hope that BAFAC 2025 marks the spring board constituting a united front for the pursuit of the common woes like road infrastructure, economic development, employment of the youths from the community, health infrastructure, social security etc.
“ We can only forge ahead as people when we work together,” she appealed.
It is against this backdrop that the Bakossi people enthusiastically said yes to the idea of sustaining the cultural festival as an annual event that is promising and inspiring, laying the blue print for a united front for the general interest of the community.
BAFAC Vision bearer Evelyn Metuge received Blessings from the Behons and MBWOG.
The success of the maiden edition brings the needed stimulating perspective characterized by pointed optimism and measured hope, healing a breach, put an end to a cleavage and cure through a united front, a division considered (imagined) to be.
The Bakossi Bajoh Women Cultural and Development Association, BABAWOCUDA led by their national President, Prof. Betty Best Mesame Mwene answered present with their food processing exhibition stand.
The Elung Women and Daughters Cultural and Development Association, EWODCUDA were also present with their exhibition and animation.
